Physiological, psychological and behavioural characteristics of men and women with faecal incontinence

Abstract

Background: The factors leading to faecal incontinence in males are less well understood than those in females. In this prospective study we aimed to compare the physiological, anatomical, psychological and behavioural characteristics of male and female patients presenting with symptoms of faecal incontinence. Method: One hundred and nine patients presenting with symptoms of faecal incontinence were studied. They underwent anorectal physiological studies, endoanal ultrasonography, and completed a St Mark's Incontinence Score, a locally developed pad questionnaire, a bowel symptom questionnaire, the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale a..