Skip to main content
Top
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease 9/2008

01-09-2008 | Original Article

Clinical characteristics and quality of life in a cohort of 621 patients with faecal incontinence

Authors: Henri Damon, Anne Marie Schott, Xavier Barth, Jean Luc Faucheron, Laurent Abramowitz, Laurent Siproudhis, Marie-Odile Fayard, Cyrille Colin, Guy Valancogne, Véronique Bonniaud, François Mion, The French ORALIA Group

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 9/2008

Login to get access

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to study a cohort of patients with faecal incontinence (FI) to gain a better insight into the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of this pathology and its repercussions on quality of life (QL).

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients with FI seen at tertiary centres filled in a self-questionnaire. The severity of FI, constipation and urinary incontinence (UI) was evaluated, respectively, by the Jorge and Wexner score, the Knowles–Eccersley–Scott Symptom score and the Urological Distress Inventory score. ROME II criteria were used to assess the existence of an associated irritable bowel syndrome. The repercussion on QL was evaluated by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life index score and the Ditrovie score. The psychological status was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale.

Results

Six hundred twenty-one patients (114 men), mean age 58 ± 15 years (range: 20–92), with FI, filled in the questionnaire. The mean Jorge and Wexner score was 11 ± 4. Twenty-seven presented with an irritable bowel syndrome. Thirty-eight percent had an associated constipation. A UI was associated in 48% women and 25% men. QL was significantly altered, and anxiety and depression were frequent.

Conclusions

FI symptoms are frequently severe, QL very altered and anxiety and depression common. FI is frequently associated with other digestive and perineal symptoms, which argue in favour of a multi-disciplinary management of FI.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Damon H, Guye O, Seigneurin A, Long F, Sonko A, Faucheron JL et al (2006) Prevalence of anal incontinence in adults and impact on quality-of-life. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 30(1):37–43PubMed Damon H, Guye O, Seigneurin A, Long F, Sonko A, Faucheron JL et al (2006) Prevalence of anal incontinence in adults and impact on quality-of-life. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 30(1):37–43PubMed
2.
go back to reference Damon H, Dumas P, Mion F (2004) Impact of anal incontinence and chronic constipation on quality of life. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 28:16–20PubMed Damon H, Dumas P, Mion F (2004) Impact of anal incontinence and chronic constipation on quality of life. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 28:16–20PubMed
3.
go back to reference Kalantar JS, Howell S, Talley NJ (2002) Prevalence of faecal incontinence and associated risk factors; an underdiagnosed problem in the Australian community? Med J Aust 176(2):54–57PubMed Kalantar JS, Howell S, Talley NJ (2002) Prevalence of faecal incontinence and associated risk factors; an underdiagnosed problem in the Australian community? Med J Aust 176(2):54–57PubMed
4.
go back to reference Macmillan AK, Merrie AE, Marshall RJ, Parry BR (2004) The prevalence of fecal incontinence in community-dwelling adults: a systematic review of the literature. Dis Colon Rectum 47:1341–1349PubMedCrossRef Macmillan AK, Merrie AE, Marshall RJ, Parry BR (2004) The prevalence of fecal incontinence in community-dwelling adults: a systematic review of the literature. Dis Colon Rectum 47:1341–1349PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Perry S, Shaw C, McGrother C, Matthews RJ, Assassa RP, Dallosso H et al (2002) Prevalence of faecal incontinence in adults aged 40 years or more living in the community. Gut 50(4):480–484PubMedCrossRef Perry S, Shaw C, McGrother C, Matthews RJ, Assassa RP, Dallosso H et al (2002) Prevalence of faecal incontinence in adults aged 40 years or more living in the community. Gut 50(4):480–484PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Byrne CM, Pager CK, Rex J, Roberts R, Solomon MJ (2002) Assessment of quality of life in the treatment of patients with neuropathic fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 45(11):1431–1436PubMedCrossRef Byrne CM, Pager CK, Rex J, Roberts R, Solomon MJ (2002) Assessment of quality of life in the treatment of patients with neuropathic fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 45(11):1431–1436PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Minguez Perez M, Benages Martinez A (2004) [Quality of life in patients with anal incontinence]. Gastroenterol Hepatol 27(Suppl 3):39–48PubMedCrossRef Minguez Perez M, Benages Martinez A (2004) [Quality of life in patients with anal incontinence]. Gastroenterol Hepatol 27(Suppl 3):39–48PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Rullier E, Zerbib F, Marrel A, Amouretti M, Lehur PA (2004) Validation of the French version of the Fecal Incontinence Quality-of-Life (FIQL) scale. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 28(6–7 Pt 1):562–568PubMed Rullier E, Zerbib F, Marrel A, Amouretti M, Lehur PA (2004) Validation of the French version of the Fecal Incontinence Quality-of-Life (FIQL) scale. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 28(6–7 Pt 1):562–568PubMed
9.
go back to reference Jorge JM, Wexner SD (1993) Etiology and management of fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 36(1):77–97PubMedCrossRef Jorge JM, Wexner SD (1993) Etiology and management of fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 36(1):77–97PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Slim K, Bousquet J, Kwiatkowski F, Lescure G, Pezet D, Chipponi J (1999) Première validation de la version Française de l’index de qualité de vie pour les maladies digestives (GIQLI). Gastroenterol Clin Biol 23:25–31PubMed Slim K, Bousquet J, Kwiatkowski F, Lescure G, Pezet D, Chipponi J (1999) Première validation de la version Française de l’index de qualité de vie pour les maladies digestives (GIQLI). Gastroenterol Clin Biol 23:25–31PubMed
11.
go back to reference Knowles CH, Eccersley AJ, Scott SM, Walker SM, Reeves B, Lunniss PJ (2000) Linear discriminant analysis of symptoms in patients with chronic constipation: validation of a new scoring system (KESS). Dis Colon Rectum 43(10):1419–1426PubMedCrossRef Knowles CH, Eccersley AJ, Scott SM, Walker SM, Reeves B, Lunniss PJ (2000) Linear discriminant analysis of symptoms in patients with chronic constipation: validation of a new scoring system (KESS). Dis Colon Rectum 43(10):1419–1426PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Zigmond A, Sanaaith R (1983) The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand 67:361–370PubMedCrossRef Zigmond A, Sanaaith R (1983) The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand 67:361–370PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Thompson WG, Longstreth GF, Drossman DA, Heaton KW, Irvine EJ, Muller-Lissner S (1999) Functionnal bowels disorders and functionnal abdominal pain. Gut 45(Suppl 2):II43–II47PubMedCrossRef Thompson WG, Longstreth GF, Drossman DA, Heaton KW, Irvine EJ, Muller-Lissner S (1999) Functionnal bowels disorders and functionnal abdominal pain. Gut 45(Suppl 2):II43–II47PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Uebersax JS, Wyman JF, Shumaker SA, McClish DK, Fantl JA (1995) Short forms to assess life quality and symptom disstress for urinary incontinencein women: the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and the Urogenital Distress Inventory. Continence Program for Women Research Group. Neurourol Urodyn 14:131–139PubMedCrossRef Uebersax JS, Wyman JF, Shumaker SA, McClish DK, Fantl JA (1995) Short forms to assess life quality and symptom disstress for urinary incontinencein women: the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and the Urogenital Distress Inventory. Continence Program for Women Research Group. Neurourol Urodyn 14:131–139PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Amarenco G, Marquis P, Leriche A, Richard F, Zerbib F, Jacquetin B (1997) Une échelle spécifique d’évaluation de la pertubation de la qualité de vie au cours des troubles mictionnels: l’échelle Ditrovie. Ann Readapt Med Phys 40:21–26 Amarenco G, Marquis P, Leriche A, Richard F, Zerbib F, Jacquetin B (1997) Une échelle spécifique d’évaluation de la pertubation de la qualité de vie au cours des troubles mictionnels: l’échelle Ditrovie. Ann Readapt Med Phys 40:21–26
16.
go back to reference Rothwell PM, McDowell Z, Wong CK, Dorman PJ (1997) Doctors and patients don’t agree: cross sectional study of patients’ and doctors’ perceptions and assessments of disability in multiple sclerosis. BMJ 314:1580–1583PubMed Rothwell PM, McDowell Z, Wong CK, Dorman PJ (1997) Doctors and patients don’t agree: cross sectional study of patients’ and doctors’ perceptions and assessments of disability in multiple sclerosis. BMJ 314:1580–1583PubMed
17.
go back to reference Slevin ML, Plant H, Lynch D, Drinkwater J, Gregory WM (1988) Who should measure quality of life, the doctor or the patient? Br J Cancer 57:109–112PubMed Slevin ML, Plant H, Lynch D, Drinkwater J, Gregory WM (1988) Who should measure quality of life, the doctor or the patient? Br J Cancer 57:109–112PubMed
18.
go back to reference Davis K, Kumar D (2003) Pelvic floor dysfunction: a conceptual framework for collaborative patient-centred care. J Adv Nurs 43(6):555–568PubMedCrossRef Davis K, Kumar D (2003) Pelvic floor dysfunction: a conceptual framework for collaborative patient-centred care. J Adv Nurs 43(6):555–568PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Faltin DL, Sangalli MR, Curtin F, Morabia A, Weil A (2001) Prevalence of anal incontinence and other anorectal symptoms in women. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunc 12(2):117–120 discussion 121CrossRef Faltin DL, Sangalli MR, Curtin F, Morabia A, Weil A (2001) Prevalence of anal incontinence and other anorectal symptoms in women. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunc 12(2):117–120 discussion 121CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Rao SS (2004) Pathophysiology of adult fecal incontinence. Gastroenterology 126(1 Suppl 1):S14–S22PubMedCrossRef Rao SS (2004) Pathophysiology of adult fecal incontinence. Gastroenterology 126(1 Suppl 1):S14–S22PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Damon H, Henry L, Barth X, Mion F (2002) Fecal incontinence in females with a past history of vaginal delivery: significance of anal sphincter defects detected by ultrasound. Dis Colon Rectum 45(11):1445–1450 discussion 1450–1451PubMedCrossRef Damon H, Henry L, Barth X, Mion F (2002) Fecal incontinence in females with a past history of vaginal delivery: significance of anal sphincter defects detected by ultrasound. Dis Colon Rectum 45(11):1445–1450 discussion 1450–1451PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Abramowitz L, Sobhani I, Ganansia R, Vuagnat A, Benifla JL, Darai E et al (2000) Are sphincter defects the cause of anal incontinence after vaginal delivery? Results of a prospective study. Dis Colon Rectum 43(5):590–596 discussion 596–598PubMedCrossRef Abramowitz L, Sobhani I, Ganansia R, Vuagnat A, Benifla JL, Darai E et al (2000) Are sphincter defects the cause of anal incontinence after vaginal delivery? Results of a prospective study. Dis Colon Rectum 43(5):590–596 discussion 596–598PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Stewart AL, Greenfield S, Hays RD, Wells K, Rogers WH, Berry SD (1989) Functional status and well-being of patients with chronic conditions. Results from the Medical Outcomes Study. JAMA 262:907–913PubMedCrossRef Stewart AL, Greenfield S, Hays RD, Wells K, Rogers WH, Berry SD (1989) Functional status and well-being of patients with chronic conditions. Results from the Medical Outcomes Study. JAMA 262:907–913PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Edwards NI, Jones D (2001) The prevalence of faecal incontinence in older people living at home. Age Ageing 30(6):503–507PubMedCrossRef Edwards NI, Jones D (2001) The prevalence of faecal incontinence in older people living at home. Age Ageing 30(6):503–507PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Macfarlane GJ, Botto H, Sagnier PP, Teillac P, Richard F, Boyle P (1996) The relationship between sexual life and urinary condition in the French community. J Clin Epidemiol 49(10):1171–1176PubMedCrossRef Macfarlane GJ, Botto H, Sagnier PP, Teillac P, Richard F, Boyle P (1996) The relationship between sexual life and urinary condition in the French community. J Clin Epidemiol 49(10):1171–1176PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Soderstrom U, Hoelcke M, Alenius L, Soderling AC, Hjern A (2004) Urinary and faecal incontinence: a population-based study. Acta Paediatr 93(3):386–389PubMedCrossRef Soderstrom U, Hoelcke M, Alenius L, Soderling AC, Hjern A (2004) Urinary and faecal incontinence: a population-based study. Acta Paediatr 93(3):386–389PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Stenzelius K, Mattiasson A, Hallberg IR, Westergren A (2004) Symptoms of urinary and faecal incontinence among men and women 75+ in relations to health complaints and quality of life. Neurourol Urodyn 23(3):211–222PubMedCrossRef Stenzelius K, Mattiasson A, Hallberg IR, Westergren A (2004) Symptoms of urinary and faecal incontinence among men and women 75+ in relations to health complaints and quality of life. Neurourol Urodyn 23(3):211–222PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Damon H, Guye O, Seigneurin A, Long F, Sonko A, Faucheron JL et al (2005) Prevalence of anal incontinence in adults. Impact on quality of life. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 30(1):37–43CrossRef Damon H, Guye O, Seigneurin A, Long F, Sonko A, Faucheron JL et al (2005) Prevalence of anal incontinence in adults. Impact on quality of life. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 30(1):37–43CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Roberts RO, Jacobsen SJ, Reilly WT, Pemberton JH, Lieber MM, Talley NJ (1999) Prevalence of combined fecal and urinary incontinence: a community-based study. J Am Geriatr Soc 47(7):837–841PubMed Roberts RO, Jacobsen SJ, Reilly WT, Pemberton JH, Lieber MM, Talley NJ (1999) Prevalence of combined fecal and urinary incontinence: a community-based study. J Am Geriatr Soc 47(7):837–841PubMed
30.
go back to reference Leroi AM, Weber J, Menard JF, Touchais JY, Denis P (1999) Prevalence of anal incontinence in 409 patients investigated for stress urinary incontinence. Neurourol Urodyn 18(6):579–590PubMedCrossRef Leroi AM, Weber J, Menard JF, Touchais JY, Denis P (1999) Prevalence of anal incontinence in 409 patients investigated for stress urinary incontinence. Neurourol Urodyn 18(6):579–590PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Fialkow MF, Melville JL, Lentz GM, Miller EA, Miller J, Fenner DE (2003) The functional and psychosocial impact of fecal incontinence on women with urinary incontinence. Am J Obstet Gynecol 189(1):127–129PubMedCrossRef Fialkow MF, Melville JL, Lentz GM, Miller EA, Miller J, Fenner DE (2003) The functional and psychosocial impact of fecal incontinence on women with urinary incontinence. Am J Obstet Gynecol 189(1):127–129PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Talley NJ, Zinsmeister AR, Melton LJ 3rd (1995) Irritable bowel syndrome in a community: symptom subgroups, risk factors, and health care utilization. Am J Epidemiol 142(1):76–83PubMed Talley NJ, Zinsmeister AR, Melton LJ 3rd (1995) Irritable bowel syndrome in a community: symptom subgroups, risk factors, and health care utilization. Am J Epidemiol 142(1):76–83PubMed
33.
go back to reference Donnelly VS, O’Herlihy C, Campbell DM, O'Connell PR (1998) Postpartum fecal incontinence is more common in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Dis Colon Rectum 41(5):586–589PubMedCrossRef Donnelly VS, O’Herlihy C, Campbell DM, O'Connell PR (1998) Postpartum fecal incontinence is more common in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Dis Colon Rectum 41(5):586–589PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Clinical characteristics and quality of life in a cohort of 621 patients with faecal incontinence
Authors
Henri Damon
Anne Marie Schott
Xavier Barth
Jean Luc Faucheron
Laurent Abramowitz
Laurent Siproudhis
Marie-Odile Fayard
Cyrille Colin
Guy Valancogne
Véronique Bonniaud
François Mion
The French ORALIA Group
Publication date
01-09-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-008-0489-x

Other articles of this Issue 9/2008

International Journal of Colorectal Disease 9/2008 Go to the issue