Abstract
Objective. Faecal incontinence is defined as the recurrent uncontrolled passage of faecal material for at least three months. We distinguish three types – urgent incontinence, passive incontinence and seepage. The overall prevalence in the population is estimated at 7.7%. Stool keeping is a complex phenomenon that requires proper functioning of several factors. Involutionary age changes that may contribute to stool leakage include a decreased force of the external sphincter, pelvic floor muscle weakness, rectal relaxation disorders, and perceptual disorders of the presence of stool in the anorectum.
Group and methods. In the elderly, the causes of faecal incontinence are multifactorial. When examining a senior, it is important to actively ask about stool problems and its leakage. The anamnesis also includes questionnaires to examine stool leakage. In the physical examination, we focus on palpation of the abdomen, including perianal inspection and digital rectal examination. In the case of seniors, the examination includes geriatric assessment in which we examine cognitive functions, basal activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.
Results and conclusion. The first step in the treatment is a standard conservative procedure. Faecal incontinence is a serious problem for the elderly, it is a risk factor for mortality, addiction, hospitalization and institutionalization, and it is also of undeniable economic importance. It leads to psychological problems, depression, social isolation and reduced contacts. Its consequences affect not only the patient but also his family, medical staff and society as a whole (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 33). Text in PDF www.lekarskyobzor.sk.
KEY WORDS: faecal incontinence, seniors, stool leakage, geriatric assessment.
Lek Obz 2022, 71 (10): 409-415
Ivan BARTOŠOVIČ 1, Ivana IVÁNKOVÁ BARTOŠOVIČOVÁ 2, Katarína ZRUBÁKOVÁ 3, Róbert OCHABA 4
1 Vysoká škola zdravotníctva a sociálnej práce sv. Alžbety Bratislava, Ústav zdravotníckych disciplín, zástupkyňa pre študijný odbor ošetrovateľstvo prof. PhDr. H. Koňošová, PhD.
2 OZS Skalica, ambulancia všeobecného lekára pre dospelých
3 Katolícka univerzita Ružomberok, Fakulta zdravotníctva, katedra ošetrovateľstva, vedúca PhDr. M. Ižová PhD.
4 Trnavská univerzita Trnava, Fakulta zdravotníctva a sociálnej práce, katedra verejného zdravotníctva, vedúca doc. Ing. M. Kačmaríková, PhD. MPH.
CITE
BARTOŠOVIČ I., IVÁNKOVÁ BARTOŠOVIČOVÁ I., ZRUBÁKOVÁ K., OCHABA R.: Faecal incontinence in the elderly. Lek Obz 2022, 71 (10): 409-415
