Fecal incontinence in the elderly

Fecal incontinence (FI), the involuntary loss of formed stool, can be a social as well as a hygiene problem and is often devastating for patients and their caretakers. Current data, which are probably underestimated, indicate that the occurrence is remarkably high. The etiology of FI is multifactorial; risk factors include advancing age, previous obstetric trauma, diabetes, fecal impaction, stroke, and dementia. The management of FI in the elderly depends on etiologic factors. However, there are many treatment options for sufferers of FI including bulking agents, antidiarrheals, anticholinergics, biofeedback, surgery for sphincter defects, and sphincter bulking devices. The appropriate treatment can be guided by a thorough workup of these patients and can result in a significant improvement in quality of life.