Current Topics in Faecal Incontinence (original) (raw)

2019, Current Topics in Faecal Incontinence

is a consultant in general and colorectal surgery and colorectal clinical lead with NHS Forth Valley in Scotland, and honorary clinical associate professor with the University of Glasgow. A graduate of the University of Malta, he received his postgraduate surgical training primarily in Dundee and Aberdeen. A travelling fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow enabled him to pursue further studies in colorectal surgery at the University of Minnesota, USA. His research on rectal cancer led to a doctorate from the University of Dundee. He is the recipient of the William Cullen Prize from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for his work on faecal incontinence. Contents Preface XIII Section 1 Preface Faecal incontinence is, for the majority, a physically debilitating and socially stigmatising condition that may have quite a profound adverse effect on one's quality of life, it being associated with poor self-esteem, embarrassment, and depression. The causes are multifactorial, the investigations are varied, and the treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work with patients and their significant others to optimise the quality of their lives. The treatment modalities range from simple measures and lifestyle modifications to complex interventions. This book, Current Topics in Faecal Incontinence, features an international authorship. The clinicians and researchers who contributed to this book have a wealth of experience and have made seminal contributions to their respective fields. The chapters represent both original research as well as up-to-date and comprehensive reviews. The clinical, anatomical, and physiological evaluation of faecal incontinence, including quality of life, is discussed in some detail. Chapters are also devoted to faecal incontinence in autoimmune disease and obstructive defaecation. The final two chapters focus on two key and expanding areas in the treatment of faecal incontinence: anal implants and biosphincters. This book should appeal to a wide readership. It is an invaluable resource for physicians, surgeons, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals who seek to refresh and expand their knowledge in this field, as well as a source of excellent information for those preparing for professional examinations. I trust that readers will find this book both enjoyable as well as educationally rewarding. I hope that, with this book, I have contributed in some way to the understanding of this complex yet common condition, and ultimately provide a service that will benefit patients and improve their quality of life. I am most grateful to the authors who have willingly put in an enormous effort in providing such excellent reviews of these diverse topics.