Fecal incontinence in the elderly
Authors:
I. Bartošovič 1; Š. Krajčík 2
Authors‘ workplace:
Neštátna ambulancia praktického lekára pre dospelých, Skalica, a geriatrická ambulancia NsP, Skalica, riaditeľ MUDr. R. Kerekeš 2Katedra a klinika geriatrie Slovenskej zdravotníckej univerzity, Bratislava, rektor prof. MUDr. J. Štencl, CSc., a Národného ú
1
Published in:
Prakt. Lék. 2004; (2): 96-100
Category:
Overview
The review article is devoted to the epidemiology, physiology, pathophysiology, causes, investigationsand therapy of fecal incontinence (FI) in the elderly. FI in geriatry is defined as theinvoluntary and uncontrolable passing of stool under socially unacceptable circumstances. Itsprevalence is not known exactly, it increases with age and the highest is observed in the elderlyliving in institutions where it occurs in 25% of cases. Age-linked changes as such do not causeFI.The authors also name physiology and pathophysiology in FI. Its causes in the elderly alwayshave many factors that are in play. Treatment depends on the cause, the functional status ofthe patient as well as on what is at hand. Important are common conservative procedures andbehavioral techniques (biofeedback) together with exercises of the pelvic muscles.
Key words:
fecal incontinence - elderly - anorectal physiology - rectoanal angle - diarrheaobstipation - biofeedback - pelvic muscle exercises - loperamid.
Labels
General practitioner for children and adolescents General practitioner for adultsArticle was published in
General Practitioner
2004 Issue 2
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