Faecal Incontinence

Abstract

Fecal incontinence (FI) is an extremely common condition, whose true prevalence is dif- ficult to assess. It was defined as the uncontrolled passage of fecal material recurring for >3 months. Fecal incontinence is related to many etiologic factors, but one of the most frequent causes is secondary to pelvic and/or anal and rectal surgery, childbirth-related damage, or other pelvic trauma. Fecal incontinence after surgery may be elicited by many pelvic, rectal, and anal surgical/obstetric procedures, which contribute through differ ent mechanisms to incontinence. After accurate evaluation, the first line approach with medical and behavioral treatments often fails in treating FI. Rehabilitative therapy and less invasive procedures are preferred before performing standard surgical intervention, while invasive procedures are to be discouraged.