What should I do if spina bifida causes fecal incontinence?

Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
Updated on December 30, 2024
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Patients with spina bifida who experience fecal incontinence are in a relatively severe condition. In such cases, it is best to actively pursue surgical treatment to prevent further progression of the condition. This includes suturing the dura mater of the corresponding spinal defect, repositioning the spinal cord, and appropriately repairing the bone structure, all of which are very important. Additionally, it may be possible to partially restore bowel function, but complete recovery is not guaranteed. If there is no significant improvement later on, a colostomy might be considered. This involves creating an opening in the abdominal wall, forming a stoma, and using an artificial method for bowel movement. This can help reduce contamination and restore some bowel function.

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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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Is it normal to have urinary incontinence with morning sickness during pregnancy?

Morning sickness and urinary incontinence are considered normal phenomena. If severe nausea and vomiting occur after pregnancy, it could increase abdominal pressure, leading to stress urinary incontinence. This condition is thought to be caused by the relaxation of pelvic floor muscles. It is crucial to actively engage in pelvic floor rehabilitation after childbirth to aid the recovery of the pelvic floor, to prevent symptoms like urinary incontinence and leakage when coughing postpartum. The best period for pelvic floor recovery is between 42 days to six months after childbirth. Engaging in pelvic floor rehabilitation during this period is beneficial for recovery. The longer the delay, the slower and more challenging the recovery will be.

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What are the clinical manifestations of urinary incontinence?

The clinical manifestation of urinary incontinence is primarily the involuntary leakage of urine, where the patient lacks the ability to control urination. Diagnosis mainly involves reviewing the patient's medical history and a physical examination, which in most cases is sufficient to understand the type and cause of the incontinence. A urodynamic test is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. The contents of the urodynamic examination include the assessment of bladder and urethral function. If a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, they should visit the urology department of a hospital for formal evaluation and treatment.

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What should I do about urinary incontinence due to brain atrophy?

Urinary incontinence due to brain atrophy is mainly because the brain centers controlling urination and defecation have atrophied. This can be caused by vascular reasons leading to brain atrophy, such as cerebral infarction or hemorrhage affecting the adjacent centrolobular region, leading to urinary incontinence. Therefore, treatment should primarily target the underlying disease. Rehabilitation treatments are recommended, particularly traditional Chinese medicine methods like acupuncture and moxibustion. Modern rehabilitation, establishing regular urinary habits, and pelvic floor rehabilitation are also beneficial for treating urinary incontinence. Additionally, both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine can be used for treatment.

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What should be noted for fecal incontinence?

Patients with fecal incontinence should first pay attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of the anal area. Due to fecal incontinence, there will be fecal residue around the anus, so it is important to clean up promptly when there is fecal residue. Since feces contain certain irritating substances, these can irritate the skin around the anus, causing pain, eczema, or even provoking bedsores. Therefore, patients with fecal incontinence must frequently change positions, clean regularly, and further carry out local treatment. The most common cause of fecal incontinence is relaxation of the anal sphincter. If it is confirmed that it is due to the aforementioned reason, an anal constriction surgery can be chosen to tighten the local sphincter, thereby preventing the feces from being expelled abnormally from the anus. It could also be due to the patient being elderly and frail, with a nervous system disorder, and the primary disease needs to be actively treated.