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World J Gastroenterol. May 28, 2006; 12(20): 3168-3173
Published online May 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i20.3168
Treatment strategies in obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence
Marat Khaikin, Steven D Wexner
Marat Khaikin, Steven D Wexner, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Steven D Wexner, MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCS(Ed), Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd. Weston, FL 33331, United States. mcderme@ccf.org
Telephone: +1-954-6595133 Fax: +1-954-6595587
Received: March 29, 2006
Revised: April 7, 2006
Accepted: April 16, 2006
Published online: May 28, 2006
Abstract

Obstructed defecation (OD) and fecal incontinence (FI) are challenging clinical problems, which are commonly encountered in the practice of colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists. These disorders socially and psychologically distress patients and greatly impair their quality of life. The underlying anatomical and pathophysiological changes are complex, often incompletely understood and cannot always be determined. As a consequence, many medical, surgical, and behavioral approaches have been described, with no panacea. Over the past decade, advances in an understanding of these disorders together with rational and similar methods of evaluation in anorectal physiology laboratories (ARP), radiology studies, and new surgical techniques have led to promising results. In this brief review, we discuss treatment strategies and recent updates on clinical and therapeutic aspects of obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence.

Keywords: Obstructed defecation; Fecal incontinence; Treatment