Treatment options for Feacal Incontinence
Treatment options for FI often depend on the cause and severity of the condition and may include the following:

Dietary Changes. »
Prescription Medications. »
Bowel Training. »
Invasive Surgery. »
The SECCA Treatment. »

Click on a treatment to find out more information

Dietary Changes

Food affects the consistency of stool and how quickly it passes through the digestive system. Adjusting what is eaten and when may be helpful in management of FI.
• Avoid gas producing foods (beans, cabbage, etc.)
• Foods high in fat and large meals can trigger symptoms
• Certain sweeteners, honey and also some fruits are poorly absorbed by the bowels
• Avoid caffeine, fried foods, spicy foods and alcohol

Prescription Medications

In certain patients chronic diarrhea is the cause of FI. In these cases prescription medications may help.

• antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide or diphenoxylate
• bulk laxatives to create a more regular bowel movement pattern

Bowel Training

Bowel training may help some people relearn to control their bowel movements.

• May involve strengthening pelvic floor muscles
• Condition the bowels to empty at a specific time of day

Invasive Surgery

There are various procedures involving invasive surgical repair of damaged tissue. These procedures typically require a general anesthesia and may require overnight or multiple day hospital stays.

• Implanting an artificial anal sphincter
• Replacing the anal muscle with a graft from a limb
• Implanting a nerve stimulation device—like a pacemaker

The Secca Treatment

Secca is an effective outpatient procedure for patients who prefer a less invasive option and have failed to respond to first line therapies.

• 60 minute procedure
• Daycase Procedure, no hospital stay
• 1-2 day return to normal activity
• Effective results shown in multiple studies

Talk to someone who understands: 020 3198 2424
Fico Centre is a resource of information for the UK patient population only. It does not necessarily reflect the views of individuals or organisations in the UK or Globally.
Any questions regarding the SECCA procedure should be discussed with a qualified UK surgeon.