Clinical characteristics and quality of life in a cohort of 621 patients with faecal incontinence.

Aim: The aim of this study was to study a cohort of patients with faecal incontinence (FI) to gain a better insight into the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of this pathology and its repercussions on quality of life (QL).

Materials And Methods: Consecutive patients with FI seen at tertiary centres filled in a self-questionnaire. The severity of FI, constipation and urinary incontinence (UI) was evaluated, respectively, by the Jorge and Wexner score, the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom score and the Urological Distress Inventory score.

Prevalence of anal incontinence in adults and impact on quality-of-life.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of anal incontinence in the general population and in patients consulting gastroenterologist and gynecologist practices in the Rhône Alpes area.

Methods: For the first study a questionnaire was sent to a sample of 2800 people selected randomly from the electoral roll. Another study of patients selected randomly among patients attending gynecology and gastroenterology consultations was performed.