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Fecal Incontinence

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Coloproctology

Part of the book series: European Manual of Medicine ((EUROMANUAL))

Abstract

Fecal incontinence is not a rare condition; it is an often unvoiced disorder. Approximately 2 % of the general population is affected, and it is more frequent with increased age. Various classifications are used to reflect the severity of symptoms and their impact on quality of life. Diagnostic management leading to therapeutic interventions depends on disease stage; in the majority of patients diagnostic techniques are simple and therapy is conservative, following a pragmatic approach. Diagnostics may help to distinguish functional from morphological causes and thus direct treatment. Operative therapy is indicated if conservative treatment fails to adequately relieve symptoms. Interventions range from minimally invasive outpatient procedures to more extended surgery with sphincter replacement. The mainstays of surgery for fecal incontinence are sphincter repair and sacral nerve stimulation. Although the indications for the various surgical procedures can overlap, there are distinct conceptual differences. In addition, practitioners are increasingly coming to appreciate that, for some patients, only a combination of various therapeutic modes will improve symptoms.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chirurgische Klinik, Universität Erlangen, Krankenhausstr.12., 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Klaus E. Matzel MD, PhD

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  1. Klaus E. Matzel MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Klaus E. Matzel MD, PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. End- und Dickdarm-Zentrum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany

    Alexander Herold

  2. Clinique de chirurgie digestive et endocrinienne, Institut des maladies de l’appareil digestif, Hotel Dieu, Nantes, France

    Paul-Antoine Lehur

  3. Chirurgische Klinik mit Poliklinik, Universitaet Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany

    Klaus E. Matzel

  4. UCD School of Medicine, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    P. Ronan O'Connell

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Matzel, K.E. (2017). Fecal Incontinence. In: Herold, A., Lehur, PA., Matzel, K., O'Connell, P. (eds) Coloproctology. European Manual of Medicine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-53210-2_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-53210-2_9

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-53210-2

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