Resumen

WENZEL D, Carlos et al. PREVALENCIA DE INCONTINENCIA FECAL EN PACIENTES GINECOLÓGICAS Y UROGINECOLÓGICAS. Rev. chil. obstet. ginecol. [online]. 2009, vol.74, n.6, pp. 354-359. ISSN 0717-7526.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-75262009000600006.

Background: According to the International Continence Society, fecal incontinence (Fl) is defined as the involuntary loss of flatus, liquid or solid stool that is a social or hygienic problem. It reaches 0.2% in general population and up to 30% in women with pelvic floor disorders. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and severity of Fl in a general gynecological setting and at a pelvic floor disorders unit. Method: 859 first consultant patients referred to our general gynecological unit (GGU) and pelvic floor disorders units (PFDU) were studied with a validated Fl score for severity and grading. Results: One out every five patients attending our GGU and one out two attending our PFDU complains of any kind of Fl. Almost 1 out 30 patients attending GGU and 1 out of 6 attending PFDU complains of at least one liquid stool incontinence episode once a month. The risk of having Fl to liquids is 6 times higher in PFDU than at a GGU. Conclusions: Fl prevalence is hard to assess. National data is scarce and the international experience the results are very diffuse. However, above patients rarely ask for medical help spontaneously. Our results show a significant Fl prevalence in a general gynecology and uro-gynecology setting. In our view, in order to improve our patient's quality of life, Fl should be sought and evaluated, especially in those with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Palabras clave : Fecal incontinence; prevalence; quality of life.