Frequency and predictors for postpartum fecal incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to describe the frequency of postpartum fecal incontinence and to examine associated delivery events in a group of women participating in a validation study of a postpartum fecal incontinence survey.


METHODS
A self-administered survey of fecal incontinence symptoms and delivery events was administered to 50 women seen for their 6-week postpartum appointments. An analysis of association between postpartum fecal incontinence and individual delivery characteristics was performed.


RESULTS
The frequency of at least one fecal incontinence symptom post partum was 38%. Specifically, 24% of women reported incontinence to flatus and 10% incontinence to stool. Vaginal delivery and perineal laceration were associated with an increased risk of reporting at least one symptom. Neither infant birth weight nor parity was associated with an increased risk of postpartum fecal incontinence. Cesarean delivery was associated with a lower frequency of overall fecal incontinence symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency of postpartum fecal incontinence was higher than previously reported. Similar to other studies, perineal laceration, especially extension into the anal sphincter, was an important risk factor for postpartum fecal incontinence.
Hall
Wendy
W
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road L466, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
McCracken
Karen
K
Osterweil
Patricia
P
Guise
Jeanne-Marie
JM
D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D022125:Lacerations / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries; D011379:Prognosis; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires