Care for patients with faecal incontinence costs $4,110 per person for both medical and non-medical costs like loss of productivity, according to new research from the University of Michigan.

The prevalence of faecal incontinence is expected to increase substantially, as the elderly population continues to grow rapidly. The study, published this month in the journal Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, is unusual in that it assesses the per-patient annual economic costs of the condition.

"Very few studies have looked at the cost of this embarrassing and socially-isolating condition," says the study's senior author Dee E. Fenner, M.D., "The disease is prevalent among men and women, and this study shows the cost is a significant burden to patients and to society.”

The condition usually involves unintentional loss of solid, liquid or mucous stool, and it affects 8.3%  of adults who are not living in an institution such as a nursing home. It is equally prevalent in women and men, and the prevalence increases significantly with age.

Among women in their 80s, research shows about 15% report monthly bouts of faecal incontinence, says Fenner, who also is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology.

In the study, the researchers included three categories of cost: direct medical cost (diagnosis, treatment and management of the condition); direct non-medical cost (costs of non-medical resources like incontinence products or transportation to care); and indirect cost (loss of productivity).

"Our study suggests that the annual cost of faecal incontinence is similar to that of urinary incontinence," says Fenner, adding that urinary incontinence doesn't carry the same stigma as faecal incontinence and is more often talked about in the media and by health care providers.

Those who suffer with faecal incontinence find it difficult to hide odour issues, and the condition can lead to depression and social isolation. Many suffer for five years or more before seeking treatment options, Fenner says.

"For many patients, the sooner you are treated, the better," Fenner says. Diet management, physical therapy for pelvic floor issues, anti-diarrhoeal medications can all be used, and more and more surgical options are available.

"This study shows that more attention should be directed to the prevention of this condition," Fenner says. "In addition, interventions that can help patients manage their symptoms could generate financial benefits as well, because the results show that patients with more severe incontinence also have higher annual costs of care."