What should I do if spinal bifida causes fecal incontinence?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
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When patients with spina bifida experience fecal incontinence, it generally indicates that the condition is quite severe and often requires prompt treatment. Many of these patients have an overt form of spina bifida. In such cases, a localized bulging mass can be found at the lower back, possibly accompanied by protruding spinal cord, meninges, and nerve roots. For these patients, early surgical intervention is recommended. Clinically, surgery is usually advised to remove the bulging mass and effectively separate and release the adhered nerve roots. If possible, it is best to reposition them back into the spinal canal to achieve the surgical treatment goals. Such surgeries are generally recommended to be performed at well-known, top-tier hospitals locally.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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What are the clinical manifestations of urinary incontinence?

The clinical manifestation of urinary incontinence is primarily the involuntary leakage of urine, where the patient lacks the ability to control urination. Diagnosis mainly involves reviewing the patient's medical history and a physical examination, which in most cases is sufficient to understand the type and cause of the incontinence. A urodynamic test is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. The contents of the urodynamic examination include the assessment of bladder and urethral function. If a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, they should visit the urology department of a hospital for formal evaluation and treatment.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Does spinal bifida cause urinary incontinence during the day?

For patients with spina bifida, if it is occult spina bifida, they generally exhibit nocturnal enuresis, with rare instances of urinary incontinence during the day. For patients with manifest spina bifida, they may experience urinary incontinence during the day. Therefore, for patients with manifest spina bifida, it is usually recommended to perform surgical treatment at an early stage, with earlier surgery leading to better outcomes. It is generally advised for patients with manifest spina bifida to undergo surgery to effectively remove the locally protruding mass and to carefully clear the adherent nerve roots below, while monitoring changes in the patient's condition.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part to massage for urinary incontinence

In cases of urinary incontinence, massaging acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36) and Shenshu (BL23) can effectively alleviate the condition, but this does not cure it. It is recommended to visit a formal hospital and follow the doctor's guidance for symptomatic treatment to achieve a cure. It is crucial to seek timely treatment to prevent the condition from worsening, which can be difficult to cure and may affect daily life. It is advised to engage in more physical activities regularly, as this can help strengthen the body's resistance. Doing exercises such as squats, push-ups, and sit-ups can also effectively help relieve symptoms of urinary incontinence.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does postpartum urinary incontinence require surgery?

In cases of postpartum urinary incontinence, treatment should be selectively based on the individual condition of the mother. For those with mild postpartum urinary incontinence symptoms, normal recovery can be achieved through effective physical exercise and a period of rest and recuperation. However, in severe cases of urinary incontinence, surgery is also a treatment option. Therefore, the treatment for postpartum urinary incontinence should be determined based on the specific cause and severity of the condition. It is not limited to surgical treatment alone, so it is necessary to conduct an examination first and then choose the method of treatment.

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Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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What causes urinary incontinence in the elderly?

Urinary incontinence in the elderly varies due to different mechanisms and types, with the two most common categories being genuine urinary incontinence, which is due to neurogenic bladder dysfunction or overactive detrusor muscles, damage to the urethral sphincter, or loss of bladder storage function. These are commonly seen in conditions like chronic stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and psychiatric diseases. The other major category is caused by relaxation of the urethral sphincter or pelvic floor muscles surrounding the urethra, leading to reduced urethral pressure. Incontinence in this category may occur when negative pressure increases, such as during coughing, sneezing, straining during bowel movements, or changing body position. This type of urinary incontinence is more common in elderly women and in elderly men who have had prostate removal, leading to damage to the external urethral sphincter.