Fecal incontinence and parity in the Dutch population: A cross-sectional analysis.

Background: It is assumed that pregnancy and childbirth increase the risk of developing fecal incontinence (FI).

Objective: We investigated the incidence of FI in groups of nulliparous and parous women.

Methods: Retrospectively, we studied a cross-section of the Dutch female population ( = 680) who completed the Groningen Defecation & Fecal Continence questionnaire.

Subtypes and symptoms of fecal incontinence in the Dutch population: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: To study the distribution of subtypes and symptoms of fecal incontinence in the general Dutch population.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of the general Dutch population. All respondents (N = 1259) completed the Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence questionnaire.

Reproducibility, feasibility and validity of the Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence questionnaires.

Objectives: Current questionnaires on defecation disorders are often brief and fail to include questions considering causative factors. Furthermore, adult and pediatric questionnaires differ, which makes it impossible to monitor defecation disorders during the transition from childhood to adulthood. With these points in mind, we developed the Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence (DeFeC) questionnaire and its pediatric equivalent, the P-DeFeC.

On the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence, and their co-occurrence, in the Netherlands.

Purpose: Numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence (FI) in the general population and, even though these disorders are known to co-occur, they were studied independently of each other. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of constipation and FI, and their co-occurrence, in the general population in the Netherlands.

Methods: We studied a cross-section of the Dutch population (N = 1259).

Increased anal basal pressure in chronic anal fissures may be caused by overreaction of the anal-external sphincter continence reflex.

Chronic anal fissure is a painful disorder caused by linear ulcers in the distal anal mucosa. Even though it counts as one of the most common benign anorectal disorders, its precise etiology and pathophysiology remains unclear. Current thinking is that anal fissures are caused by anal trauma and pain, which leads to internal anal sphincter hypertonia.

Pudendal Neuropathy Alone Results in Urge Incontinence Rather Than in Complete Fecal Incontinence.

Background: Conscious external anal sphincter contraction is mediated by the pudendal nerve. Pudendal neuropathy is, therefore, believed to result in fecal incontinence. Until urge sensation is experienced, fecal continence is maintained by unconscious external anal sphincter contraction, which is regulated by the anal-external sphincter continence reflex.

Dyssynergic defecation may aggravate constipation: results of mostly pediatric cases with congenital anorectal malformation.

Background: Most patients with congenital anorectal malformation suffer from mild chronic constipation. To date, it is unclear why a subgroup of patients develops a persistent form of constipation. Because dyssynergic defecation is a common cause of constipation in the general population, we hypothesized that the severe form of constipation may be caused by dyssynergic defecation.