Fecal Incontinence; Rectal Prolapse

Fecal incontinence can be a devastating problem with major social implications. The prevalence of fecal incontinence is 0.5–1.5% in the general population, and if soiling is included, the prevalence reaches approximately 5% [1, 2]. Fecal incontinence is much more common in women: the incidence in 45-year-old women is eight times higher than in men of a similar age, and 6–10% of women experience urgency and incontinence after vaginal delivery. Studies using endoanal ultrasound have shown that one-third of women have occult injury of the anal sphincter after vaginal delivery [3, 4]. These occult obstetrical injuries may cause immediate problems or may predispose to incontinence later in life, as menopause and aging add their effects.