Anal Incontinence Specialist
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Jeffrey S Aronoff, MD
Colorectal Surgeon located in New York, NY
Anal incontinence means accidental bowel leakage. This condition grows more common with age, but it’s not something you’re forced to live with during your later years. At the office of Jeffrey S. Aronoff, MD, PC, in Midtown East, Manhattan, Dr. Aronoff diagnoses and treats anal incontinence and other colorectal problems with skill and compassion. For expert care in a convenient office setting, call the New York City office today or click on the online appointment scheduler.
Anal Incontinence Q&A
What is anal incontinence?
Anal incontinence, also referred to as fecal incontinence, means accidental loss of bowel control. For many older adults, anal incontinence is a persistent problem that causes a significant decrease in life quality if untreated.
When you reach out to Dr. Aronoff, you can get quick diagnosis and symptom relief from an anal incontinence expert.
What symptoms does anal incontinence cause?
Anal incontinence can cause a variety of effects. They include:
- Mucus leakage
- Liquid stool
- Loss of solid stool
- Frequent gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Increased bowel movement urgency
- Stool stains on underwear
Most cases of anal incontinence don’t resolve on their own, so it’s important to ask for help before the problem intensifies and further detracts from your quality of life.
What causes anal incontinence?
There are quite a few possible causes of anal incontinence, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- Nerve damage in your rectum or anal sphincter
- Rectal wall scarring
- Pelvic floor muscle weakening after surgery
- Muscle damage from trauma
- Damage from childbirth
- Rectal prolapse: When the rectum falls to the anus
- Rectocele: When the rectum falls into the vagina in a woman
Other conditions, including hidden problems that you might not be aware of, can also lead to anal incontinence. That’s why it’s vitally important to seek care from a leading colorectal specialist like Dr. Aronoff.
How do you treat anal incontinence?
Dr. Aronoff typically starts with nonsurgical protocols, such as anti-diarrheal medication, pelvic floor exercises, dietary changes, and scheduling your bowel movements at specific times (bowel training).
If conservative care doesn’t ease your anal incontinence, Dr. Aronoff may recommend minimally invasive procedures such as sacral nerve stimulation or posterior tibial nerve stimulation.
If you have a weakened anal sphincter, rectal prolapse, or other underlying problems, Dr. Aronoff can perform surgery like sphincter repair or replacement. Typically, surgical correction resolves the issue fully to end the anal incontinence.
If other treatments fail, you may need a colostomy in the most severe cases of anal incontinence.
Living with anal incontinence? Jeffrey S. Aronoff, MD, PC, can help, so click on the online appointment tool or call the office to set up your appointment.
