Unwanted anal penetration as a physical cause of faecal incontinence.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate sexual abuse as a cause of faecal incontinence.

PATIENTS: Seven patients (two men and five women) with a history of sexual abuse, including anal penetration, and faecal incontinence.

METHODS

Anorectal physiological techniques and anal endosonography were used for patient assessment.

RESULTS

All seven patients had evidence of internal sphincter disruption and three had additional external anal sphincter dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Unwanted anal penetration can cause permanent structural anal sphincter damage.