Surgical Options for Fecal Incontinence

While surgical interventions are available for fecal incontinence, it’s crucial to understand that these options are considered very rarely. The vast majority of patients find significant relief through conservative treatments and minimally invasive options.

Surgical procedures for fecal incontinence are typically considered only after all other treatment options have been exhausted.

Why Surgery is Rarely Recommended

Effectiveness of Conservative Therapies: Non-surgical treatments such as dietary changes, pelvic floor physical therapy, and sacral neuromodulation are often highly effective in managing fecal incontinence.
Risks and Complications: Surgical procedures carry higher risks of complications compared to conservative treatments.
Limited Long-Term Success: Some surgical options have shown limited long-term effectiveness in treating fecal incontinence.
Impact on Quality of Life: Certain surgical interventions, while potentially effective, may significantly impact a patient’s quality of life in other ways.

Conservative Treatments: The First Line of Defense

Before considering any surgical option, it’s essential to explore and exhaust all conservative treatments. These include:

Minimally Invasive Options

If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, minimally invasive options should be considered before surgery:

Sacral Neuromodulation

These treatments often provide significant improvement with much lower risks compared to surgical options.

Surgical Procedures: A Last Resort

In rare cases where all other treatments have failed, surgical options may be considered. However, it’s important to understand their limitations:

1. Sphincteroplasty

Involves repairing damaged anal sphincter muscles
High morbidity rate
Less effective than sacral neuromodulation for most patients

2. Artificial Bowel Sphincter

Implantation of a device to control bowel movements
Low success rates
High complication rates

3. Fecal Diversion (Ostomy)

Creation of an opening in the abdomen for stool to pass into a bag
While effective, it’s often perceived negatively by patients due to its impact on body image and lifestyle

Note

The decision to pursue surgical treatment should only be made after thorough discussion with your healthcare provider and careful consideration of all potential risks and benefits.

The Importance of Comprehensive Care

Dr. Stewart prioritizes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to treating fecal incontinence. This means:

Thoroughly exploring all conservative treatment options
Considering minimally invasive treatments before surgery
Providing ongoing support and adjustments to your treatment plan
Only recommending surgery in very rare cases where it’s absolutely necessary

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with fecal incontinence, remember that there are many effective treatment options available before considering surgery. Dr. Stewart can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

Remember, every patient’s journey is unique. With the right approach, many individuals find significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life without resorting to surgical interventions.