Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence, commonly known as bowel incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements, causing unintentional leakage of stool. It is an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. While it can affect anyone, fecal incontinence is more common in old people and women, particularly after childbirth. The good news is that fecal incontinence can be effectively managed with advanced treatment techniques like biofeedback therapy, which is a non-surgical, safe, and highly effective approach. Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar, a renowned Consultant Gastrophysiologist and Biofeedback Specialist in Pune, India offers advanced biofeedback therapy for Fecal Incontinence Treatment in Pune at Kaizen Gastro Care, where she leads the GI Motility Department.
Dr. Rupali’s expertise in gastrointestinal physiology and motility studies, combined with her compassionate approach, makes her one of the leading experts in Pune for treating this debilitating condition.
What is Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of bowel control, leading to accidental stool leakage. It can range from occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to complete losing of bowel control.
Types of fecal incontinence:
There are two types of fecal incontinence:
- Urge incontinence: You feel the urge to poop but can’t make it to the toilet fast enough to prevent soiling yourself (having an accident). This is the most common type. It usually involves issues with the muscles that control your bowel movements.
- Passive incontinence: Your rectum (which holds your poop) has stretched as much as it can to contain your poop, but your body isn’t registering that you need to go. In this situation, you’ll pass the movement (poop) without realizing it. This type usually involves issues with how your nerves communicate with your muscles.
Causes of fecal incontinence:
- Damage to the anal sphincter muscles: These muscles control the release of stool. Injury or weakening, often due to childbirth, surgery, or trauma, can lead to incontinence.
- Nerve damage: Nerves controlling the anal sphincter or those sensing the presence of stool can be damaged due to conditions like diabetes, spinal injuries, or stroke.
- Chronic constipation: Repeated straining during bowel movements can weaken the rectal muscles, leading to incontinence.
- Diarrhea: Loose stools are harder to control, making incontinence more likely.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Weakness in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to fecal incontinence.
- Aging: As people age, the muscles in the pelvic region naturally weaken, improving the risk of fecal incontinence.
- Rectal Prolapse: A condition where the rectum drops from its normal position, causing poor function of the muscles and nerves controlling bowel movements.
- Other Medical Conditions: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids can also contribute to fecal incontinence.
Symptoms of fecal incontinence:
Symptoms of fecal incontinence may include:
- Inability to control bowel motions, leading to stool leakage.
- Urgency to defecate with difficulty in reaching the restroom in time.
- Stool leakage while passing gas.
- Frequent accidents, especially during physical activity or sneezing.
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements
- Skin irritation or breakdown around the anus
Diagnosis of Fecal Incontinence:
Fecal incontinence is diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and specialized tests. Here is an overview of the diagnostic procedure:
- Medical History: Dr. Rupali will ask about your symptoms, including the frequency and severity of bowel leakage, any factors that worsen or improve symptoms, and any other relevant medical history.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination may include a visual inspection of the anus and surrounding area to check for signs of skin irritation, hemorrhoids, or other abnormalities. Your doctor may also perform a digital rectal examination, where a gloved, lubricated finger is inserted into the rectum to assess the tone of the anal sphincter muscles and check for any masses or abnormalities.
- Anorectal Manometry: Anorectal manometry is a test that measures the pressure and function of the muscles in the rectum and anus. During the test, a thin, flexible tube with sensors is inserted into the rectum to measure muscle contractions and relaxation. This test can help evaluate the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in bowel control.
- Balloon Expulsion Test: This test evaluates the function of the rectum and anus in expelling a balloon filled with water. It helps assess the ability to evacuate stool and can identify issues with rectal sensation and muscle function.
- MRI Defecography: MRI defecography is a specialized imaging test that provides detailed images of the rectum and surrounding structures during defecation. It can help identify anatomical abnormalities or dysfunction that may be causing fecal incontinence.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy may be used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum using a flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope. This procedure can help identify any abnormalities, such as inflammation, tumors, or strictures, that may be contributing to fecal incontinence.
- Colonoscopy or Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: These tests may be recommended to evaluate the health of the colon and rectum and check for any structural abnormalities, such as tumors or inflammation, that may be contributing to fecal incontinence.
Treatment & Management Fecal Incontinence:
Fecal incontinence can be treated using a variety of approaches, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatments:
- Dietary Changes: Adjusting your diet can help manage fecal incontinence. Increasing fiber intake can improve stool consistency and reduce diarrhea, while avoiding foods that can cause gas or diarrhea, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, can help reduce symptoms.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms of fecal incontinence. These may include anti-diarrheal medications, stool bulking agents, or medications to reduce bowel spasms.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat fecal incontinence. Surgical options may include repairing or reinforcing the anal sphincter muscles, or creating an artificial anal sphincter.
- Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and avoiding heavy lifting can help improve bowel function and reduce symptoms of fecal incontinence.
- Biofeedback Therapy: Biofeedback therapy can help improve muscle coordination and control in the pelvic floor muscles. During a biofeedback session, sensors are used to monitor muscle activity, and you are taught how to better control these muscles.
How Biofeedback Helps in Treating Fecal Incontinence?
Biofeedback therapy helps patients improve muscle strength, coordination, and awareness. By retraining the muscles around the anus and rectum, biofeedback helps:
- Strengthen the Pelvic Floor Muscles: The pelvic floor muscles are vital for maintaining bowel control. Biofeedback provides visual and auditory cues that guide patients to contract and relax these muscles effectively.
- Improve Muscle Coordination: Patients often have poor coordination between abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Biofeedback training enhances the timing and coordination of these muscles, allowing for better bowel control.
- Increase Muscle Sensitivity: Biofeedback improves the sensitivity and awareness of the anal sphincter muscles, helping people regain control over involuntary movements.
Benefits of Biofeedback Therapy for Fecal Incontinence:
Biofeedback therapy offers several advantages for patients suffering from fecal incontinence:
- Non-invasive treatment: Biofeedback therapy is a non-surgical and painless process that does not involve any medications, making it a safe option for most patients.
- High success rate: Studies have shown that biofeedback therapy can significantly improve bowel control in 70-90% of patients with fecal incontinence.
- No side effects: Unlike medications or surgery, biofeedback therapy does not cause any adverse side effects, making it convenient for patients of all ages.
- Improved muscle coordination: Biofeedback therapy helps patients retrain their muscles to function properly, improving coordination and control over bowel movements.
- Long-term results: The skills and muscle control gained through biofeedback therapy can lead to lasting improvements in bowel function, offering patients long-term relief from fecal incontinence.
- Safe and Personalized Therapy: Biofeedback is safe and tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The therapy is painless, and patients remain fully in control throughout the treatment.
Who Can Benefit from Biofeedback Therapy?
Biofeedback therapy is suggested for patients who have fecal incontinence due to:
- Weak anal sphincter muscles: Patients with weakened or damaged sphincter muscles due to childbirth, surgery, or aging can benefit from strengthening these muscles.
- Nerve dysfunction: People with nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, spinal injuries, or stroke may improve bowel control through biofeedback training.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Women who experience pelvic floor weakness after childbirth or surgery can strengthen their muscles through biofeedback therapy.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea: Patients whose fecal incontinence is associated with constipation or diarrhea may benefit from learning to regulate muscle coordination during bowel movements.
Why Choose Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar for Biofeedback Therapy in Pune?
Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar is a renowned expert in biofeedback therapy for fecal incontinence, with extensive experience in treating gastrointestinal and pelvic floor disorders. She leads the GI Motility Department at Kaizen Gastro Care, one of the premier centers for gastrointestinal treatments in Pune.
- Expertise in Gastrointestinal Physiology and Motility Disorders: Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar specializes in gastrointestinal physiology and motility disorders, including fecal incontinence, constipation, and pelvic floor dysfunction. She is well-versed in advanced diagnostic techniques and therapies, ensuring that her patients receive the highest quality of care.
- Comprehensive care: Dr. Rupali adopts a holistic approach to treating patients, focusing on both the physiological and psychological aspects of fecal incontinence to provide complete healing.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Kaizen Gastro Care is equipped with advanced technology for biofeedback therapy and other diagnostic tests, ensuring accurate and effective treatment.
- Personalized treatment plans: Each patient receives a customized treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms and underlying causes, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Compassionate care: Dr. Rupali understands the emotional and physical challenges of living with fecal incontinence and provides compassionate care to help patients regain their confidence and quality of life.
Request a Call Back:
If you or a loved one is struggling with fecal incontinence, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care in Pune offers cutting-edge biofeedback therapy to treat fecal incontinence with a high success rate. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the best Gastroenterologist in Pune call 9763635252
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Biofeedback for fecal incontinence helps patients gain control over bowel movements by using sensors to monitor muscle activity, allowing them to strengthen and retrain the pelvic floor and anal muscles through suggested exercises and visual feedback.
The most effective treatment for fecal incontinence is biofeedback therapy, which helps strengthen and retrain the pelvic floor and anal muscles, enhancing bowel control without the need for surgery or medication.
To schedule a Biofeedback Therapy for Fecal Incontinence at Kaizen Gastro Care, you can contact the clinic directly via phone or visit their website to book an appointment with Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar, the specialist in biofeedback therapy and gastrointestinal motility disorders.