Treatment-related Stool Leakage

What is treatment-related stool leakage?

Following a surgery or radiation treatment, you may experience a lack on control over the muscles that control you rectum, resulting in stool leakage without control.

How do people describe stool leakage?

Individuals who experience bowel leakage have described embarrassment in discovering stool seepage or “smears” of stool on their undergarments. Most individuals are not aware of these episodes due to a loss of sensation to “bowel cues”.

What causes stool leakage after treatment?

Surgery or radiation can caused changes in bowel function. Nerve pathways may be interrupted resulting in an individual’s loss of ability to feel the urge to have a bowel movement, causing involuntary loss of control over the muscles that control the rectum.

How do people cope with stool leakage?

• Begin a bowel management program including:
  • Drinking 2-3 liters of fluid per day
  • Increase intake of high fiber foods such as whole wheat breads, prunes, raw vegetables)
  • Schedule bathroom time after every meal, using a stimulant such as coffee to drink. Position yourself upright on the toilet.
  • Use forward bending, abdominal massage and sitting push-ups (if able).
• Keep a record of your bowel schedule that includes time, bowel movement consistency, number of involuntary stool and what you were doing at the time.
• Exercise every day to promote maximizing digestive process.
• Using other warm beverages such as tea or prune juice, and the use of stool softeners/suppositories in a routine pattern can also help train your bowels.
• Use incontinent pads such as Attends or Depends until the leakage has stopped (millions of people do).
• Carry extra incontinent pads with you when you travel.
• Wear dark-colored clothing to conceal any leakage.
• Clean your skin after each episode with an over-the-counter ointment such as aluminum paste.
• Discuss this problem with your doctor for other possible suggestions.

What can family members and friends do to help me with my stool leakage?

• Request privacy to discuss your concerns.
• Ask a family member to help you remember the every 2 hour bathroom schedule.
• Prepare and offer higher fiber foods such as those listed above
• Remind you to drink fluids.

What should I report to my doctor or nurse?

• Blood in your stool
• Fever greater than 100.7
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal distention

Where can I get more information?

• Contact your healthcare providers.
• Over the Internet at: http://www.aboutincontinence.org/treatment.html
• Over the internet at: http://ascrs.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=5
• Contact the Family Care Research Program at: http://www.cancercare.msu.edu