Geriatric fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence is a common problem in the elderly population,particularly in nursing homes, and is one of the common reasons for nursing home placement. In addition to the inconvenience of the incontinence for the patient and caregiver, it is associated with increased mortality. Identifiable physiologic changes in the anorectal region may contribute to the development of fecal incontinence.Fecal incontinence is a disorder of men and women, with an equal or greater prevalence in men in advancing years. All patients who have fecal incontinence warrant an initial medical evaluation,including the exclusion of fecal impaction. Cognitively impaired patients benefit most from habit training. Selected elderly patients who have fecal incontinence may benefit from biofeedback and surgical intervention.