Unwanted anal penetration as a physical cause of faecal incontinence.

ABSTRACT

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.