A medical problem that affects 1 out of 15 Americans can now be treated with a new outpatient procedure. Rarely discussed because of embarrassment and because many feel that it is a symptom of aging, fecal incontinence has a dramatic impact on quality of life for those suffering with this problem.
Dr. Patel is the only surgeon within a 100-mile radius who has the expertise to perform this procedure.
Fecal incontinence is most commonly caused by damage to the pelvic floor sustained during childbirth (for woman), but may also be a side effect of anorectal surgery, neurologic disease or age-related nerve slowdown and muscle weakness. The procedure, called Secca®, involves delivery of radio frequency energy to the anal canal to improve the barrier function of the muscle.
The procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes with the patient under conscious sedation. Patients go home after 1-2 hours after the procedure and typically resume normal activities within two days.
Currently, options for patients with fecal incontinence include taking fiber supplements, medical management, biofeedback, or surgery. These conservative treatments have only modest effectiveness, and while surgery is effective, it entails a lengthy recover period and has a moderate complication rate.
In contrast to surgical alternatives, the Secca® procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and requires relatively minimal interruption in the patient’s daily life, while allowing for a significant chance for improvement.
Fecal incontinence has a dramatic impact on quality of life. Many patients stay at home, alter their schedules because of their bowel condition, or avoid social interactions due to the fear and embarrassment of incontinence events. For further information please contact Benedictine Hospital’s surgical services at 845-334-3134.