Clinical characteristics and quality of life in a cohort of 621 patients with faecal incontinence

Aim The aim of this study was to study a cohort of patients with faecal incontinence (FI) to gain a better insight into the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of this pathology and its repercussions on quality of life (QL). Materials and methods Consecutive patients with FI seen at tertiary centres filled in a self-questionnaire. The severity of FI, constipation and urinary incontinence (UI) was evaluated, respectively, by the Jorge and Wexner score, the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom score and the Urological Distress Inventory score. ROME II criteria were used to assess the existence of an associated irritable bowel syndrome. The repercussion on QL was evaluated by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life index score and the Ditrovie score. The psychological status was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Results Six hundred twenty-one patients (114 men), mean age 58 +/- 15 years (range: 20-92), with FI, filled in the questionnaire. The mean Jorge and Wexner score was 11 +/- 4. Twenty-seven presented with an irritable bowel syndrome. Thirty-eight percent had an associated constipation. A UI was associated in 48% women and 25% men. QL was significantly altered, and anxiety and depression were frequent. Conclusions FI symptoms are frequently severe, QL very altered and anxiety and depression common. FI is frequently associated with other digestive and perineal symptoms, which argue in favour of a multi-disciplinary management of FI.