-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