Assessment of quality of life in the treatment of patients with neuropathic fecal incontinence.
BACKGROUND
Development of quality-of-life measures has been the focus of research in colorectal disorders in recent years. The assessment of quality of life for fecal incontinence should be more important than quantitative measurement of soiling.


OBJECTIVE
This study assesses specific patient quality-of-life objectives, categorizes objectives, and correlates these objectives with continence scores.


METHODS
One hundred eighteen patients entered into a randomized, controlled trial of biofeedback were assessed using the Direct Questioning of Objectives quality-of-life measure. All objectives were documented, categorized, and correlated with continence scores and analog scales.


RESULTS
In patients with neuropathic fecal incontinence, the most frequent quality-of-life group concerned the ability to get out of home, to socialize outside of home, to go shopping, and not to have to worry about the location of the nearest toilet while out of home (34 percent; 123/364). At least one of these four objectives was stated by 72 percent of patients (85/118). Only 31 percent of patients (37/118) nominated an objective related to the physical act of soiling. The ability to travel (29 percent), exercise including walking (25 percent), perform home duties (19 percent), family and relationships (22 percent), and job (13 percent) were less frequently cited by patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Continence scores focus heavily on the physical aspects of incontinence such as soiling and hygiene, aspects which seem to be less important to the patients themselves. It is important, therefore, that assessments of fecal incontinence should include reference to quality of life, and in particular to its impact on activities relating to "getting out of the house."
Byrne
Christopher M
CM
University of Sydney Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Pager
Chet K
CK
Rex
Jenny
J
Roberts
Rachael
R
Solomon
Michael J
MJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D011788:Quality of Life; D014195:Travel