Fecal incontinence and the anorectal angle.

The role of the pelvic floor musculature was assessed in fecal incontinence by comparing the anorectal angle with the anal resting pressure. Twenty five patients were investigated; nine patients were incontinent. It appeared that a decrease in anal resting pressure was associated with an increase of the anorectal angle. In other words, impairment of fecal control was associated with a diminished activity of the pelvic floor musculature. In view of the fact that diminished anal sensation and anal pressure at maximal squeeze are found in fecal incontinence, it is probable that fecal incontinence is caused by pudendal nerve injury.