Fecal Incontinence

PMID: 29083703
Source: StatPearls
Publication date: 2025-07-24
Year: 2025

Abstract

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary passage of fecal matter through the anus or inability to control the discharge of bowel contents. This condition's severity can range from an involuntary passage of flatus to complete evacuation of fecal matter. Depending on the disease's severity, it significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Patients with fecal incontinence have an unintentional loss of liquid or solid stool. In true anal incontinence, there is a loss of control of the anal sphincter, which leads to the untimely release of feces. On the other hand, fecal incontinence can also result from enlarged skin tags, poor hygiene, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and fistula in ano. Other common causes include the use of laxatives, inflammatory bowel disease, and parasitic infections.