Incontinence assessment: Physiology and imaging

Abstract

Assessment of faecal incontinence is a multifaceted process, which involves clinical assessment together with the appropriate physiological and imaging tests of the anorectum. The purposes of the process of evaluation of the patient are firstly, to assess the severity of the problem and its impact on the quality of life and, secondly, to identify as much as possible the underlying aetiological factors. Acquiring this knowledge enables the physician to design appropriate treatment strategies which could address the problem.