JARROD P. KAUFMAN, MD, FACS
General and Vascular Surgery located in Brick, NJ
Premier Surgical in New Jersey understands the life-altering impact of fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence is when stool is lost involuntarily, leading to embarrassment and social isolation. Our team of colorectal surgeons can help treat this condition, improving quality of life.
Regain Control of Your Life: Fecal Incontinence Treatment
Understanding Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence can arise from various factors, including weakened sphincter muscles, rectal prolapse, or neurological conditions. Symptoms can vary but often include:
- Leaking of stool
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
Treatment Options
Fecal incontinence can be treated with exercise and therapies. Options include Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, biofeedback to improve muscle control, and bowel training to establish a regular bathroom schedule.
In some cases, bulking agents or electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves may be used to improve control.
For severe incontinence or underlying problems like rectal prolapse, surgery may be necessary. Sphincteroplasty is a procedure that repairs a weakened sphincter muscle.
Benefits of Treatment at Premier Surgical
In some cases, diet changes or bowel training can help. However, surgery is often the most effective long-term solution for relief. Premier Surgical provides several advantages when it comes to fecal incontinence treatment in New Jersey:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your incontinence and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Experienced Surgeons: Our board-certified colorectal surgeons are highly skilled in performing various minimally invasive procedures for fecal incontinence.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Whenever possible, we utilize minimally invasive procedures like sphincteroplasty or sacral nerve stimulation to minimize scarring, discomfort, and recovery time.
- Improved Quality of Life: Successful treatment can significantly improve your confidence, social interactions, and overall well-being.
- Discretion and Compassion: We understand the sensitivity of this condition and prioritize your privacy and comfort throughout the treatment process.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Don’t let fecal incontinence control your life. Contact Premier Surgical today to schedule a consultation with a qualified colorectal surgeon. We can discuss your treatment options and help you regain control of your bowel function.
Fecal Incontinence Q&A
You may click on each heading below to learn more.
- What are the non-surgical treatment options for fecal incontinence?
- When might surgery be considered for fecal incontinence?
- What are the different surgical options for fecal incontinence?
- What are the recovery expectations after fecal incontinence surgery?
- Are there any risks associated with fecal incontinence surgery?
- How successful is fecal incontinence surgery?
- Can fecal incontinence be caused by other anorectal disorders?:
Fecal incontinence can be managed through several non-surgical approaches. These might include:
- Lifestyle changes: Dietary modifications to regulate stool consistency, pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) to strengthen control, and managing constipation or diarrhea.
- Bowel training: Learning to recognize and respond to the urge to have a bowel movement.
- Biofeedback: Using special equipment to help you identify and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
- Medication: Antidiarrheal medications or stool bulking agents depending on the cause of incontinence.
- Anal sphincter plugs or balloons: These temporary inserts help control leakage.
Surgery is an option if non-surgical treatments haven’t provided enough improvement. The specific type of surgery depends on the cause and severity of your incontinence.
- Sphincteroplasty: Tightening a weakened anal sphincter muscle.
- Sacrectomy: Implanting a device to stimulate the nerves controlling the sphincter muscle.
- Diversion surgery: In severe cases, creating a new pathway for stool to bypass a damaged sphincter muscle.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed. You might experience some initial discomfort, but pain medication is usually prescribed. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on diet, activity, and wound care.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks like infection, bleeding, and discomfort. Specific risks can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Discuss these concerns thoroughly with your doctor before proceeding.
The success rate of surgery for fecal incontinence varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition, as well as the specific surgical procedure. However, many people experience significant improvement or even complete resolution of their incontinence after surgery.
Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without prior surgical intervention.
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