Management of fecal incontinence in acutely ill and critically ill hospitalized adults

Abstract

The focus of this chapter is to explain the management of fecal incontinence in adult patients who are admitted to an acute care hospital who have either chronic (pre-existing) or transient (reversible, short-term) fecal incontinence. Effective management can minimize or eliminate adverse patient outcomes such as skin breakdown, infections, and patient discomfort from fecal leakage. Included in the care approaches will be containment/collection products that are currently used for fecal incontinence in acute care and critical care. This chapter will also describe efforts toward prevention of fecal incontinence in this population.