UNION HOSPITAL SERVICES

Union Hospital Outpatient Therapy Services
Virtual Continence Center

Bowel Incontinence

Causes

Fecal incontinence can result from a number of factors such as structural damage or functional impairment of the muscles or nerves that control continence. These factors can arise for many reasons. For example, they can result from injury or trauma, disease, inflammation, congenital malformation, neurological conditions, radiation treatment, laxative abuse and other reasons.

Diagnosis

Standard diagnostic tests include gastrointestinal endoscopy, contrast studies, CT and MRI scans, and specialized radiologic and psysiologic tests.

Treatment

The cause, as well as the severity of incontinence, determines its treatment. Some people have a problem that can be corrected with surgery, however, many do not. For these people medical management is the initial treatment. This may include dietary changes, medication or bowel training.

Bowel training helps some people relearn how to control their bowels. In some cases, it involves strengthening muscles; in others it means training the bowels to empty at a specific time of day.

Biofeedback is a way to strengthen and coordinate the muscles. Special computer equipment measures muscle contractions as you do Kegel exercises to strengthen the rectum. These exercises work the pelvic floor muscles, including those involved in controlling the stool. Computer feedback about how the muscles are working shows whether you are doing the exercises correctly and whether the muscles are getting stronger.

Information and Support

For more information about bowel incontinence, see your physician. Or you can contact Outpatient Therapy Services by emailing Susan Spice, PT, sspice@uhhg.org

General information about bowel incontinence is available at the following web sites:

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
1.800.891.5389

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
www.iffgd.org
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
1.888.964.2001