Diagnostic evaluation of patients with faecal incontinence at a specialist institution

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of the anorectal function, clinically, structurally, and functionally, in patients with faecal incontinence should ensure appropriate and individual treatment. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-six patients with faecal incontinence were reviewed regarding disease history and results of anorectal physiological tests and anal ultrasonography. Results: The mean age was 54 years, and 191 patients (85%) were female. Sixty-two patients had passive faecal incontinence only, 49 had urge faecal incontinence only, and 115 had both passive and urge faecal incontinence. Patients with passive faecal incontinence only had a significantly higher voluntary contraction pressure and less ..