FAQ fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a disease little known among the population, even among health professionals. Patients have many questions about this disease, however, they are encouraged to discuss this problem with your doctor.

The following answers some of the most common questions that patients develop experts in General Surgery for this condition.

What is fecal incontinence?

Fecal incontinence, also known as anal incontinence is the inability to postpone defecation timely. There are different types of fecal incontinence as the inability to hold gas, stained underwear or sensitive incontinence, which is when the patient is unaware of his escapes.

Does fecal incontinence has a solution?

Yes, fecal incontinence has a solution. First of all, it is a complete study of the patient's medical and surgical history, know the medications you take and your eating habits and defecation.

From the first moment we can improve their situation and to complete the study with a series of simple tests to provide the most appropriate solution.

To treat fecal incontinence, you did need surgery?

Not always. The medical-dietary treatment is one of the bases to treat fecal incontinence. In some cases will be treated with a functional sphincter rehabilitation (biofeedback) and in others, yes that will need surgery. After the study, it is necessary to perform various tests to determine the cause.

What type of intervention is it?

There are cases where repair anal sphincter is necessary (after an injury). At other times implanting a small prosthesis in the anal canal will help us regain continence. Thanks to the introduction of new treatments such as neurostimulation, today we can treat large type of incontinence in which we had no prior solution.

What is neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation is to stimulate the nerves that control defecation to restore coordination between brain and muscles of the sphincter. It can be carried out for mild incontinence peripheral (outpatient procedure) or, precise placement of an electrode in the sacral canal (procedure performed in the operating room but it does not require entry).

Do people notice that I have an implanted device?

You do not notice anything. This treatment involves implanting a small pacemaker to control defecation. The apparatus is placed subcutaneously and therefore barely noticeable.

Following a neurostimulation therapy, is it possible to lead a normal life?

Yes, completely. You can go to work, play sports, bathing, etc.. It is as if it were a heart pacemaker.

Do I need to carry out controls after treatment neurostimulation?

After a neurostimulation treatment is necessary to conduct regular checks. These controls are more or less frequent depending on the circumstances of each case.