Faecal Incontinence

What is Faecal Incontinence

This is an inability to retain faeces on the rectum.

What are the Causes of Faecal Incontinence

Faecal impaction, this is often caused by longstanding constipation. The faeces lodged in the rectum irritate and inflame the lining and faecal fluid and small pieces of faeces are passed involuntarily. This is a common cause of faecal incontinence in the elderly and in toilet trained children. Severe diarrhoea, this may cause temporary faecal incontinence. The need to clear the bowel becomes too strong to control. Less common causes include injury to the anal muscles, paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower trunk) and dementia.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Faecal Incontinence

If the underlying cause is constipation, a high fibre diet may resolve the problem. Suppositories (a solid, cone or bullet-shaped object that is inserted into the rectum) containing glycerol or laxatives may be recommended.

If the incontinence is caused by dementia or a nerve disorder, regular suppositories or enemas (fluid is passed into the rectum through a tube inserted into the anus) may be used to empty the rectum.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Faecal Incontinence

In institutionalised elderly patients a combination of treatments is most likely to be fruitful, including attention to medications, regular toileting, and sometimes use of gentle laxatives.