Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group provides comprehensive, compassionate care for fecal incontinence to prevent embarrassing accidents. The skilled physicians offer nonsurgical and surgical treatments to restore healthy bowel movements and minimize your risk of additional complications. Call the office in Sacramento, or Roseville, California, to schedule an evaluation for fecal incontinence, or book an appointment online today.
Fecal Incontinence Q & A
What is fecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence describes the leakage of liquid or solid stool. The condition can develop when there’s damage or dysfunction in the anal sphincter muscle from:
Chronic constipation can also contribute to fecal incontinence when an overflow of liquid stool passes hardened stool in the rectum.
You may also be at increased risk for fecal incontinence if you have neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS). Aging also puts you at higher risk.
When should I get medical attention for fecal incontinence?
Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group as soon as you experience leakage of stool. Earlier intervention means more effective treatment.
Ahead of your appointment, write down the frequency of your stools and other symptoms. This information can help your provider pinpoint the cause of your incontinence.
Your doctor discusses your medical history and performs a physical exam. They might also use diagnostic tests like electromyography, transanal ultrasound, and anal manometry to evaluate the strength and function of your anal sphincter muscles.
How is fecal incontinence treated?
Your treatment plan for fecal incontinence depends on what’s causing the leakage and the severity of your symptoms. The treatment goals are restoring the firmness of your stool and supporting healthy bowel movements once a day or every other day.
Initially, you may need to increase your fiber intake, drink plenty of water, and take medications that slow the bowels. If these strategies aren’t enough, you may need treatments like:
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a computerized neuromuscular training tool that helps you recognize how your body works so you can regain control over your bowels.
Solesta®
Solesta involves injecting non-absorbable gel materials beneath the lining of the lower rectum to narrow the anal canal and improve sphincter control.
ProCon2®
ProCon2 is a procedure to place a silicone balloon into the rectum. The balloon prevents fecal matter from leaving the rectum until a timed bowel movement.
Secca®
A Secca procedure uses radiofrequency energy to remodel the tissues in the anus. The energy causes muscle contractions to improve bowel control and triggers increased production of collagen, an essential protein in healthy tissue.
Sphincter repair surgery
Surgery to repair weak or damaged sphincter muscles may be necessary when other treatments aren’t effective. Your provider can discuss your options for advanced surgeries if needed.
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Call the Sacramento Colon and Rectal Surgery Medical Group office near you to schedule an evaluation for fecal incontinence or book an appointment online today.