Bowel Incontinence Treatment - AMS - Acticon Neosphincter, Fecal Incontinence, Bowel Control, Female Pelvic Health

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causes of bowel incontinence

bowel incontinence treatment

treating bowel incontinence with Acticon Neosphincter

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	Bowel control problems, specifically fecal incontinence, result in the accidental and unexpected loss of stool. Although the condition has the power to drastically change lifestyles, activities, and relationships—the embarrassment and frustration people feel often keeps them from discussing it. Be sure to share your symptoms with a doctor, because there are options. You can regain control. Understanding bowel control To really understand bowel incontinence, you first need to know how a healthy rectum and anus work. The anal sphincter is a circular muscle that wraps around the anal canal, a small passage between the rectum and anus, and controls the release of gas and stool. When functioning properly the sphincter remains constricted around the anal canal, keeping stool from escaping the bowel. When the body needs to void the bowel, the sphincter relaxes, opening the anal canal, and allowing stool to move out of the rectum. What is bowel incontinence? If the anal sphincter is weakened or damaged, loss of bowel control can occur. If you’ve experienced an accidental loss of solid or liquid stool it’s time to speak with a doctor and begin your search for a solution. Causes of bowel incontinence include: Diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and colorectal disease Trauma to the anal and/or rectal area Birth defects Abnormal stool consistency or rectal capacity Damage to pelvic floor nerves Difficult childbirth Don’t delay. Speak to a specialist and take your first step toward relief Before you begin talking about solutions, the doctor will want to have a thorough understanding of the cause of your bowel incontinence and its severity. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, diet, and bowel movements. It’s important that the doctor understands when and under what circumstances you experience bowel incontinence. It may be helpful to bring notes about symptoms and episodes. Following a routine physical exam, the doctor may perform some common tests to identify the cause and severity of your incontinence: Blood Test — Blood work is analyzed for hormone levels and other important indicators Rectal Examination — Doctors can assess the strength of the sphincter muscle or identify other issues through a manual exam Manometry — Measures the pressure or tension of the anal canal while resting, squeezing, and pushing Endoanal Ultrasound — Projects a visual image of the anal canal and surrounding tissues onto a screen for analysis by the doctor Managing your bowel incontinence symptoms For mild bowel incontinence symptoms, a doctor may suggest that you implement some simple management techniques. Changing your diet — Often fecal incontinence happens because the anal sphincter can’t handle large amounts of liquid stool. Simply avoiding gas-producing foods, reducing your intake of fluids, fat, and fiber, and increasing the amounts of constipating foods you eat, could bring relief. Absorbent products — Absorbent pads and protective undergarments can help you minimize your discomfort and embarrassment from unexpected stool loss. Medication — Medications used for diarrhea, harden stool and improve rectal muscle tone. In addition, other medications are available that can reduce intestinal secretions and slow bowel movements, reduce stool water content, and protect the intestinal lining from irritation. Treating bowel incontinence Muscle exercises using biofeedback — You may regain the strength and tone of your pelvic floor muscles through simple physical exercises. Special measurement instruments help you monitor improvement in muscle strength. Surgical Procedures — Between new medical technologies, like surgical implants, and more traditional surgical procedures, doctors and their patients have a number of choices to consider. It’s important to speak with a specialist who’s current on the latest and most effective treatment options before you commit to a surgical procedure. For more detailed information about your surgical options, click here. Restore your freedom with Acticon® The Acticon Neosphincter is a small, fluid-filled device that is fully implanted in the body, restoring bowel control. Designed to mimic the natural function of the anal sphincter muscle, those who've had Acticon implanted note some important life-changing benefits: Dramatic improvement in bowel control Components are entirely internal, so only you will know they’re there It’s easy to use To learn more about AMS Acticon® Neosphincter, click here. Insurance Coverage AMS fecal incontinence surgery is covered by Medicare and most private insurance carriers. For more information, click here. Who treats bowel incontinence? Colorectal Surgeon (Proctologist) has a particular interest in diseases of the colon and rectum. To become proficient in the treatment and management of these conditions, a colorectal surgeon must undergo training in both general surgery and advanced training in problems of the lower digestive tract. A colorectal surgeon may also be known as a proctologist. While seeing your primary care physician is a first step, when it comes time to discuss treatment optionst, your doctor will need to refer you to someone with specialized knowledge. The Acticon device is not recommended for those patients: Who are not good canidates for surgical procedures or anesthesia. With fecal incontinence complicated by some type of permanent bowel blockage. With an active infection. You should talk to your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option. ©2008 American Medical Systems. All rights reserved. 600190-01A (3/08)	Suffering from loss of bowel control? You are not alone. More than 5 million Americans of all ages suffer from bowel incontinence (or fecal incontinence), yet it’s rarely talked about. And while its more commonly found in women and older adults—it is not a normal part of aging. The good news is that medical advances offer relief. So speak with a specialist who’s knowledgeable about the latest treatment options. Relief could be right around the corner. Do you know about vaginal prolapse? Vaginal prolapse affects more than 30 million women worldwide. Fecal incontinence could be a symptom of this condition. Click here to learn more about vaginal prolapse. Solutions for Life American Medical Systems (AMS) delivers world-class medical devices and therapies that help restore pelvic health, including a treatment option for fecal incontinence.