Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- 1 Applied anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract
- 2 Definition and prevalence of urinary incontinence
- 3 Initial assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms
- 4 Further investigation of lower urinary tract symptoms
- 5 Management of stress urinary incontinence
- 6 Management of overactive bladder syndrome
- 7 Recurrent urinary tract infection
- 8 Haematuria
- 9 Painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis
- 10 Pregnancy and the renal tract
- 11 Ageing and urogenital symptoms
- 12 Fistulae and urinary tract injuries
- 13 Pelvic organ prolapse
- 14 Colorectal disorders
- 15 Obstetric anal sphincter injuries
- Index
14 - Colorectal disorders
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2014
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- 1 Applied anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract
- 2 Definition and prevalence of urinary incontinence
- 3 Initial assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms
- 4 Further investigation of lower urinary tract symptoms
- 5 Management of stress urinary incontinence
- 6 Management of overactive bladder syndrome
- 7 Recurrent urinary tract infection
- 8 Haematuria
- 9 Painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis
- 10 Pregnancy and the renal tract
- 11 Ageing and urogenital symptoms
- 12 Fistulae and urinary tract injuries
- 13 Pelvic organ prolapse
- 14 Colorectal disorders
- 15 Obstetric anal sphincter injuries
- Index
Summary
Women could present with multiple pelvic floor problems as the underlying aetiology is, in many cases, childbirth. Any clinician dealing with pelvic floor disorders will thus frequently encounter women who have colorectal symptoms, in addition to lower urinary tract symptoms and vaginal prolapse. It is important, therefore, that they have an understanding of coexisting pathology, can elicit an appropriate history and and can refer to a colorectal department with appropriate expertise. In many cases, comorbidity requires multidisciplinary input from urogynaecology and colorectal specialists.
Faecal incontinence
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, PREVALENCE AND AETIOLOGY
The continence of faeces is regulated through complex integrated and coordinated activity between the anal sphincters and the rectum. Reflex and voluntary activity of the internal and external sphincters and the puborectalis sling, and rectal capacitance and sensitivity all make important contributions to continence. Erratic function of any of these mechanisms can result in faecal incontinence, which affects about 1.4% of the population over 40 years of age in the UK.
Faecal incontinence is a condition with well-reported adverse physical, social, psychological and economic consequences. Nevertheless, only one-third of affected individuals discuss their symptoms with their physician, with the majority silently suffering embarrassment, shame and sometimes depression. Ordinary social activities are either curtailed or completely avoided.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Urogynaecology for the MRCOG and Beyond , pp. 119 - 130Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2012