Diagnostic testing in fecal incontinence

Anjana Kumar, Satish S.C. Rao

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fecal incontinence is a common problem that disproportionately affects women and the elderly and has a significant impact on the quality of life. Incontinence is often multifactorial. Anorectal manometry, anal endosonography, magnetic resonance imaging, pudendal nerve latency, and electromyography provide morphologic and physiologic assessments of the internal and external anal sphincters, rectal motor and sensory function, rectal compliance, and rectoanal reflexes. This information, in concert, provides clues to the pathophysiology of fecal incontinence and may help to guide medical, surgical, or biofeedback therapy. These tests have also been used to assess the effectiveness of the therapeutic modalities. No data are available on the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic testing in fecal incontinence. Newer techniques, including electrophysiologic testing and morphologic imaging of the anorectum, are being pursued.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)406-413
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Gastroenterology Reports
Volume5
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2003
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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