Division of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

Morbid obesity is associated with urinary incontinence (UI). The study purpose was to determine the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI), its associated risk factors, and its impact on quality of life (QOL) in morbidly obese women.

A questionnaire-based study on morbidly obese women [body mass index (BMI) >/= 35 m/kg(2)], attending a bariatric surgery seminar, was conducted. Data included demographics, past medical, surgical and obstetric history, and obesity-related co-morbidities. Patients who reported of FI, completed the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Fecal Incontinence scale (CCF-FI) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale (FIQL).

Participants included 256 women [median age 45 years (19-70)] and mean BMI of 49.3 +/- 9.4 m/kg(2). FI was reported in 63%. History of obstetric injury (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.33-4.3; p < 0.001) and UI (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with FI. There was no association with age, BMI, parity, and presence of diabetes or hypertension. Median CCF-FI score was 7 (1-20); 34.5% scored >/=10. Incontinence for gas was the most frequent type (87%) of FI, followed by incontinence for liquids (80%), which also had the highest impact on QOL (p < 0.01). Mean FIQL scores were >3 for all four domains studied. CCF-FI scores were significantly correlated with FIQL scores in all domains (p = 0.02).

The prevalence of FI among morbidly obese women may be much higher than the rates reported in the general population. FI has adverse effects on QOL. Its correlation with UI suggests that morbid obesity may pose a risk of global pelvic floor dysfunction.

Written by
Wasserberg N, Haney M, Petrone P, Crookes P, Rosca J, Ritter M, Kaufman HS

Reference
Int J Colorectal Dis. 2008 May;23(5):493-7
doi:10.1007/s00384-007-0432-6

PubMed Abstract
PMID:18228028

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