DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Bowel incontinence

Why: to determine if acute or chronic.

Why: a small volume would suggest an anal fissure, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, post-operative incontinence after a removal of a fistula or other surgery in the rectal area.

Why: intermittent bowel incontinence may suggest epilepsy or delirium.

Why: if aware only after the event it suggests an associated sensory loss e.g. cauda equina lesion.

Why: e.g. for fistula repair - anal surgery may not present with incontinence immediately after the surgery but may occur years after.

Why: especially history of a prolonged difficult vaginal delivery, unsatisfactory repair of episiotomy or third degree tear. May not present with incontinence immediately after but may occur years after.

Why: to determine risk of syphilis and also to determine risk of sphincter trauma e.g. anal sex or sexual assault.

Why: may be cause of bowel incontinence.

Why: may suggest anal ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids.

Why: may suggest rectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids and anal fissure.

Why: may suggest diarrhea (most common) or rectal cancer or proctitis (inflammation of the rectum).

Why: may indicate rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids.