Fecal Incontinence: You Don’t Have to Live with Accidental Bowel Leakage

By Carolina Rectal Health Institute

Accidental bowel leakage, also known as fecal incontinence, affects millions of Americans. It can range from occasional staining of your underwear to a complete loss of bowel control. Many people stop traveling, avoid restaurants, stay close to a bathroom, or withdraw from social activities because they fear having an accident.

The good news is that fecal incontinence is treatable, and many patients can regain their confidence without major surgery. At Carolina Rectal Health Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating bowel control problems using the latest therapies, including sacral neuromodulation (SNM) with the Axonics® and InterStim™ systems.

What Is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. Symptoms may include:

• Leakage of solid stool

• Leakage of liquid stool

• Difficulty holding a bowel movement until you reach a restroom

• Accidental leakage of gas

• Stool staining in your underwear

• Sudden urgency that is impossible to control

  
  

Many patients think these symptoms are simply part of getting older or something they have to accept after childbirth or surgery. Fortunately, that is rarely true.

Why Does It Happen?

Normal bowel control depends on healthy muscles, intact nerves, normal sensation, and proper rectal function. Problems with any of these systems can lead to leakage.

Common causes include:

• Childbirth injuries

• Previous anal or rectal surgery

• Aging of the pelvic floor muscles

• Diabetes or nerve disorders

• Chronic diarrhea

• Radiation treatments

• Rectal prolapse

• Neurologic conditions

• Weak anal sphincter muscles

  
  

Many patients have more than one contributing factor.

Your Evaluation

Every patient deserves an individualized evaluation. During your consultation, we will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, bowel habits, and prior surgeries.

Depending on your situation, additional testing may include:

• Colonoscopy

• Anal manometry

• Endoanal ultrasound

• Pelvic floor imaging

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy

  
  

Our goal is not simply to treat the symptoms—but to identify the underlying cause and recommend the treatment most likely to restore your bowel control.

Conservative Treatments

Many patients improve with:

• Increasing dietary fiber

• Medications to reduce diarrhea

• Pelvic floor physical therapy

• Biofeedback

• Improving stool consistency

• Lifestyle modifications

  
  

When these treatments fail, sacral neuromodulation has become the preferred minimally invasive treatment for many patients with fecal incontinence.

Sacral Neuromodulation: Restoring Communication Between the Brain and the Bowel

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) works by gently stimulating the sacral nerves, which help coordinate bowel sensation, anal sphincter function, and pelvic floor muscles.

Think of it as a “pacemaker” for the nerves that control your bowels. Instead of repairing muscles, the therapy improves communication between your brain and the nerves responsible for bowel control.

Today, the two FDA-approved systems are:

• Axonics®

• Medtronic InterStim™

  
  

Both have excellent success rates and have transformed the lives of patients suffering from fecal incontinence.

The Best Part: You Can Try It Before You Decide

One of the biggest advantages of sacral neuromodulation is that there is no long-term commitment unless it works. At Carolina Rectal Health Institute, we perform a Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) right in our office.

Using only local anesthetic, a very small temporary wire is placed next to one of the sacral nerves through a tiny needle. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and most patients return to normal daily activities immediately.

The temporary wire is connected to a small external stimulator that you wear discreetly for about one week. During that week, you simply go about your normal life while keeping track of your symptoms. Many patients notice improvement within just a few days.

If your leakage improves significantly—generally by at least 50%—you can choose to proceed with implantation of a permanent device.

If the trial does not help, we simply remove the temporary wire in the office. There is no surgery, no permanent implant, and no obligation to proceed. Many patients find this “try before you buy” approach reassuring because they know exactly how well the treatment works before making a decision.

Axonics® vs. InterStim™: What’s the Difference?

Both systems work in the same way and offer outstanding results.

Axonics®

The Axonics system is a small rechargeable implant designed to last approximately 15 years. Advantages include:

• Small device

• Rechargeable battery

• Long battery life

• MRI compatibility under approved conditions

• Smartphone-based programming

• Fewer replacement surgeries

  
  

InterStim™

InterStim has been helping patients regain bowel control for more than two decades. Current systems are available in both rechargeable and recharge-free versions and offer:

• Extensive long-term clinical experience

• MRI compatibility for eligible devices

• Excellent patient outcomes

• Multiple programming options

• Convenient follow-up care

  
  

For most patients, both devices are excellent choices. The best option depends on your lifestyle, anatomy, MRI needs, and personal preferences. During your consultation, we will discuss both systems and help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

How Successful Is Sacral Neuromodulation?

Sacral neuromodulation is one of the most successful treatments available for fecal incontinence. Most patients experience:

• Fewer leakage episodes

• Better bowel control

• Less urgency

• Greater confidence leaving home

• Improved quality of life

  
  

Many patients reduce accidents by more than 75%, and some regain complete bowel control.

Are You a Candidate?

You may benefit from sacral neuromodulation if you:

• Continue to leak stool despite medications or fiber

• Experience urgency with accidents

• Have a weakened anal sphincter

• Developed incontinence after childbirth

• Have nerve-related bowel control problems

• Want to avoid more extensive surgery

  
  

The first step is an evaluation to determine whether the therapy is right for you.

Specialized Care at Carolina Rectal Health Institute

Living with fecal incontinence can be frustrating, isolating, and embarrassing—but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Our practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bowel control disorders. We offer comprehensive evaluations, conservative treatments, office-based Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE), and permanent implantation of both Axonics® and InterStim™ devices for appropriate candidates.

If accidental bowel leakage is affecting your quality of life, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. You may be surprised how easy it is to determine whether sacral neuromodulation can help—and remember, there is no commitment unless it works.

Take the first step toward getting your life back. Contact Carolina Rectal Health Institute today to schedule your evaluation.

Understanding Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence can feel overwhelming. It’s important to know that you are not alone. Many people experience this condition, and there are effective treatments available.

The Emotional Impact

Living with fecal incontinence can lead to feelings of shame and anxiety. You might worry about social situations or even daily activities. It’s crucial to address these feelings. Seeking help is a sign of strength.

The Importance of Seeking Help

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can regain control over your life. At Carolina Rectal Health Institute, we understand your concerns. We provide a supportive environment where you can discuss your symptoms openly.

Conclusion

Fecal incontinence is a manageable condition. With the right treatment, you can improve your quality of life. Remember, you don’t have to live with accidental bowel leakage. At Carolina Rectal Health Institute, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Take the first step toward getting your life back. Contact Carolina Rectal Health Institute today to schedule your evaluation.