Main description:

This open access book describes the latest advances in the anal incontinence diagnostic and therapeutic processes. Anal incontinence is a devastating condition heavily impacting on the patients' lives. Those suffering from this disorder are generally very embarrassed and reluctant to undergo an appropriate clinical evaluation, thus becoming more isolated and worsening the quality of their life. Luckily, nowadays a wide range of treatments is available to improve this oppressive condition; however, the recognition of the related pathophysiological alterations is mandatory to grant its successful management.

This volume will help the surgeons community to keep abreast of developments in diagnostics and treatment of this impairing condition. and will provide all health professionals with the appropriate tools to face this impairing condition.

Contents:

Part 1.- Chapter 1. History of Anal Incontinence and its Treatments.- Chapter 2. Epidemiology, Anorectal Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology of Continence.- Part 2. Diagnostics.- Chapter 3. Clinical Evaluation, Etiology, and Classification of Anal Incontinence.- Chapter 4. Neurofunctional Diagnosis and Anorectal Manometry.- Chapter 5. Role of Ultrasonography for Anal Incontinence.- Chapter 6. Cross-Sectional Imaging in Fecal Incontinence.- Part 3. Treatment.- Chapter 7. Medical Management and Supportive/Hygienic Measures.- Chapter 8. Diet in Fecal Incontinence.- Chapter 9. Role of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Patient Selection and Treatment.- Chapter 10. Sacral and Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation, Stem Cell Therapy, and Transanal Irrigation Device.- Chapter 11. Sphincter Reconstruction: Dynamic Myoplasty, Artificial Bowel Sphincter, Antegrade Colonic Enemas and Colostomy.- Chapter 12. Surgical Reconstruction of Traumatic Perineal and Sphincter Muscle Defects.- Chapter 13. Injectable Bulking Agents and SECCA Radiofrequency Treatment.- Chapter 14. Implantation of Self-Expandable Solid Prostheses for Anal Incontinence.- Chapter 15. When Everything Fails: Prevention and Therapy of Treatment Failures.- Part 4. Special Situations and Multidisciplinary Perspectives.- Chapter 16. Cesarean Section Delivery to Prevent Anal Incontinence.- Chapter 17. Interrelatedness of Urological Conditions and Anal Incontinence.- Chapter 18. Coexistence of Fecal Incontinence and Constipation.- Chapter 19. Gut Microbiota Characterization in Fecal Incontinence and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.- Chapter 20. Low Anterior Resection Syndrome.- Chapter 21. Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: an Insidious and Painful Condition.- Chapter 22. Perineal Descent and Incontinence.- Chapter 23. Reconstruction of Wide Anal Sphincter Defects by Crossing Flaps of Puborectalis Muscle.- Chapter 24. Treatment Cost Reimbursement in Italy.