Faecal incontinence can severely impair quality of life, leading to social isolation and high financial cost for the healthcare system. This coming February ESCP dedicates to raise awareness on this disabling condition.
Although common in the Western societies, its true incidence remains unknown due to discrepancies in definitions used between different healthcare providers/countries. Moreover, many patients do not seek medical help, embarrassed by their condition. In 2015, a systematic review [1] reported a median prevalence for faecal incontinence of 11.2% (range, 8.3%-13.2%). Risk factors for faecal incontinence, based on this study, included increasing age, diarrhoea, and urinary incontinence. Nevertheless the main issue with this condition remained: the study population and diagnostic criteria were quite heterogeneous in order to reach safe conclusions
To effectively treat and address faecal incontinence, first we must obtain a clear image of the current problem and the outcomes of practice that is so variable worldwide. Therefore, ESCP launched the recent faecal incontinence audit, that is still ongoing, to further explore indices in definition, incidence and clinical practice throughout the world.
Furthermore, the Society dedicates February to raise awareness on this disabling condition. A series of interviews of International Experts on the subject will be launched during February. Stay tuned.
Reference:
- Ng KS, Sivakumaran Y, Nassar N, Gladman MA. Fecal Incontinence: Community Prevalence and Associated Factors - A Systematic Review. Dis Colon Rectum. 2015 Dec;58(12):1194-209. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000000514. PMID: 26544818.
