Fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control one’s bowel movement. It ranges from minor leakage of stool to uncontrollable stool accidents. Though it is not life-threatening, it does negatively impact one’s quality of life. Successful management of this requires a thorough evaluation, identification of the possible cause, and instituting a treatment approach tailored to the individual. In addition to medical management, surgical treatment options include anal sphincter repair and sacral nerve stimulation. Sacral nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive approach used in the treatment of fecal incontinence in select patients. It has been found to be very effective and is associated with a quick recovery.