Faecal incontinence: a narrative review of clinic-based management for the general gynaecologist

Abstract

The objective of this article is to provide an informative and narrative review for the general Gynaecologist regarding the pathophysiology and conservative treatments available for faecal incontinence (FI). A PubMed search was performed by library staff and an author using the keywords: anal incontinence, faecal incontinence, accidental bowel leakage, outpatient clinic management of faecal incontinence and defecatory dysfunction. As the social limitations of FI can be devastating and long-term patient satisfaction rates after anal sphincteroplasty remain reportedly-low, the role of clinic-based management of FI has continued to grow. The purpose of this article is to provide the Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with a basic template for screening, evaluation and management of faecal incontinence in the clinical setting.

Keywords:

• Faecal incontinence
• accidental bowel leakage
• anal physiology
• anal sphincter injury
• conservative management

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Northwell Health Library and Informatics staff for their assistance.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.