Diagnostic Ultrasound to Evaluate Fecal Incontinence in Women: Clinical Overview and Current Applications

Abstract

Abstract Ultrasound is now frequently used in the evaluation of women with pelvic floor disorders. It has been applied to such diverse disorders such as voiding dysfunction, urinary and fecal incontinence, and defecatory dysfunction. A well-defined application of ultrasound is in the evaluation of fecal incontinence, where visualization of the anal sphincter complex and puborectalis muscle helps quantify both structure and function. The purpose of this review is to outline the clinical problem of fecal incontinence and to define the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of fecal incontinence in women. Objectives Outline the clinical problem of fecal incontinence Describe the anatomy of the anal sphincter complex Describe the role ultrasound plays in the evaluation of the fecal incontinent patient