Splenomegaly as a cause of fecal incontinence. A new problem in an old disease.

Eight patients with fecal incontinence were seen. All eight patients had massive splenomegaly secondary to myelofibrosis and myeloid metaplasia. Six of the eight patients underwent splenectomy for hypersplenism. Five of the six had total improvement of the fecal incontinence. One died two weeks postoperatively and could not be evaluated. In our opinion, the fecal incontinence was related to the splenomegaly. The possible mechanism is discussed. If absolutely necessary for control of fecal incontinence in this situation, splenectomy should be considered.