-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
digestive system
rectal incontinence
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: The loss of voluntary control of defecation.

etiology: Rectal incontinence may follow several etiologic factors:
• Senility
• Fecal impaction
• Severe inflammatory processes
• Injuries to the rectum and anus
• Deformities from dilation, obstetrical or operative procedures
• Diseases of or injuries to the spinal cord
• Procidentia
• Tumors
• Congenital abnormalities

signs and symptoms

• uncontrolled evacuation of stool

course and prognosis

The course and prognosis depend upon whether sphincter control is maintained, and whether surgery, if necessary, is performed before colonic muscle atony develops.

differential diagnosis

• differentiate underlying cause: note that some forms of gastroenteritis have loss of stool from intense diarrhea


footnotes