Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence at DRHC Dubai Gastroenterology Clinic

What is Bowel Incontinence?

Bowel incontinence, also known as fecal incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to involuntary leakage of stool. This condition can range from occasional minor leakage to a complete loss of bowel control. It can significantly affect a person's quality of life, causing embarrassment, discomfort, and social withdrawal.

Symptoms of Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence presents with various symptoms, including:

• Sudden and uncontrollable urge to pass stool
• Accidental leakage of stool (especially while passing gas)
• Inability to reach the toilet in time
• Frequent diarrhea or loose stools
• Constipation followed by leakage
• Sensation of incomplete bowel emptying

Causes of Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence can be caused by several medical conditions, nerve damage, or muscle weakness affecting the rectum and anus.

1. Muscle or Nerve Damage

• Weak anal sphincter muscles – Often due to childbirth, aging, or surgery.
• Nerve damage – Conditions like diabetes, stroke, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis can affect bowel control.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction – Weakness or injury to the pelvic floor muscles.

2. Digestive Disorders & Diseases

• Chronic diarrhea – Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can lead to urgency and leakage.
• Severe constipation – Hard stools can weaken the rectal muscles, leading to leakage of liquid stool around them.
• Rectal prolapse – A condition where the rectum slips out of place, affecting control.
• Hemorrhoids – Can prevent the anal sphincter from closing properly.

3. Post-Surgical or Injury-Related Causes

• Childbirth injuries – Damage during vaginal delivery, especially with forceps use or episiotomy.
• Rectal surgery complications – Surgery for hemorrhoids, fistulas, or cancer may weaken bowel control.

When to Seek Medical Help?

You should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Frequent stool leakage or urgency
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Painful bowel movements or bleeding
• Loss of sensation in the anal area
• Sudden onset of bowel incontinence

Diagnosis of Bowel Incontinence at DRHC Dubai

At DRHC Dubai, our gastroenterologists and colorectal specialists use advanced techniques to diagnose the cause of bowel incontinence. Tests may include:

• Medical history & physical examination – Evaluating symptoms and past conditions.
• Anorectal manometry – Measures the strength and coordination of anal muscles.
• Endorectal ultrasound – Assesses muscle damage or abnormalities.
• Colonoscopy – Identifies inflammation, tumors, or other rectal conditions.
• MRI Defecography – Provides detailed imaging of the pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements.

Treatment Options for Bowel Incontinence

Treatment for bowel incontinence depends on the underlying cause, severity, and patient’s health condition.

1. Lifestyle & Dietary Modifications

• A high-fiber diet to regulate stool consistency.
• Adequate hydration to prevent constipation.
• Avoiding trigger foods (spicy foods, caffeine, dairy) that may cause diarrhea.
• Scheduled bowel movements to train the digestive system.

2. Medications

• Anti-diarrheal drugs (loperamide) to firm stools.
• Laxatives for constipation-related incontinence.
• Stool-bulking agents like psyllium fiber to improve consistency.

3. Pelvic Floor & Sphincter Exercises

• Biofeedback therapy – A technique to retrain the anal sphincter muscles.
• Kegel exercises – Strengthen pelvic floor muscles to improve bowel control.

4. Advanced Treatment Options

For severe cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be required:

• Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) – A device implanted to regulate nerve signals to the bowel muscles.
• Injectable bulking agents – To thicken the anal sphincter for better control.
• Sphincter repair surgery – For patients with muscle damage.
• Colostomy (in extreme cases) – Diverting stool through an opening in the abdomen.

Why Choose DRHC Dubai for Bowel Incontinence Treatment?

• Expert Gastroenterologists & Colorectal Surgeons
• State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Facilities
• Comprehensive & Personalized Treatment Plans
• Minimally Invasive & Advanced Surgical Options
• Patient-Centered Care with Privacy & Compassion

Dubai Gastroenterology Clinic—Dr. Rami Hamed Center now provides the leading gastroenterologist in Dubai for Gastric balloons, Colonoscopies, Colon Cancer Screening, and more. DRHC offers highly qualified liver specialist doctors in Dubai. Call +97142798200 to Book your Appointment Today at DRHC Dubai.