Fecal Incontinence: From Anatomy to Recent Advances

Abstract

The anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor are complex. A thorough understanding of the anatomy is required to understand how we attain physiological continence. Fecal incontinence can be a life-altering condition that presents as an inability to maintain voluntary control of the passage of gas, liquid, or solid stool through the anus in patients who previously had control. The key to successfully managing a patient with fecal incontinence is to identify the underlying cause. There have been many prescribed procedures for patients requiring surgical correction to attain continence. However, the results are dismal for many patients. Recent advances have challenged these procedures with higher success rates.