Functional Evaluation of Obese Patients with Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence Using Anorectal Electromanometry

Abstract

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor to fecal incontinence (FI) and weight loss result in improvement in the frequency and severity of FI.Introduction: Fecal incontinence (FI) has a multifactorial etiology and is most common in women. The prevalence is variable, though generally underestimated due to embarrassment. Since the incidence of pelvic floor disorders is higher among obese individuals, obesity may be considered a modifiable risk factor for FI. Weight loss seems to result in improvement in the frequency and severity of FI episodes. However, little has been published on FI in obese subjects and on its impact on quality of life in this patient population.