Factors impacting quality of life in women with fecal incontinence.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize differences in health-related quality of life among women presenting for treatment of fecal incontinence.

Methods: Among 155 women presenting for treatment of fecal incontinence in a specialty clinic, validated questionnaires measured impact on quality of life (Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire) and severity (the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index). Bowel symptoms, including frequency, urgency, and stool consistency, were ascertained.

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure in three hospitals, and the volume required to produce an appropriate cuff pressure.

BACKGROUND: Cuff pressure in endotracheal (ET) tubes should be in the range of 20-30 cm H2O. We tested the hypothesis that the tube cuff is inadequately inflated when manometers are not used. METHODS: With IRB approval, we studied 93 patients under general anesthesia with an ET tube in place in one teaching and two private hospitals.