Fecal incontinence

Etiology

  • Hemorrhoids or anal skin tags (disrupt anal seal)
  • Proctitis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Constipation with "overflow" incontinence
  • Chronic diarrhea due to other causes
  • Sphincter damage, eg, traumatic childbirth, episiotomy, rectal prolapse, surgery, cancer
  • Neurologic, eg, pudendal nerve damage (obstetric trauma), diabetes mellitus, aging, dementia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cauda equina syndrome

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Last updated: December 1, 2014