Fecal Incontinence Treatment in Santa Ana, CA

Understanding Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence affects approximately 18 million adults in the United States, with a slightly higher prevalence in women. It occurs when there is a disruption in normal bowel control mechanisms, causing involuntary leakage or complete loss of bowel control. This condition can significantly impact your quality of life, making proper diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Risk Factors and Causes

Several factors can increase the risk of developing fecal incontinence, including chronic diarrhea or constipation, muscle weakness or damage, nerve damage, hemorrhoids, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Conditions such as childbirth, aging, surgery, or certain medical conditions can also weaken muscles or nerves essential for bowel control.

Common Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence

Patients experiencing fecal incontinence commonly report symptoms such as:

• Unintentional stool leakage
• Difficulty reaching the restroom in time
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Frequent urge to defecate
• Discomfort or skin irritation due to stool leakage

If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with Dr. Chung promptly for effective management.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Chung will carefully discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. He will perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as anorectal manometry, ultrasound, or MRI, to pinpoint the exact cause of your incontinence.

• Treatment Options for Fecal Incontinence‍
  
  • Once Dr. Chung establishes the underlying cause of your condition, he will recommend an individualized treatment plan designed for your specific needs. Treatments often involve lifestyle adjustments and may include dietary modifications, medication, pelvic floor exercises, bowel training, surgery, or electrical stimulation.‍
• Dietary Management‍
  
  • Dietary changes play a critical role in managing fecal incontinence. Dr. Chung may recommend increasing dietary fiber intake to improve stool consistency and control, and maintaining adequate hydration to prevent constipation. Keeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods contributing to symptoms.

• Medication and Supplements
  
  • Dr. Chung may recommend bulk laxatives, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, to regulate bowel movements. Antidiarrheal medications like loperamide can slow bowel movements and improve control.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises and Biofeedback
  
  • Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through targeted exercises can significantly improve bowel control. Biofeedback therapy, which utilizes sensors to guide correct muscle activation, can further enhance effectiveness.
• Bowel Training
  
  • Establishing a routine bowel movement schedule can relieve symptoms associated with constipation-related fecal incontinence.
• Surgical Intervention
  
  • When conservative methods are insufficient, surgical treatment may be necessary. Procedures like sphincteroplasty can repair and strengthen damaged muscles, restoring bowel control and improving quality of life.
• Electrical Stimulation (Neuromodulation)
  
  • Neuromodulation involves the use of a battery-operated stimulator to electrically stimulate nerves in the lower back, regulating muscle reactions and sensations to effectively manage bowel control.

Recovery and Ongoing Care

Depending on the treatment chosen, recovery times and aftercare instructions will vary. Dr. Chung provides detailed guidance to ensure optimal recovery and ongoing symptom management, improving your quality of life.