Faecal incontinence: diagnosis and management

Faecal incontinence is a common symptom with underreported prevalence due to patient stigma and embarrassment. Diagnosis involves physical examination, review of causative lifestyle or pharmacological factors, and specialist investigations for assessment of sphincter function, nerve damage or underlying causes. Treatment is largely conservative, including diet and lifestyle modification, exercises, medication, and, in certain cases, nerve stimulation or surgical intervention. The psychosocial impact of incontinence can be significant and associated with both anxiety and depression.