There are a number of ways of treating the condition including medical therapy, use of bulking substances, defecation programs, prescription of medication that reduce stool frequency, treatment of impaction, sacral nerve stimulation and use of anticholinergic medications among others.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Fecal Incontinence using Solesta
Fecal incontinence, the involuntary loss of gas or liquid (minor incontinence) or solid stool (major incontinence) affects between 2% to 7% of the global population. The condition can cause loss of self confidence, isolation and may even lead to social isolation.
Solesta
Solesta is a non-surgical, injectable gel indicated for treatment of both minor and major fecal incontinence in persons aged 18 years and above. Clinical tests have revealed that it significantly reduces incidences of fecal incontinence, greatly enhances quality of life and offers long term results. The gel is often recommended for patients who have failed conservative therapy such as anti-motility medications, fiber therapy and diets.
The administration of Solesta is an in-office procedure that does not require anesthesia. The entire procedure may take just about 10 minutes. Patients are usually allowed to engage in mild physical activity immediately after the procedure and can resume full physical activities within a week of treatment. Solesta typically starts working immediately after the treatment with optimal results visible within 3 months of the procedure. The gel has already been proven to be very effective within a 2-year period; research is ongoing for its effectiveness over a 3 year period.
Solesta is administered through 4 injections of the gel into the wall of the anal canal. What the gel does is to help bulk the anal canal thereby giving you more control. The gel generally consists of sodium hyaluronate and dextranomer -which are naturally made materials. Once in the body, it behaves like natural sugars, starches, and tissues. Solesta injections are painless.
Users of the gel may experience a few side effects including;
Users of Solesta should know that the drug doesn’t work for everyone and that you will not experience immediate improvement after the procedure. The drug should therefore only be used on the recommendation of a doctor.
Additional Resource Material:
http://www.starpoli.com/fecal-incontinence-and-solesta/
Support Group:
http://www.aboutincontinence.org/site/living-with-incontinence/personal-stories