Characteristics of fecal incontinence in women with anal sphincter dysfunction

<p>Aim: The aim of this study was to elucidate the risk factors for fecal incontinence (FI) in women who have anal sphincter dysfunction.</p><p>Methods: The subjects of this study were women with anal sphincter dysfunction (maximum resting pressure: MRP < 45 mmHg and/or atmospheric maximum squeeze pressure: MSP < 130 mmHg) who visited Matsushima Hospital Coloproctology Center between January and April in 2019. They were divided into two groups: one with FI and one without, and independent risk factors for FI were retrospectively analyzed by comparing the two groups using multivariate analysis. In the FI group, changes in anal pressure and symptom score with treatment were also evaluated.</p><p>Results: The subjects were 221 women (median age: 75 years, interquartile range: 64-80 years), who were divided into the FI group (149 patients) and the No FI group (72 patients). There was no significant difference in MRP or MSP between the two groups. Bowel movements were more frequent, age was higher, and rectal prolapse & forceps delivery were more prevalent in the FI than in the No FI group, and these differences were all statistically significant. On multivariate analysis, bowel movements of twice or more per day and forceps delivery were identified as independent risk factors for FI. In 15 patients who were evaluated at 6-month follow-up, neither MRP nor MSP significantly changed following treatment, whilst symptom scores improved significantly.</p><p>Conclusion: In women with anal sphincter dysfunction, bowel movements of twice or more per day and forceps delivery were independent risk factors for FI.</p>