Prevalence and risk factors for urinary and anal incontinence in Tunisian middle aged women

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence and anal incontinence in Tunisian women and to identify their risk factors.

Sphincter function in the urethra and the anal canal: A comparison in women with manifest urinary incontinence

Thirty-three women with urinary incontinence — 26 with stress and 7 with urge incontinence — were examined with anal profilometry, a low complaint recording system using a perfusion catheter. No statistical differences were found in anal variables between the two subgroups. Individual urethral and anal pressures were unrelated. A significant relationship (r =0.41) was found between body weight and the reservoir pressures (i.e., bladder and rectal pressures). Seventeen women reported problems with anal incontinence, of whom all but one belonged to the stress incontinent subgroup. Anal pressures were lower in the urinary incontinent group as a whole than in a younger control group (P<0.001). We conclude that women with stress urinary incontinence often have concomitant symptoms of anal incontinence (i.e., double incontinence) and reduced anal pressures.     

Natural progression of anal incontinence after childbirth

Introduction and hypothesis  The aim of work is to study the natural progression of anal incontinence (AI) in women 10 years after their first delivery and to identify risk factors associated with persistent AI. Methods  A prospective cohort study of 304 primiparous women with singleton, cephalic delivery giving vaginal childbirth in 1995. Questionnaires distributed and collected at delivery, 9 months, 5 years and 10 years after, assessing anorectal symptoms, subsequent treatment, and obstetrical events. Results  Women, 246 of 304, answered all questionnaires (81%). Thirty-five of 246 (14%) had a sphincter tear at the first delivery. One hundred ninety-six of 246 (80%) women had additional vaginal deliveries and no caesarean sections. The prevalence of AI at 10 years after the first delivery was 57% in women with a sphincter tear and 28% in women, a nonsignificant increase compared to the 5-year follow-up. Women who sustained a sphincter tear at the first delivery had an increased risk of severe AI (RR 3.9, 95% CI 1.3–11.8). Neither age, nor subsequent deliveries added to the risk. Severe AI at baseline and 5 years after delivery were independently strong predictors of severe AI at 10 years (RR 12.6, CI 3.3–48.3, and RR 8.3, CI 3.9–17.8, respectively). Conclusion  Persistent anal incontinence 10 years after the first parturition is frequent and sometimes severe, especially if vaginal delivery was complicated by an anal sphincter disruption.     

Anal sphincter defects and anal incontinence symptoms after repair of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in primiparous women

A study was carried out to identify (1) incidence of anal incontinence symptoms, (2) incidence and size of both external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter (IAS) defects, and (3) relationship between anal incontinence symptoms and IAS or EAS defect size after repair of an obstetric anal sphincter laceration. Forty-seven vaginally primiparous women underwent obstetric anal sphincter laceration repair. At 8–12 weeks postpartum, anal incontinence symptoms were assessed, and endoanal ultrasound was performed. At 1–2 years postpartum, symptoms were reassesseds. The incidence of anal incontinence symptoms at 8–12 weeks was 43%. The incidence of IAS and EAS defects were 32% and 77%, respectively. IAS defects ≥45 degrees were predictive of symptoms (p = 0.02). After 18 months mean follow-up, 11% reported chronic symptoms. After anal sphincter laceration repair, anal incontinence symptoms occur in 43% of women and remain chronic in 11%. Anal incontinence symptoms are associated with increasing IAS defect size. Poster presentation at the American Urogynecologic Society Annual Meeting, Hollywood, Florida, USA, 27–29 September 2007.     

The impact of delivery on anorectal function in women with and women without anal incontinence – a prospective study

 A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the effect of delivery on anal physiological parameters in anally incontinent women (n=18) compared with continent women (n=42). Perineal plane, anal manometry, anal mucosa electrosensitivity and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) were all assessed at 26 weeks' gestation and at 3 and 6 months after delivery. No major effect on the incremental changes in anal physiological parameters was seen from 26 weeks of gestation to 3 months after delivery. At 26 weeks of gestation perineal plane and maximal squeeze pressure were impaired in incontinent women (P=0.02 and P=0.06); PNTML was impaired in incontinent women 6 months after delivery (P=0.05). Irrespective of continence status, delivery had an adverse effect on maximal squeeze pressure and PNTML. No major incremental changes were found between incontinent and continent women after delivery. However, there was a tendency to a higher degree of impairment of maximal squeeze pressure among incontinent women. Delivery per se had an adverse effect on maximal squeeze pressure and PNTML irrespective of continence status. Received: 21 December 2002 / Accepted: 24 June 2002     

A new treatment of anal incontinence in children: free autogenous muscle transplantation

A new method is presented for the treatment of anal incontinence in children, including free autogenous muscle transplantation. The primary step is denervation of a skeletal muscle, which 2 wk later is transplanted and placed as a U-sling around the rectum, imitating the position and function of the puborectalis muscle. The transplant is placed in close contact with innervated muscles, which act as reinnervation sources. The results in five consecutive patients are highly promising. An early sign of improvement is the occurrence of a sensation of rectal fullness. All the patients reached an acceptable degree of continence, including abandonment of the use of napkins, 4-12 mo after surgery.     

The influence of obesity, constitution and physical work on the phenomenon of urinary incontinence in women

Urinary incontinence in women is a common and complex problem which can be defined and classified as stress, urge and mixed incontinence. Three of the eight most common risk factors are obesity, constitution and physical work, in addition to age, length of menstrual cycle, number of pregnancies, education and level of health awareness. Women with the diagnosis of urinary incontinence were invited to respond to questionnaires on a voluntary basis. The three factors found to be associated with urinary incontinence are increased body weight, strong osteomuscular structure and hard physical work. These indicate that the work of a health team must take a holistic approach to women even before the phenomenon of urinary incontinence occurs.Editorial Comment: This study is a statistical analysis of the risk factors for urinary incontinence in women. The authors find that obesity, hard physical work and strong osteomuscular structure are linked to the development of incontinence. Limitations to the study design and results include the absence of an appropriate control group and potential selection bias. Nevertheless, few investigators have attempted to study the impact of the type of daily workload on the development of urinary incontinence and, vice versa, the impact of urinary incontinence on a patient's employment and social life. These are important issues which deserve further investigation.     

Can anal manometry predict anal incontinence after fistulectomy in males?

BACKGROUND: Disordered continence is frequently reported after operations for anal fistulae and pre-operative anorectal physiology may be carried out prior to surgery to improve functional outcome. Elderly patients and multiparous females are at higher risk for incontinence, whereas males under 60 have stronger sphincters. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive role of anal manometry and the causes of postoperative soiling and its effect on the quality of life in males with intact sphincters undergoing excision of either trans or supra sphincteric fistulae. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (median age 47 years) were analysed retrospectively. None had previous anal surgery and all were fully continent. Five had Crohn's disease. Anal pressures and rectal sensation were evaluated prior to fistulectomy by means of anal manometry in all cases and after surgery in those who had postoperative incontinence. A cutting seton was used in 17 patients, a rectal advancement flap in 15 and a double rectal-cutaneous flap in six. None had a lay-open. The intersphincteric plane was explored and drained in all cases. A previously described incontinence grading and score was used to assess postoperative soiling. The median follow-up was 22 (range 5-89) months. The patients with postoperative anal incontinence were evaluated with the Gastrointestinal quality of Life Index Questionnaire (0:poor, 4:good) at a median follow-up of 49 months. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (76%) patients were continent after surgery, whereas 9 (24%) complained of some degree of anal incontinence (minor in 4, severe in 1, the 1-6 incontinence score being 3.7 +/- 1.3 (mean +/- s.d.m.). Their Quality of life score was 3.8 +/- 0.5 (mean +/- sdm). None of them had Crohn's disease, five had frequent diarrhoea, four had a reintervention for either anal fissure or recurrent fistula (two), three had a postseton anal deformity. No difference was found between continent and incontinent patients as far as pre-operative anal pressures were concerned, but the maximum rectal volume threshold was significantly higher in incontinent patients, 165 +/- 67 vs. 123 +/- 49 ml of air (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Sphincter division, diarrhoea and anal deformity may cause soiling after fistulectomy in males and it does not severely affect quality of life. Surgery rather than manometry may predict it and rectal sensation may play a role which needs further investigation.     

Measurement of anal cushions in continent women

Aim Anal cushions are connective tissue complexes thought to be involved in anal continence. This study aimed to assess them in continent subjects. Method Continent women undergoing a transvaginal ultrasound scan for gynaecological reasons were included. The anal cushions were visualized at the mid‐canal level. The cross‐sectional area within the internal anal sphincter (Area 1) and the area enclosed within the anal cushions (Area 2) were measured and a Cushion:Canal (C:C) ratio was derived for each patient. The measurements were repeated in the semi‐erect position. Results One hundred and two patients with a median age of 41 (IQR 32–49) years were included. The median C:C ratio was 0.68 (IQR 0.61–0.73). Inter‐observer error was 0.98 and intra‐observer error was 0.99. There was no significant correlation between age and C:C ratio. The C:C ratio was significantly higher in parous than in nulliparous women (P = 0.04). A history of obstetric trauma or minimal haemorrhoidal symptoms did not influence C:C ratio. There was a significant increase in C:C ratio in the erect position. (P = 0.04). Conclusion There was a wide range of variability in the measurement of anal cushions in normal continent women. These were not influenced by age.     

Abdominal obesity is associated with stress urinary incontinence in Korean women

This study investigated the relationship between abdominal obesity and stress urinary incontinence in Korean women. Women aged 30 and over, who visited the Department of Family Medicine of Asan Medical Center were recruited to participate in this study. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were taken, and associated factors of stress urinary incontinence was assessed by questionnaire. Stress urinary incontinence was significantly associated with physical work, vaginal delivery, and high waist circumference. In comparison with women in the lowest quartile of waist circumference, the odds ratios (OR) for stress urinary incontinence in women in the second, third, and fourth quartiles were increased significantly (1.79, 95% CI 1.07–2.98; 3.50, 95% CI 2.02–6.07; and 6.07, 95% CI 3.23–11.40, respectively). Our results indicate that high waist circumference may be a risk factor associated with stress urinary incontinence in women.     

Fecal incontinence: a review of prevalence and obstetric risk factors

Anal incontinence (AI) is a significant problem that causes social and hygienic inconvenience. The true prevalence of AI is difficult to estimate due to inconsistencies in research methods, but larger studies suggest a rate of 2–6% for incontinence to stool. There is a significant association between sonographically detected anal sphincter defects and symptoms of AI. The intrapartum factors most consistently associated with a higher risk of AI include: forceps delivery, third or fourth degree tears, and length of the second stage of labor. Fetal weight of > 4,000 g is also associated with AI. Repair of the sphincter can be performed in either an overlapping or an end-to-end fashion, with similar results for both methods. The role of cesarean delivery for the prevention of AI remains unclear, and further study should be devoted to this question.     

肛管内超声对排粪失禁患儿肛门括约肌受损程度的评价

目的探讨肛管内超声对肛门内括约肌（IAS）、肛门外括约肌（EAS）及耻骨直肠肌（PR）形态及完整性的评估,从而为排粪失禁的原因及治疗方案的制订提供客观依据。方法回顾性分析2009年12月至2012年11月间山东大学第二医院收治的14例先天性肛门直肠畸形术后及4例先天性巨结肠术后排粪失禁患儿的临床资料。应用肛管内超声对IAS、EAS及PR进行观察,并进行括约肌受损程度评分;同时行肛管直肠测压评分和肛门功能评分,通过Spearman秩相关分析评价括约肌评分与肛管直肠测压评分和肛门功能评分之间的相关性。结果18例患儿中男13例,女5例,年龄10—16岁。肛门括约肌受损评分结果显示,括约肌轻度受损11例,中度受损65J,重度受损1例;另有PR受损4例。括约肌评分与肛管直肠测压评分之间呈正相关（P〈0．05）,而与肛门功能评分无明显相关性（P〉0．05）。结论肛管内超声可清楚显示IAS、EAS和PR的形态,明确其是否完整及受损程度,是评价肛门直肠畸形术后排粪失禁患儿非常有价值的方法,但并不能完全反映括约肌及肛门的功能状况。     

Prevalence and correlations of anal incontinence and constipation in Taiwanese women

Anal incontinence and constipation are not only physically and psychologically disabling symptoms but also a significant social and public health problem. The epidemiology of anal incontinence and constipation from community-bases remains largely unknown, especially in Asian women. This study is a continuation of a previous survey taken on the epidemiology of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in Taiwanese women by using a second questionnaire (correlation coefficient for symptoms, r=0.87; P<0.05). We evaluated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with anal incontinence and constipation in the general population. Of the 1,584 (2.92%) women sampled, 1,253 (79.1%) were successfully interviewed at home. The prevalence of fecal incontinence and flatus incontinence was 35 (2.8%) and 107 (8.6%), respectively. There were 306 (24.5%) participants who reported constipation. However, according to the current medical criteria for constipation, the prevalence of constipation was only 2.7%. The prevalence of anal incontinence did not increase after the age of 65 years (9.7%, including 3.5% of elderly women with fecal incontinence and 6.2% of elderly women with flatus incontinence). The prevalence of constipation significantly increased in the women aged 65 years and over (self-reported prevalence: 32.4%, fitted in medical criteria for constipation: 8.3%). Our results demonstrated that constipation shares some of the same risk factors, namely, symptoms of uterovaginal prolapse, prior gynecologic surgery, and overactive bladder that predispose women to the occurrence of anal incontinence. The questionnaire needs a higher discriminatory capacity, and a longitudinal study should be conducted to clarify this conflict further.     

臀大肌代肛门括约肌治疗高位无肛术后大便失禁

目的探讨臀大肌代肛门括约肌控便手术治疗高位无肛术后大便失禁的疗效。方法 2002年12月-2010年11月,收治25例高位无肛行腹会阴联合肛门成形术后完全性大便失禁患者,采用臀大肌代肛门括约肌控便手术治疗。男11例,女14例;年龄3～22岁,平均10.2岁。术前直肠造影、肛管直肠测压及肌电图检查显示肛门括约肌功能缺失或严重不良。采用Wexner评分、大便失禁生活质量调查问卷(FIQL)、自测健康评定量表(SRHMS)评定患者生活质量,并行肛管直肠测压、肛管直肠腔内超声检查、动态排便造影检查。结果术后1周2例患者发生直肠切口瘘,其余患者切口Ⅰ期愈合。患者均获随访,随访时间1～9年,平均6.3年。大便次数由术前每天10余次减少至4～6次。术后1年及术后2年及以上Wexner评分及SRHMS自测评分与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后2年及以上FIQL评分较术前及术后1年明显改善(P<0.05)。肛管直肠测压结果示术后2年及以上患者肛管最大收缩压、收缩持续时间及最大收缩容积较术前及术后1年明显提高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论臀大肌代肛门括约肌手术能一定程度改善高位无肛术后大便失禁患者的控便能力。     

Moderate weight loss in obese women with urinary incontinence: a prospective longitudinal study

This study assessed the effect of moderate weight loss in obese women with urodynamically proven urinary incontinence using the International Consultation on Incontinence recommended outcome measures. Sixty-four incontinent women were offered a weight reduction programme with a target loss of 5-10%. This included a low-calorie diet and exercise. An anti-obesity drug (Orlistat) was offered to those who failed to achieve their target. Forty-two (65%) achieved the target weight loss and had significant reduction in body mass index and girth. Weight loss was associated with significant reduction in pad test loss (median difference, 19 g; 95% confidence interval, 13-28 g; p < 0.001). There was also a clinical and statistically significant improvement in quality of life measures. These results suggest that weight reduction of 5% of initial body weight can improve urinary incontinence severity and its effects on quality of life in obese women.     

Risk factors for recurrence and incontinence after anal fistula surgery

Objective Fistula‐in‐ano continues to raise problems that require important therapeutic decisions. Our aim was to evaluate its recurrence and incontinence risk factors. Method We analysed a series of 279 patients who had undergone anal fistula surgery with long‐term follow‐up. Results 42.7% of the fistulae were considered complex and 46% had been referred from other institutions. There was delayed healing or recurrence in 7.2% patients, which appeared at a median of 4 months. The factors associated with recurrence were the type of fistula (extrasphincteric/suprasphincteric), nonidentification of internal opening (IO), recurrent or complex fistulae (CF), and associated chronic abscess. Only CF and nonidentification of IO were statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Preoperative incontinence was a risk factor for postoperative incontinence, as were suprasphincteric, recurrent and CF. The age and gender of the patient did not influence postoperative continence, nor did the surgeon or surgical technique appear as a risk factor, although after excluding preoperative incontinent patients, fistulotomy was the technique that showed a higher risk of incontinence. Multivariate analysis only confirmed previous incontinence as a RF. Conclusion The overall recurrence rate is acceptable, but high fistulae continue to be difficult to treat. IO identification is also essential for obtaining good results. It is important to identify the patients with preoperative incontinence as they are at a greater risk of deterioration after surgery.     

Selecting patients with faecal incontinence for anal sphincter surgery: the influence of irritable bowel syndrome

Aim This was a prospective study to determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients with faecal incontinence and to investigate the association of IBS positivity with sphincter dysfunction. Method Patients with faecal incontinence were referred for physiological assessment and further management. Those with an acute obstetric injury, rectal prolapse or previous anorectal surgery were excluded. One hundred and seventy‐seven women were studied. Symptom questionnaires were used prospectively to identify IBS positivity using Rome 11 criteria and the Cleveland Clinic incontinence score. Results The prevalence of IBS was 44%. IBS patients had higher incontinence scores than non‐IBS patients (11.0 vs 9.0, P < 0.01). A normal or high maximum resting anal pressure in an incontinent woman increased the chance of her having IBS by a factor of 2.6. Conclusion The prevalence of IBS positivity in patients presenting with faecal incontinence was high. A normal or high anal resting pressure and a high incontinence score should raise the suspicion of IBS.     

Faecal incontinence after seton treatment for anal fistulae with and without surgical division of internal anal sphincter: a systematic review

Objective The challenge of surgery for anal fistula is to eradicate the fistula track while maintaining anal continence. Seton placement is recommended to reduce postoperative faecal incontinence but interestingly a great range of functional impairment after surgery has been published. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of intra‐operative internal anal sphincter division during tight or cutting seton technique for cryptogenic anal fistula, on the results of recurrence and postoperative faecal incontinence. Method A systematic literature review was performed to identify published series from 1966 to May 2007 of patients with anal fistula treated by a tight or cutting seton technique. The published series has been divided in to those where preservation of internal anal sphincter was performed (PIAS group) or where intra‐operative surgical division was undertaken in the time of seton placement (SIAS group) .The main endpoints of the review were to study anal fistula recurrence rate and postoperative faecal incontinence. Results Eighteen studies including 19 series and 448 patients were analysed in detail. Recurrence rate was 5.0% and 3.0% in PIAS and SIAS group respectively. Overall faecal incontinence rate was 5.6% in PIAS group and 25.2% in SIAS group. Conclusion Although based on low‐evidence studies, intra‐operative preservation of internal anal sphincter at the time of seton insertion for anal fistula seems to reduce the postoperative faecal incontinence without a substantial increase in recurrence rates.     

The gracilis sling for fecal incontinence

During the past 20 yr, we have transplanted the gracilis muscle to the perianal position for use as a sphincter to achieve continence in 7 completely incontinent children, ages 7 to 16 yr. Complete continence was achieved in three, three were improved and one transplant became infected and failed completely. The procedure has been performed as originally described by Pickrell. The bowel must be impeccably clean prior to the operation and the muscle must be sutured as tightly as possible about the anus. These two details, in addition to postoperative training, are essential for a successful result.