Accidental Bowel Leakage: An Update on Evaluation and Treatment (On-Demand)-Accidental Bowel Leakage

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar, Dr. Candice Parker Autry discusses the evaluation and treatment options for accidental bowel leakage (ABL). She begins by introducing herself as the moderator of the webinar and provides some background information on the speaker, Dr. Candice Parker Autry. Dr. Parker Autry is an assistant professor at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina and has a special interest in the evaluation and management of ABL.<br /><br />Dr. Parker Autry explains that the webinar will cover the physiology of anorectal continence, the evaluation of bowel incontinence, and evidence-based treatment options. She emphasizes the importance of taking a thorough history and conducting a physical examination in the evaluation process.<br /><br />She then discusses the physiology of anorectal continence, explaining the anatomy and function of the rectum, anus, and anal sphincters. She discusses various mechanisms that can lead to bowel incontinence, such as anal sphincter dysfunction, abnormal rectal compliance, decreased rectal sensation, and altered stool consistency.<br /><br />Dr. Parker Autry emphasizes the importance of dietary and medical management as first-line therapy for bowel incontinence. She explains that optimizing stool consistency and addressing excessive GI motility can help improve symptoms. She recommends the use of fiber supplements, antidiarrheal agents, and other medications as appropriate.<br /><br />In cases where conservative therapy options fail to improve symptoms, Dr. Parker Autry recommends further evaluation with anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion tests, and endoanal ultrasound. These tests can help identify anatomical, motor, and sensory function defects and guide individualized treatment strategies.<br /><br />She discusses various treatment options for bowel incontinence, including anorectal biofeedback therapy, sacral neuromodulation, sphincter repair, bulking agents, radiofrequency ablation, and artificial anal sphincter. She highlights the importance of patient selection and tailoring treatment options to individual patients.<br /><br />In conclusion, Dr. Parker Autry emphasizes the complex nature of bowel incontinence and the need for a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment approach. She encourages healthcare providers to screen for bowel incontinence and consider dietary and medical management as first-line therapy. She also emphasizes the importance of further evaluation and treatment options in cases where conservative therapy options fail.

Keywords

webinar

evaluation

treatment options

accidental bowel leakage

physiology of anorectal continence

bowel incontinence

dietary and medical management

anorectal manometry

anatomical defects

individualized treatment approach