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Aetiology

Authoring team

Broadly the causes of faecal incontinence can be divided into seven aetiological subgroups, with patients falling into one or more groups.

  • Structural anorectal abnormalities (e.g., sphincter trauma, rectal prolapse).
  • Neurological conditions.
  • Alterations in stool consistency.
  • Overflow
  • Cognitive/behavioural dysfunction (e.g., dementia, learning difficulties).
  • General debility
  • Idiopathic.

Note

  • obstetric sphincter damage is the most common cause of incontinence in young women, and sphincter damage has been estimated to occur in 11% of women who give birth vaginally (2)

 

Reference

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Faecal incontinence in adults: management. Jun 2007 [internet publication].
  2. Dudding TC, Vaizey CJ, Kamm MA. Obstetric anal sphincter injury: incidence, risk factors, and management. Ann Surg. 2008 Feb;247(2):224-37

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