Unwanted anal penetration as a physical cause of faecal incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate sexual abuse as a cause of faecal incontinence.


METHODS
Seven patients (two men and five women) with a history of sexual abuse, including anal penetration, and faecal incontinence.


METHODS
Anorectal physiological techniques and anal endosonography were used for patient assessment.


RESULTS
All seven patients had evidence of internal sphincter disruption and three had additional external anal sphincter dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Unwanted anal penetration can cause permanent structural anal sphincter damage.
Engel
A F
AF
St Mark's Hospital, London, UK.
Kamm
M A
MA
Bartram
C I
CI
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries*; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior