Faecal incontinence (Fl) has many different causes, both congenital and acquired. The types of Fl are grouped together as shown in Table 1 and are further divided into passive, urge, and faecal seepage. Passive incontinence occurs when the individual is unable to recognise that they need to pass faecal matter, urge incontinence does not provide the individual with adequate warning before involuntary passing of faeces and seepage is the loss of small amounts of stool. Passive incontinence suggests a problem with the internal anal sphincter (IAS) or a sensory problem whereas urge incontinence is more likely to represent luminal disease or external anal sphincter (EAS) injury. Anal seepage is thought to be due to weakness of resting anal tone, impaction or incomplete rectal emptying (Lazarescu, Turnbull, Vanner, 2009). It is not uncommon for urinary incontinence to co-exist with Fl; especially in the event of obstetric injury or pelvic floor weakness. In 2030 it is predicted that 20 of women will be over the age of 65 and therefore incidence is likely to significantly increase (Meyer Richter, 2014). Unfortunately, Fl is only very rarely 'cured' and as such it may be necessary to try several treatments, ranging from conservative measures such as dietary modification and medications to more invasive measures ranging from biofeedback to the formation of a diverting colostomy.
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