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The Patient’s Perspective

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Presented at the IFFGD Symposium, Advancing the Treatment of Fecal and Urinary Incontinence Through Research: Trial Design, Outcome Measures, and Research Priorities, November 3–5, 2002, Milwaukee, WI

The topic that I will be discussing today is that of research priorities for fecal incontinence from the patient’s perspective. Much of the research for fecal incontinence has been focused on improving function. Although improving function is extremely important it is not the only aspect of treatment that needs to be considered in the healing process for people who are incontinent. I will present issues that I feel should be taken into consideration as we move forward with strategies for the future.

I think the following quote from Michael Gershon’s book, The Second Brain, is extremely poignant today, regarding the ‘Call to Stool.’

“Although it helps in expelling the stool, gravity is not a threat to our social well-being. The rectum is well endowed anatomically to handle the heft and bulk of the stool it contains. Storage of stool within the rectum is thus possible for limited periods of time. This storage, of course, is utterly necessary to preserve the veneer of civilization.

The lining of the rectum is folded into three horizontal shelves so that the full weight of the fecal contents do not have to be borne by the sphincters that close the nondefecating anus. These sphincters, moreover, are not slaves that open as soon as the call to the stool is issued. They can hold stool back and resist opening until the moment is right. In fact, a guiding principle upon which the smooth working of our society is based is that the anal sphincters of every individual who is not an infant will indeed hold stool back until the right moment.”

The author chose his words, carefully, “Society not only depends on a continent population but demands continence,” so as not to disrupt or flaw the, “veneer of civilization.”

The question remains, where does that leave the individual who lives with incontinence. Since we last came together to evaluate Treatment Options for Fecal Incontinence we have made progress in expanding treatment options, but to what end.

There is no question that one’s quality of life is severely compromised by fecal incontinence. Unfortunately, improvement in quality of life, the goal of every patient with fecal incontinence does not necessarily accompany the beneficial changes that may result from targeted, medical intervention or surgical interventions.

In a recent prospective study of the long-term outcomes of pelvic-floor exercise and biofeedback for 89 patients, Pager and colleagues[1] found that although these interventions brought about long-term improvements in incontinence severity scores, as measured by the St. Mark’s[2] and Pescatori[3] scales, there was poor correlation between severity scores and scores on the quality-of-life scale used in the study, the Direct Questioning About Objectives scale.[4]

The researchers write that, “Further research into the factors supporting clinical and quality-of-life improvements, and the relationship of these outcomes, is important,” and they conclude by suggesting that there are “aspects of treatment programs independent of the primary intervention [italics added] that are not being appropriately recognized.”[2]

For patients, these remarks by Pager and colleagues are crucially important. We want to be continent, but treating incontinence is about more than containment of urine or feces.

The patients in this study reported “talking about things” was the most helpful component. They were learning to cope with it and talking about it helped. Learning to cope is paramount. We need to work with patients to foster the ability for self care rather than dependency.

In reviewing the literature most articles written on the subject of anal incontinence will state that anal incontinence is not a potentially life threatening disease, but symptoms are often distressing and socially incapacitating.

Data by Nakanishi in Age and Ageing addressed mortality and incontinence, suggesting that the mortality rate increases with the severity of incontinence and severe incontinence is an independent risk factor for mortality in elderly people living at home. Overwhelmingly the sample of incontinent individuals did not participate in social activities, they worried about their future and as many as 40% felt that life provided nothing worth living for.

Research Priority No. 1: Study and clarify the quality of life determinants in fecal incontinence.

A primary research priority must be studies concerning what genuinely brings about and constitutes quality-of-life improvements for patients with fecal incontinence.

In addition, there must be studies to elucidate the relationship between fecal incontinence severity scores and quality-of-life scores. At the same time, quality of life scales must be routinely included in all studies of clinical interventions aimed at improving aspects of fecal incontinence, and the length of intervention studies should be sufficiently long to adequately assess changes in quality of life associated with the intervention.

In fact, intervention studies should be sufficiently long simply to evaluate the quality of the intervention. For example, several recent studies have suggested that results for overlapping sphincteroplasty do not persist over the long term (5 years or more).[5,6]

Clarifying quality of life determinants for patients with fecal incontinence would also support an essential moral fact about this condition: A full and humane consideration of quality of life issues – like that outlined by Soffer and Hull,[7] to take one example – must be the starting point of any approach to the evaluation and treatment of fecal incontinence. Because patients with this condition can be desperate, they and their clinicians are vulnerable to trying risky, novel, or unproved interventions. There are lines that need not, and should not, be crossed.

Research Priority No. 2: Validate and standardize both a single fecal incontinence severity scale and a single quality of life scale.

There are numerous scoring systems for the severity of fecal incontinence – Wexner,[8] St. Mark’s,[2] Pescatori,[3] Rockwood,[9] among others – and there are numerous scoring systems for quality of life for these patients – the 36-item short Medical Outcomes Questionnaire,[10] the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index,[11] and Rockwood’s specific Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale,[12] also among others.

If research cannot determine which among these different sets of scales best serve patients and clinicians alike, then professional organizations like the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons should insist on a standard adoption across institutions of a single severity scale and a single quality-of-life scale.

Research Priority No. 3: Link diagnostic tests with predictive outcomes and strategies for patient management.

The summary article of the April 1999 Consensus Conference on Treatment Options in Fecal Incontinence[13] listed eight research priorities for fecal incontinence, three of which in particular merit renewed emphasis from the patient perspective. One 1999 priority was research evaluation of the utility of specific diagnostic tests in predicting treatment outcomes and in setting or altering treatment strategies.

There is a multitude of objective tests of rectoanal function[14] — from anal manometry to rectal balloon manometry, from anorectal electromyography (EMG) to imaging studies — but the relationship between the objective “results” and patient-management strategies remains unclear.

Meanwhile, some of the current tests, like anorectal EMG, which involves placing standard concentric needles into four quadrants of the sphincter, are not only extremely painful but appear to be user dependent in terms of the desired result: insight into the integrity of the sensory and motor innervation of the rectoanal region. If such a diagnostic test does not offer additional information that factors positively into a patients plan of care and outcome the test should not be performed.

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Research Priority No. 4: Develop new drug treatments for fecal incontinence.

Another 1999 priority was development of new drug compounds for fecal incontinence. The importance of this priority for patients has been underscored by the recent successful patient advocacy for the renewed availability of alosetron (Lotronex) in the US marketplace. Marketing approval for alosetron, indicated for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was withdrawn by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2000 because of concerns about safety.[15]

On June 7, 2002 the FDA announced the approval of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) that permits the marketing of alosetron with restrictions. Up to 20% of IBS patients experience fecal incontinence,[16] and for many, alosetron was a life-altering intervention. The patient advocacy for alosetron also served to make incontinence part of the IBS dialogue.

In preparation for an FDA Advisory Committee Meeting, IFFGD conducted a survey, IBS in the Real World, in which 25% of individuals with IBS reported loss of bowel control further illustrating the point that incontinence can be hidden unless patients are specifically asked about bowel control.

Research Priority No. 5: Provide explanations for fecal incontinence and study how prevention is possible.

A third 1999 research priority was better understanding of the etiology of fecal incontinence. Patient acceptance of the condition is supported by clear explanations and furthered by the understanding that clinical knowledge is leading to preventive measures of benefit to others. For example, it is known that the risk of fecal incontinence is increased by use of forceps or vacuum extraction, by high infant birth weight, and possibly by episiotomy.[17] What is the risk of the development of fecal incontinence associated with these procedures compared with risks arising from an elective Cesarean delivery?

Mellgren and colleagues studied the long-term cost of fecal incontinence secondary to obstetric injuries. Their result demonstrated that there is a substantial economic cost as well as a tremendous psychological burden on incontinent patients, and the impact on their families because of the disability and treatment is not always successful.

Editorial commentary to the article suggested that, “the best solution would seem to be prevention of disease rather than subsequent evaluation and treatment. Prevention of sphincter injury during childbirth should be an achievable goal.” Prevention is always more cost effective than is subsequent attempted cure. There needs to be a greater dialogue between the colonrectal community and the obstetric community.

Research Priority No. 6: Understand – and analyze how education can counter – the societal metaphor of “incontinence.”

Finally, we must explore how our culture understands continence and incontinence – metaphorically as well as literally. A stigma attaches to incontinence, suggestive of an impaired identity; in one way or another. We are often made to feel that we are somehow at fault for this; as if we have chosen to be incontinent; that somehow this should be within our control and we are to blame for the lack of control. Such current attitudes are devastating, and they foster a state of secrecy about the condition.

With secrecy comes misunderstanding. Not only is there misunderstanding but the dialogue that is perpetuated correlates incontinence with infancy, dependence and ultimately loss. The words we choose have significance. For example, Random House describes a diaper as a piece of absorbent material worn as underpants by a baby not yet toilet trained. Sufferers of incontinence are not infants, but rather are contributing members of society who seek a positive and supportive environment. Changing our dialogue to offer adult patients “protective undergarments,” not “diapers,” can have a profound affect on an individual’s well-being.

Being incontinent in a public or private setting is humiliating. How we talk about incontinence can and will impact how people view themselves in the world. Incontinent people are often shunned becoming reclusive for fear of being in a vulnerable situation and having to shoulder the sting of embarrassment time after time.

With understanding and openness, societal attitudes can change. Indeed, witness how the stigmatization that was once associated with “cancer” has yielded to knowledge and candor over the last 20 years. We can accomplish a similar transformation of consciousness with respect to incontinence.

I have a personal interest in the future of incontinent patients and what is or isn’t happening with research. I have lived with fecal incontinence for seventeen years. When I say, “lived with” I mean just that. As an incontinent person I must find a way to live with it and not let it consume my life. It will certainly do that if one does not have the strength and support to take control of it. One does not escape incontinence, it is even in our dreams.

Incontinence is a symptom of something that has gone wrong, disease, injury or neglect. Whatever the cause, the ramifications of incontinence in and of itself are life altering. We are in a unique position to change the future for incontinent people.

I would like to thank all of you for your interest in incontinence and your participation in this meeting. We have the opportunity to continue our work together and build on the knowledge and technology that have brought us this far. Your individual contribution is greatly appreciated by all of us who live with incontinence. Thank you.

References

  1. Pager CL, Solomon MJ, Rex J, Roberts RA. Long- term outcomes of pelvic floor exercise and biofeedback treatment for patients with fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 2002;45:997-1003.
  2. Lunniss PJ, Kamm MA, Phillips RK. Factors affecting continence after surgery for anal fistula. Br J Surg 1994;81:1382-1385.
  3. Pescatori M, Anastasio G, Bottini C, Mentasti A. New grading and scoring system for anal incontinence: evaluation of 335 patients. Dis Colon Rectum 1992;35:482-487.
  4. Tillinger W/ Mittermaier C/ Lochs H, Moser G. Health-related quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease: influence of surgical operation –a prospective trial. Dig Dis Sci 1999;44:932-938
  5. Malouf AJ, Norton CS, Engel AF, et al. Long-term results of overlapping anterior anal- sphincter repair for obstetric trauma. Lancet 2000;335:260-265.
  6. Halverson AL, Hull TL. Long-term outcome of overlapping anal sphincter repair [letter]. Dis Colon Rectum 2002;45:345-348.
  7. Soffer EE, Hull T. Fecal incontinence: a practical approach to evaluation and treatment. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1873-1880.
  8. Jorge JMN, Wexner SD. Etiology and management of fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 1993;36:77-97.
  9. Rockwood TH, Chuch JM, Fleshman JW, et al. Patient and surgeon ranking of the severity of symptoms associated with fecal incontinence: the fecal incontinence severity index. Dis Colon Rectum 1999;42:1525-1532.
  10. Ware JE, Sherbourne CD. The MOS 36-item Short- Form Health Survey (SF-36). I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Med Care 1992;30:473-483.
  11. Eypasch E, Williams JI, Woods-Dauphinee B, et al. Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index: development, validation, and application of a new instrument. Br J Surg 1995;82:216-222.
  12. Rockwood TH, Church JM, Fleshman JW, Kane RL, Mavrantonis C, Thorson AG, et al. Fecal incontinence quality of life scale: quality of life instrument for patients with fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 2000;43:9-17.
  13. Whitehead WE, Wald A, Norton NJ. Treatment options for fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum 2001;44:131-144.
  14. Wald A. Colonic and anorectal motility testing in clinical practice. Am J Gastroenterol 1994;89:2109-2115.
  15. Grady D. U.S. lets drug tied to deaths back on market. New York Times June 8 ed, New York, 2002.
  16. Drossman DA, Sandler RS, Broom CM, McKee DC. Urgency and fecal soiling in people with bowel dysfunction. Dig Dis Sci 1986;31:1221-1225.
  17. Snooks SJ, Swash M, Henry MM, Setchel M. Risk factors in childbirth causing damage to the pelvic floor innervation. Int J Colorectal Dis 1986;1:20-24.

The Need for More Research – How You Can Help

IFFGD participates in and encourages support of scientific inquiry and research. Although the need has been demonstrated, functional GI disorder research remains severely underfunded.

There are a growing number of clinicians and investigators who are striving to learn more about the functional gastrointestinal disorders. They need research funding. You can help. Working together, we can change the way these disorders are viewed, managed and treated. To know more about funding needs, visit: How to Make a Difference.

Adapted from IFFGD Publication: Research Priorities for Fecal Incontinence: The Patient’s Perspective by Nancy J. Norton, President, International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Milwaukee, WI.

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