Document Download: Chapter 3: Constipation and fecal incontinence

Description:

The distal colon, rectum and anus together serve to store and eliminate feces. In neurological disease either of these functions may be affected independently causing constipation, fecal incontinence or a combination of both problems. Constipation is a decreased frequency of bowel actions (less than one every 3 days) that may also be associated with excessive straining during the passage of stool. Fecal incontinence is the involuntary or inappropriate passage of stool; the term ‘‘anal incontinence” includes incontinence of flatus also.