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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications of fecal incontinence may include:
- Emotional distress. Fecal incontinence can be a source of embarrassment and shame. It's not uncommon for someone with fecal incontinence to try to hide the problem or to avoid social engagements. The loss of dignity associated with losing control over one's bodily functions can lead to frustration, anger and depression.
- Skin irritation. Besides the emotional aspects, fecal incontinence can irritate the skin. Because the skin around the anus is delicate and sensitive, repeated contact with stool can lead to pain, itching and can potentially lead to sores (ulcers) that require medical treatment.
References
- Robson K, et al. Fecal incontinence in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 18, 2010.
- Bartolo DC, et al. Anal incontinence. Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology. 2009;23:505.
- Fecal incontinence. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/fecalincontinence/fecalincontinence.pdf. Accessed June 18, 2010.
- McQuaid KR. Gastrointestinal disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6395. Accessed June 18, 2010.
- Hannaway CD, et al. Fecal incontinence. Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinics of North America. 2008;35:249.
- Mellgren A. Fecal incontinence. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:185.
- Wald A. Fecal incontinence in adults. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;356:1648.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 23, 2010.
- Picco MF (expert opinion) Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. June 23, 2010.
- Tjandra JJ, et al. Injectable silicone biomaterial for fecal incontinence caused by internal anal sphincter dysfunction is effective. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. 2004;47:2138.
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