Fecal incontinence among morbid obese women seeking for weight loss surgery: An underappreciated association with adverse impact on quality of life

Nir Wasserberg, Mark Haney, Patrizio Petrone, Peter Crookes, Jason Rosca, Manfred Ritter, Howard S. Kaufman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Morbid obesity is associated with urinary incontinence (UI). The study purpose was to determine the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI), its associated risk factors, and its impact on quality of life (QOL) in morbidly obese women. Materials and methods: A questionnaire-based study on morbidly obese women [body mass index (BMI)≤35 m/kg2], attending a bariatric surgery seminar, was conducted. Data included demographics, past medical, surgical and obstetric history, and obesity-related co-morbidities. Patients who reported of FI, completed the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Fecal Incontinence scale (CCF-FI) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale (FIQL). Results: Participants included 256 women [median age 45 years (19-70)] and mean BMI of 49.3 ± 9.4 m/kg2. FI was reported in 63%. History of obstetric injury (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.33-4.3; p<0.001) and UI (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4; p<0.001) were significantly associated with FI. There was no association with age, BMI, parity, and presence of diabetes or hypertension. Median CCF-FI score was 7 (1-20); 34.5% scored 10. Incontinence for gas was the most frequent type (87%) of FI, followed by incontinence for liquids (80%), which also had the highest impact on QOL (p<0.01). Mean FIQL scores were >3 for all four domains studied. CCF-FI scores were significantly correlated with FIQL scores in all domains (p=0.02). Comment: The prevalence of FI among morbidly obese women may be much higher than the rates reported in the general population. FI has adverse effects on QOL. Its correlation with UI suggests that morbid obesity may pose a risk of global pelvic floor dysfunction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)493-497
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Colorectal Disease
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fecal incontinence
  • Morbid obesity
  • Quality of life
  • Urinary incontinence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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