BOWEL CONTROL DISORDER
Fecal Incontinence
The inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage, a condition that profoundly impacts quality of life. Fecal incontinence treatment at Lux Hospitals is private, compassionate, and highly effective.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Fecal Incontinence?
Faecal incontinence is the loss of voluntary bowel control, resulting in unexpected leakage of stool or gas. It is far more common than people realise, affecting up to 1 in 3 postpartum women and a significant proportion of older adults. Many patients suffer in silence for years, too embarrassed to seek help. Modern treatments, from biofeedback to sphincter repair and sacral neuromodulation, achieve meaningful improvement in the vast majority of cases. Dr. Samhitha Reddy provides completely private and non-judgmental consultations for this sensitive condition. Fecal incontinence treatment is personalised, from conservative pelvic floor therapy for mild cases to Sacral Neuromodulation, Overlapping Sphincteroplasty, or, in rare cases, stoma formation for the most severe presentations.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Anal sphincter damage from childbirth injury or previous surgery
- Nerve damage from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease
- Rectal prolapse or rectocele causing structural disruption
- Chronic diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease
- Severe constipation causing overflow incontinence
- Ageing-related pelvic floor muscle weakening
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing
Implanted device delivers mild electrical pulses to sacral nerves, effective for refractory cases
Overlapping repair of torn external sphincter, most effective for direct obstetric or surgical sphincter injury
Implanted cuff device, rare, reserved for specialist centres where SNM has failed
Colostomy or ileostomy, last-resort option when all other treatments have failed
All consultations are fully private and confidential, Dr. Samhitha provides non-judgmental specialist care
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Comprehensive, Compassionate Incontinence Care
Dr. Samhitha understands the profound impact faecal incontinence has on quality of life and personal dignity. All consultations are completely private. Treatment is personalised, from dietary modification and pelvic floor biofeedback for mild cases, to Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM), Overlapping Sphincteroplasty, or Artificial Bowel Sphincter for more severe disease. Stoma formation is offered only as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
- 1
Comprehensive Assessment
Anorectal manometry measures sphincter pressures. Endoanal ultrasound maps structural defects. Pudendal nerve latency testing assesses nerve function. Together these guide treatment selection.
- 2
Conservative Management First
Dietary fibre regulation, anti-diarrhoeal agents, bladder and bowel training, and pelvic floor physiotherapy form the backbone of initial management, achieving meaningful improvement in many cases.
- 3
Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)
An implanted device delivers controlled electrical stimulation to sacral nerves, improving sphincter tone and rectal sensation. Highly effective for neurogenic and idiopathic incontinence refractory to conservative treatment.
- 4
Surgical Repair: Sphincteroplasty & Beyond
Overlapping Sphincteroplasty repairs direct sphincter injury (e.g. from obstetric tears). For rare, severe, refractory cases, Artificial Bowel Sphincter at specialist centres or Stoma (colostomy/ileostomy) as a last resort.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)
Implantation of a neurostimulator to modulate sacral nerve activity and improve continence.
Overlapping Sphincteroplasty
Reconstruction of disrupted sphincter muscles by overlapping and suturing them to restore function.
Artificial Bowel Sphincter
An implantable device that mimics sphincter function by controlled inflation and deflation.
Stoma (Colostomy/Ileostomy)
Diversion of the faecal stream through an abdominal opening when continence cannot be restored.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
Not sure about your condition?
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