Prognosis

The recurrence rate is high in general for all causes of faecal incontinence.

Functional non-retentive

In one study, only 29% of the patients with functional non-retentive faecal incontinence were successfully treated after 2 years of intensive therapy. After 18 years of age, 15% continued to have faecal incontinence despite treatment.[46]

Anorectal malformations

Patients with vestibular fistula, perineal fistula, rectal atresia, recto-urethral bulbar fistula, or imperforate anus without fistula will probably have voluntary bowel movements by 3 years of age.[13]

Patients with high cloacal defect or a recto-bladder neck fistula have a poor prognosis and are likely to experience persistent faecal incontinence.[13]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer