What are the causes of anal incontinence

Anal incontinence is not uncommon. For patients, it will have many adverse effects on their lives and work. Common causes include nerve damage or muscle dysfunction. Of course, it may also be caused by surgery or trauma.

1. Neurological disorders and injuries (neurogenic )

Temporary fecal incontinence may occur after a stroke, shock, or fright. If the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral vertebrae are broken and compress the spinal cord or spinal nerves, it may cause paraplegia and anal incontinence. In addition, anal incontinence may be caused by resection of the rectal mucosa near the anus, loss of sensory nerves in the rectal wall, and intellectual disability.

2. Muscle dysfunction and damage (myogenic)

The contraction and defecation function of the anus are maintained by the nerves that control the internal and external sphincters and the levator ani muscles. If these muscles relax, have reduced tension, or are cut, removed, or have large scars, they can cause anal incontinence. Anal incontinence may also occur if muscles relax and tension decreases due to rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, or prolapse of polyps. Certain diseases in the elderly can also cause muscular atrophy anal incontinence. Anal incontinence can also be caused by surgical cutting or removal of the sphincter due to anorectal abscess, anal fistula, rectal cancer, etc. Burns, scalds, and chemical corrosion can also cause anal incontinence with large scars. Chronic diarrhea and anorectal cancer can also cause anal incontinence.

3. Surgery or trauma (iatrogenic)

Localized sphincter defects due to surgical injury and vulvar tearing during childbirth.

4. Congenital diseases

Infants with high anal lock and underdeveloped anus suffer from anal incontinence due to congenital anal sphincter insufficiency.