What should I do if spinal bifida causes fecal incontinence?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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When patients with spina bifida experience fecal incontinence, it generally indicates that the condition is quite severe and often requires prompt treatment. Many of these patients have an overt form of spina bifida. In such cases, a localized bulging mass can be found at the lower back, possibly accompanied by protruding spinal cord, meninges, and nerve roots. For these patients, early surgical intervention is recommended. Clinically, surgery is usually advised to remove the bulging mass and effectively separate and release the adhered nerve roots. If possible, it is best to reposition them back into the spinal canal to achieve the surgical treatment goals. Such surgeries are generally recommended to be performed at well-known, top-tier hospitals locally.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Will urinary incontinence heal itself after a vaginal delivery?

During natural childbirth, because it can damage pelvic floor function, causing issues such as bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse, and a series of other pelvic floor dysfunctions, some women may experience urinary incontinence after giving birth. If urinary incontinence occurs after natural childbirth, it suggests that the damage to the pelvic floor functions is quite severe, and these conditions generally cannot heal on their own. First, a pelvic floor function test should be conducted to assess the condition of the pelvic floor. If the damage to the pelvic floor is minor, it can be improved through machine-assisted treatment and performing Kegel exercises, which also help enhance pelvic floor functions. If the evaluation reveals severe prolapse, pelvic floor reconstructive surgery is required to suture the prolapsed bladder or uterus back into place, which can improve urinary incontinence. Therefore, urinary incontinence after natural childbirth generally does not heal on its own.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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Can you wear diapers for urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence generally requires the use of diapers, as the condition is primarily caused by various pathological changes, leading to the involuntary discharge of urine from the urethra. Due to the easy infiltration of the perineum and around the urethral opening by urine, there might be occurrences of eczema or perineal infections. Wearing diapers can timely absorb the leaked urine, thereby reducing the chances of developing eczema and perineal infections. It is also necessary to actively seek the underlying cause of urinary incontinence and treat it accordingly. Common types of urinary incontinence include persistent, stress-related, overflow, and urge incontinence. By conducting thorough examinations, the specific type of urinary incontinence can be identified, followed by targeted treatment.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What medicine to take for fecal incontinence?

There are many causes of fecal incontinence, and it is first necessary to further clarify the cause. Most cases of fecal incontinence are mainly due to excessive relaxation of the local anal sphincter or damage to the patient's nervous system, thus requiring oral medication to treat the nervous system. When there is relaxation of the local anal sphincter, simply taking oral medication does not have significant local therapeutic effects. The most effective method is to directly perform a sphincter tightening surgery. After the local sphincter is tightened surgically, it can control the excretion of feces, thereby further alleviating the situation of fecal incontinence. If the patient also has a neurological disorder, it is necessary to actively treat the underlying disease. (The use of medications should be done under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can you sit for a long time with postpartum urinary incontinence?

When postpartum urinary incontinence occurs, it is not advisable for the mother to sit for extended periods. This is because urinary incontinence in women is primarily due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Sitting for long periods is detrimental to the recovery of pelvic floor muscle function. It is recommended that women pay attention to rest, avoid prolonged walking or standing, and also avoid sitting for long periods. Rest is important, as is ensuring adequate sleep and enhancing nutrition by consuming foods rich in protein and vitamins. It is advised to seek early pelvic floor rehabilitation training at a hospital and to adhere to the rehabilitation exercises. Generally, good recovery can be achieved within six months.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Should I wear diapers for urinary incontinence?

Whether patients with urinary incontinence need to use diapers should be determined based on the severity of the incontinence. If it is only mild incontinence that does not affect normal work and life, it is not necessary to wear diapers. Regular urination schedules, along with exercises like pelvic lift and pelvic floor muscle training, can alleviate the condition. However, if the incontinence is more pronounced, it is best to initially use diapers to prevent excessive urine leakage. If necessary, a urinary catheter can be used temporarily to drain the urine and prevent leakage. At the same time, it is important to actively undergo relevant examinations to determine the cause of the incontinence and carry out targeted treatment.