title: [Current management of anal incontinence].
abstract: Even though anal incontinence affects a significant proportion of the population, causing a major burden to both patient and society, it still remains "the last closet issue". Less than a third of patients will share this problem with their physician. Consequently, the incidence of anal incontinence is difficult to determine, varying from 2-50%. Since this disabling condition is often associated with urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse, a multidisciplinary team approach is required. A wide range of therapeutic options are available. When dietary, medical and rehabilitative treatments have failed, sacral neuromodulation should be considered in selected cases. More invasive surgery is usually undertaken in the presence of major structural defects. The aim of this article is to suggest a comprehensive way of identifying and treating anal incontinence.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie viscérale, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. yannick.cerantola@chuv.ch
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cerantola
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aellen
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Givel
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D004032:Diet; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans