Fecal incontinence is a little known pathology among the population, even among health professionals. Patients have many doubts about this pathology, however, they are not encouraged to discuss this problem with their primary care physician.
The following are some of the most frequent questions that patients ask experts in General Surgery about this ailment.
What is fecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence, also known as anal incontinence, is the inability to postpone defecation until the appropriate time. There are different types of fecal incontinence such as the inability to hold gas, staining of underwear or sensitive incontinence, which is when the patient is not aware of his leaks.
Is there a solution to fecal incontinence?
Yes, fecal incontinence has a solution. The first thing to do is to carry out a complete study of the patient’s medical and surgical history, to know the medications he/she is taking as well as his/her eating and defecatory habits.
From the first moment we can improve their situation and complete the study with a series of simple tests to provide the most appropriate solution.
Is surgery necessary to treat fecal incontinence?
Not always. Medical-dietary treatment is one of the bases for treating fecal incontinence. In some cases it will be treated by functional rehabilitation of the sphincters (biofeedback) and, in others, surgery will be necessary. After the study, it is necessary to perform various tests to determine the cause.
What type of intervention is involved?
There are cases in which it is necessary to repair the sphincters of the anus (after an injury). On other occasions, the implantation of a small prosthesis in the anal canal will help us to recover continence. Thanks to the introduction of new treatments such as neurostimulation, nowadays we can treat many types of incontinence for which we previously had no solution.
What is neurostimulation?
Neurostimulation consists of stimulating the nerves that control defecation to restore coordination between the brain and the sphincter muscles. It can be performed peripherally for mild incontinence (outpatient procedure) or require placement of an electrode in the sacral canal (procedure performed in the operating room but does not require hospitalization).
Do people notice that I have an implanted device?
It is not noticeable at all. This treatment consists of implanting a small pacemaker to control defecation. The device is placed subcutaneously and, therefore, it is hardly noticeable.
After a neurostimulation treatment, is it possible to lead a normal life?
Yes, completely. It is possible to go to work, play sports, take a bath, etc. It is as if it were a pacemaker in the heart.
Is it necessary to carry out controls after a neurostimulation treatment?
After a neurostimulation treatment, periodic check-ups are necessary. These controls are more or less frequent according to the particularities of each case.