LOSS OF BOWEL CONTROL
Fecal Incontinence
A condition in which a person is unable to control bowel movements — leading to involuntary leakage of stool or gas, severely affecting daily life, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of stool or gas due to weakness or damage of the anal sphincter muscles, pelvic floor, or the nerves controlling them. It is far more common than people realise, but is often under-reported because of social embarrassment. Causes include childbirth-related sphincter injury, age-related muscle weakness, previous anorectal surgery, neurological conditions, and chronic diarrhoea. Symptoms range from occasional leakage of gas to frequent loss of solid stool, often impacting daily activities, relationships and self-esteem. Treatment is highly individualised and starts with dietary, medical and pelvic floor therapy. When conservative measures are not enough, advanced surgical options such as sacral neuromodulation can offer significant improvement. Dr. Tejasree Vengala, a trusted female proctologist in Hyderabad, offers compassionate, comprehensive care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Childbirth-related injury to the anal sphincter or pelvic nerves
- Age-related weakening of sphincter muscles
- Previous anorectal surgery for fistula, fissure or piles
- Neurological conditions such as stroke, diabetes or spinal injury
- Chronic diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease
- Rectal prolapse or severe pelvic floor dysfunction
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Passive incontinence, urge incontinence, or seepage — based on pattern.
Sacral Neuromodulation, Sphincteroplasty, Artificial Bowel Sphincter, Stoma.
Conservative care — dietary changes, medication, biofeedback and pelvic floor therapy.
Most surgical procedures allow return to routine activities in 2–4 weeks.
Confidential, sensitive care by Dr. Tejasree, a female proctologist.
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)
Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers Sacral Neuromodulation — a modern, minimally invasive treatment in which a small device delivers gentle electrical impulses to the nerves controlling the pelvic floor. SNM significantly improves continence in patients who do not respond to medical therapy, with high success rates and minimal disruption to daily life.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Tejasree carefully reviews symptoms, performs a clinical examination, and uses anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound and pelvic floor assessment to plan treatment.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A stepwise plan is created — starting with diet, medication, biofeedback and pelvic floor therapy, and progressing to surgery if needed.
- 3
Procedure
The chosen surgical option, such as SNM or sphincteroplasty, is performed under appropriate anaesthesia, usually with a short hospital stay.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Patients gradually regain control with a combined approach of surgery, pelvic floor exercises, and lifestyle support, with regular follow-up to track progress.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)
A small implanted device delivers gentle electrical impulses to pelvic nerves — highly effective for patients who fail to respond to medical therapy.
Overlapping Sphincteroplasty
Surgical repair of a torn or weakened anal sphincter, often used for incontinence following childbirth or anorectal injury.
Artificial Bowel Sphincter
Implantation of a controllable mechanical sphincter device — reserved for severe incontinence not corrected by other procedures.
Stoma (Colostomy / Ileostomy)
Diversion of the bowel to the abdominal wall — used as a last resort when continence cannot be restored, to improve quality of life.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure about your condition?
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