BACKGROUND Low anterior resection (LAR) may result in faecal incontinence. This study aimed to identify risk factors for long-term faecal incontinence after total mesorectal excision (TME) with or without preoperative radiotherapy (PRT). METHODS Between 1996 and 1999, patients with operable rectal cancer were randomized to TME with or without PRT. Eligible patients who underwent LAR were stud...

Faecal incontinence represents a devastating problem; it is often a barrier to social acceptance and can have serious psychological sequelae. It is a problem that impacts more children than previously thought, affecting those born with anorectal malformations and Hirschsprungʼs disease, as well as children with spinal cord problems or spinal injuries. True faecal incontinence must be distinguis...

Faecal incontinence is a common multifactorial condition with a range of invasive treatment options, all of which may be associated with significant complications. Posterior tibial stimulation by continence nurses is an established treatment for urinary incontinence; however, its use in faecal incontinence, while rapidly evolving, is limited to eight small and differing studies. In this article...

InTroduCTIon When faecal incontinence occurs tissue can deteriorate rapidly. Bliss et al[1] reported onset of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAd) at between six and 42 days after onset (median 13 days). All clinicians and support workers need to be aware of the impact faecal incontinence can have on individual patients. Early recognition of at-risk patients, prevention strategies and treat...

OBJECTIVE To determine the long term effects of a conservative nurse-led intervention for postnatal urinary incontinence. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. SETTING Community based intervention in three centres in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS 747 women with urinary incontinence at three months after childbirth, of whom 516 were followed up again at 6 years (69%). IN...

Faecal incontinence can be physically and socially disabling and the level of unmet need in men appears to be high. We report a case of faecal incontinence in a 29-year-old, heterosexual serviceman who sustained a trans-pelvic gunshot injury (without perineal injury) while on active duty. Despite apparently successful surgical treatment, the patient presented to our colorectal department 7 year...

In 40 women with idiopathic (neurogenic) faecal incontinence, 20 of whom also had stress urinary incontinence, single fibre EMG studies showed an increased fibre density in the external anal sphincter muscle. All these patients showed excessive descent of the pelvic floor on straining. The mean terminal motor latencies in the pudendal and perineal nerves, measured by a digitally-directed intrar...

BACKGROUND Faecal incontinence and constipation affects up to 20 per cent of the general population, and can be a significant source of distress. The antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure has been shown to be an effective alternative treatment option for children, but its use in adults requires clarification. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine outcomes of the ...

BACKGROUND Spinal tumours and ependymomas in particular are rare causes of cauda equina syndrome that present with faecal incontinence. CASE PRESENTATION We present a case of a 45 year old gentleman who presents to a colorectal clinic with incontinence. We then present a review of ependymomas with particular reference to the symptoms they cause as well a review of the neurophysiology of faeca...