title: Anorectal incontinence: a challenge in diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
abstract: Anorectal incontinence is a symptom of a complex multifactorial disorder involving the pelvic floor and anorectum, which is a severe disability and a major social problem. Various causes may affect the anatomical and functional integrity of the pelvic floor and anorectum, leading to the anorectal continence disorder and incontinence. The most common cause of anorectal incontinence is injury of the sphincter muscles following delivery or anorectal surgeries. Although the exact incidence of anorectal incontinence is unknown, various studies suggest that it affects ~2.2-8.3% of adults, with a significant prevalence in the elderly (>50%). The successful treatment of anorectal incontinence depends on the accurate diagnosis of its cause. This can be achieved by a thorough assessment of patients. The management of incontinent patients involves conservative therapeutic procedures, surgical techniques, and minimally invasive approaches.
authors: aDepartment of General Surgery, 'Polykliniki' Athens General Hospital bSecond Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Athens University Medical School, Laiko General Hospital, Athens cSecond Department of General Surgery, Piraeus General Hospital 'Agios Pandeleimon', Piraeus, Greece.
authors: Nikolaos P
authors: NP
authors: Andromanakos
authors: Dimitrios K
authors: DK
authors: Filippou
authors: Stamatis I
authors: SI
authors: Pinis
authors: Alkiviadis I
authors: AI
authors: Kostakis
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D055909:Magnetic Field Therapy / Q000379:methods; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000601:surgery; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery