The ability to store feces until a socially acceptable time and to void under conscious control is a fundamental social and physiologic process. Loss of the mechanisms controlling fecal continence can be devastating, resulting in social isolation and reduced quality of life.<sup>45 Sailer M., Bussen D., Debus E.S. , e al. Quality of life in patients with benign anorectal disorders Br J Surg 1998 ;  85 : 1716-1719  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Estimates of the incidence of fecal incontinence vary greatly according to the clinical setting. In an elderly self-caring population, 7% of healthy people aged greater than 65 years had fecal incontinence at least weekly.<sup>58 Talley N.J., O'Keefe E.A., Zinsmeister A.R. , e al. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the elderly: A population-based study Gastroenterology 1992 ;  102 : 895-901  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Of elderly people in residential care, 46% suffer from fecal incontinence.<sup>40 Nelson R., Furner S., Jesudason V. Fecal incontinence in Wisconsin nursing homes: Prevalence and associations Dis Colon Rectum 1998 ;  41 : 1226-1229  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> There is a strong association with urinary incontinence, with fecal incontinence reported by 26% of women attending a urogynecology clinic.<sup>25 Khullar V., Damiano R., Toozs-Hobson P. , e al. Prevalence of faecal incontinence among women with urinary incontinence Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1998 ;  105 : 1211-1213  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Only a few patients suffering from fecal incontinence present to health care professionals, however. Embarrassment and social stigma often delay presentation by several years. Detailed assessment and a multidisciplinary approach to management are essential for therapy to be successful.