Fecal Incontinence

The book surveys the prevalence, the pathophysiology, the diagnosis, the current therapy, both conservative and operative, and the long-term outcome of treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence. It is targeted at general and colorectal surgeons, urologists, gynecologists and gastroenterologists who treat incontinent patients, and also gives general practitioners and geriatric physicians an overview of the diagnostic methods and treatment options that can be offered to incontinent patients.

Colorectal Physiology reviews recent findings in fecal incontinence, which is becoming a greater concern to physicians and surgeons as our population grows older and becomes better educated. International experts in anorectal physiology and management of incontinence present their personal views and specific clinical experiences on topics such as causes, diagnostic testing, and modes of treatment. The contributors also examine theoretical and practical aspects of current opinion. This book is a useful reference for researchers, colon and rectal surgeons, physicians, and students interested in understanding and managing fecal incontinence.

This book focuses on the management of children with fecal incontinence and constipation. Despite accurate anatomic reconstruction, many children still suffer from a variety of functional bowel problems. These include not only children with congenital anatomic problems such as anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease, but also includes the huge population of children who suffer from constipation, with or without soiling, and a large spinal population (spina bifida) who have bowel problems.

Keeping Control is a compassionate, medically reliable, and thoroughly informative resource for anyone who wants to understand the possible causes of fecal incontinence, learn about important advances in management and treatment, and do something about the problem. Written by a noted Johns Hopkins physician and an experienced medical writer and editor, Keeping Control explains the mechanics of normal bowel function and describes the latest medical findings about what can cause incontinence, from pre-existing conditions and diseases to accidents and childbirth injuries. It thoroughly explains the wide range of treatment options, including remarkable successes with biofeedback and habit training. It includes special advice for managing incontinence in children and older people. And it offers important advice on how to work with your physician to take control of the problem. Keeping Control also includes a glossary of terms and valuable information about contacting support groups and using additional resources. An epilogue by Nancy Norton, founder of the International Foundation for Bowel Dysfunction, describes the personal challenge of living with fecal incontinence and explains how she and many others have found the courage to cope with the problem and live life to the fullest.

Fecal incontinence is a common and embarrassing condition with a devastating impact on patients’ lives. Since it may result from a variety of pathophysiological situations, an accurate diagnostic work-up is crucial. A range of therapies is available, but choosing the correct option is pivotal to successful management. This book reviews the latest advances in the epidemiologic, socio-economic, psychological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of fecal incontinence, helping to establish effective treatment guidelines.

The book describes the current management of fecal incontinence from an advanced practice nursing perspective. It fills a gap in nursing knowledge promoting and showcasing the expertise and significant contribution of advanced practice nurses whose role is so important in the health care system. Authors’ objectives are to disseminate information about evidenced-based nursing care for the incontinent patient to improve outcomes and quality of life as well as to instruct nurses involved in continence care to practice at a high quality level. The book is structured in chapters, starting by explaining fecal incontinence and its impact on quality of life. The second chapter discusses advanced practice continence nursing. The epidemiology of fecal incontinence is reviewed to provide an appreciation of the scope of the problem. Normal defecation and mechanisms to ensure continence are reviewed to improve understanding of the alterations resulting in fecal incontinence. The next chapters focus on assessment, diagnosis and management of fecal incontinence in various patient groups which parallels the delivery of care. Since surgery is a treatment option in some cases, a chapter explains surgical approaches and the postoperative nursing care. As skin damage is the most common complication of fecal incontinence there is a chapter about management of these associated problems. The last chapter addresses managing fecal incontinence in the patient with urinary continence also. Practice related chapters include a case study. All chapters highlight key information in a box or table. The intended readers are international advanced practice nurses who care for patients with incontinence as well as continence nurse specialists practicing at a general level. General nurses interested in continence care might also be interested in reading the book. Other disciplines who are part of the healthcare team may be interested in learning more about role of the advanced practice nurse.

Completely updated to reflect current practice, the 3rd edition of this comprehensive resource provides a multi-disciplinary, in-depth review of the physiology of continence, the pathologic mechanisms producing incontinence, and current treatment options for the various types of incontinence. Assessment, behavioral therapies, and multidisciplinary care are emphasized as key elements in the treatment and management of incontinence. In addition to the life-span content discussed throughout the book, an entire chapter is devoted to bowel and bladder management in children. Authored and contributed by leaders in the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). Provides an in-depth review of the physiology of continence, the pathologic mechanisms producing incontinence, and current treatment options to facilitate optimal assessment and care. Features detailed assessment guidelines to help clinicians accurately identify causative and contributing factors, and implement of a comprehensive management plan. Discusses urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence in separate sections to address the special considerations for each in an organized, focused, easy-to-use format. Features individual, complete chapters for each of the following types of incontinence: stress, functional, reflex (neurogenic bladder), and overactive bladder (urge incontinence). Devotes separate chapters to Pathology & Management of Postprostatectomy Incontinence and Bowel and Bladder Management in Children to ensure comprehensive coverage of these topics. Offers life-span content to help clinicians provide appropriate care for patients in every stage of life. Includes self-assessment questions with answers and rationales for review and self-testing. Integrates multidisciplinary care throughout to highlight its importance in successful treatment. Features a new chapter on Pathology & Management of Postprostatectomy Incontinence that provides detailed information on this increasingly important aspect of incontinence. Includes content on the impact of spinal cord injury on bladder and bowel function.

Fecal incontinence is a common and embarrassing condition with a devastating impact on patients’ lives. Since it may result from a variety of pathophysiological situations, an accurate diagnostic work-up is crucial. A range of therapies is available, but choosing the correct option is pivotal to successful management. This book reviews the latest advances in the epidemiologic, socio-economic, psychological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of fecal incontinence, helping to establish effective treatment guidelines.