Bowel incontinence surgery may be the best treatment option for people who are unable to control their bowel movements, especially if the condition is being caused by an underlying problem such as rectal prolapse or damage to the sphincter. Chronic bowel incontinence is a condition characterized by an inability to effectively resist the urge to defecate or an inability to tell when the body needs to release stool. This can negatively impact a person’s quality of life and should be treated as quickly and effectively as possible. Non-surgical treatment options may include dietary changes and therapeutic exercise, but often times, but surgery may be required to fully alleviate the condition.
Depending on the underlying cause of a person’s bowel incontinence, surgery options can include:
- Sphincteroplasty – Typically used for people who have bowel incontinence caused by giving birth, this procedure involves the repair of a weakened or damaged sphincter by freeing the edges of the muscle from the surrounding tissue, then sewing them back together in an overlapping fashion to tighten and increase the strength of the muscle.
- Rectopexy – This type of bowel incontinence surgery involves the repair of a prolapsed rectum.
- Sacral nerve stimulator – This device can be implanted under the skin to provide electrical stimulation to the nerves of the pelvis which can improve incontinence symptoms.
Nationally Recognized Care
Individuals who are seeking treatment for bowel incontinence can confidently turn to the trusted team at Tampa General Hospital’s Endoscopy Center. Tampa General Hospital is recognized as Top 20 in the Nation and the Highest-Ranked Hospital in Florida for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24.
To locate a colon and rectal surgeon who will perform bowel incontinence surgery, contact TGH at 1-800-833-3627 or our online Physician Finder.
