They are also more apt to be affected by other conditions. Constipation can cause fecal impaction. Older adults are prone to constipation because of decreased muscle tone in the bowel, lack of activity, and insufficient fiber and fluid intake. The liquid remaining in the colon and small pieces of feces can seep around the impaction, causing incontinence. Uncontrolled, small, liquid stools may signal an impaction.
Treatment depends on the cause.
Corrective surgery may be done in some cases where there is a defect in anatomy or damage to the anus caused by injury. As a last resort for those people who are permanently immobile, a colostomy may be performed to help protect their skin. A colostomy is a surgery in which the doctor brings the large intestine through an opening in your abdomen. Your bowel movements then pass through this opening instead of your rectum and are collected in a bag outside your body. In addition, when damage to the brain or spinal cord is the cause of fecal incontinence, suppositories often are needed to empty the bowel.