Faecal incontinence: causes, assessment and management.

Faecal incontinence can be a debilitating, distressing and isolatin condition that affects individuals' quality of life. This article discusses the definition, prevalence and causes of faecal incontinence, emphasises the importance of assessment and examines how this stigmatising condition affects adults. Once a differential diagnosis is made, an appropriate patient-centred treatment plan can be established to improve the individual's symptoms.