INTRODUCTIONFaecal incontinence (FI) is a stigmatised condition that remains a silent affliction for many populations. To date, no local study has been performed to determine its prevalence in our population. The existing literature from the West has shown highly variable rates, ranging from 0.8% to 18.0%. The aim of this study was to determine the cross-sectional prevalence of FI in Singapore and to identify at-risk groups.

METHODSA door-to-door questionnaire survey was performed between February and March 2013. We randomly selected 1,000 individuals from the electoral roll to be surveyed using the validated Comprehensive Fecal Incontinence Questionnaire.

RESULTSA total of 381 participants agreed to be enrolled in the study. The mean age of the participants was 52 (range 21-86) years, and slightly more than half of the participants were female (52.8%). Among the female participants, 73.1% had children (78.8% underwent normal vaginal delivery). The overall prevalence of FI in our study population was 4.7%. The prevalence of FI was observed to be significantly associated with increasing age (p = 0.004) and female gender (p = 0.029); women were three times more likely to suffer from FI than men.

CONCLUSIONWith the ageing population of Singapore, the results of the present study provide further impetus to continue public outreach efforts as well as develop clinical programmes that address the growing need for specialist treatments for people with FI.

Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Delivery, Obstetric ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Fecal Incontinence ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Sex Distribution ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

There has been growing concern surrounding the use of unconfined power morcellation in laparoscopic surgeries for uterine leiomyoma due to its associated risks and long-term clinical sequelae, including parasitic leiomyomas and disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL). We present a case of DPL resulting from previous laparoscopic morcellation and a review of the existing literature. DPL is a potentially devastating consequence of unconfined laparoscopic morcellation in the surgical management of uterine fibroids. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended in the management of DPL, especially in cases of multivisceral involvement. Clinical caution ought to be exercised when using power morcellators; when unavoidable, confined laparoscopic morcellation offers a promising mitigation and should be adopted if practicable.