Rectal Incontinence Treatment in Mumbai – Dr. Chintamani Godbole
Rectal or bowel incontinence can be a distressing condition in which a person has difficulty controlling bowel movements or experiences accidental leakage of stool or mucus. It may occur because of weakness or damage involving the anal sphincter and pelvic floor, and it can sometimes be associated with conditions such as rectal prolapse. Seeking timely rectal incontinence treatment mumbai can help identify the underlying cause and determine an appropriate management plan. Dr. Chintamani Godbole, a specialist in colorectal surgery, provides evaluation and surgical care for conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus.
What Is Rectal Incontinence?
Rectal incontinence, commonly referred to as fecal or bowel incontinence, means an inability to control the passage of stool or gas. Symptoms can range from occasional leakage of liquid stool or mucus to an inability to control bowel movements.
The condition can have several causes. Weakness of the anal sphincter, pelvic floor disorders, nerve-related problems, previous childbirth injuries, rectal prolapse, chronic diarrhoea and certain neurological conditions may contribute to bowel-control problems.
The reference information for rectal prolapse notes that stretching and protrusion of the rectum can be associated with anal sphincter weakness, resulting in stool or mucus leakage.
Rectal Prolapse and Bowel Incontinence
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum, the lower portion of the large intestine immediately above the anus, becomes stretched and protrudes through the anal opening. Weakness of the supporting pelvic tissues and anal sphincter may accompany the condition.
Patients with rectal prolapse may experience:
A protrusion from the anus
Leakage of liquid stool
Mucus discharge
Difficulty controlling bowel movements
Constipation and straining
The need for frequent cleaning after bowel movements
Rectal prolapse can occur in different forms. A mucosal prolapse involves only the inner lining of the rectum, while full-thickness prolapse involves the entire rectal wall. Internal intussusception occurs when the rectum folds into itself without protruding externally.
Because prolapse and incontinence can occur together, evaluating the underlying structural problem is important before deciding on treatment.
What Causes Rectal Incontinence?
Bowel-control problems can develop for several reasons. Identifying the cause helps determine whether conservative management, pelvic floor treatment or surgery may be appropriate.
Chronic Constipation and Straining
Long-standing constipation and repeated straining during bowel movements can place stress on the pelvic floor and rectal support structures. Chronic straining is also listed as a potential contributing factor for rectal prolapse.
Chronic Diarrhoea
Frequent loose stools can make bowel control more difficult, particularly when the anal sphincter or pelvic floor is already weakened.
Age-Related Changes
With increasing age, pelvic floor tissues and anal sphincter tone may become weaker. This can contribute to both rectal prolapse and problems with bowel control.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy, difficult vaginal deliveries and multiple vaginal births may affect pelvic floor structures and, in some individuals, contribute to bowel-control problems.
Neurological Conditions or Injury
Conditions affecting the nerves that control the bowel and pelvic floor can contribute to incontinence. The reference material lists multiple sclerosis, lower back or pelvic injuries and spinal tumours among possible associated factors.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Rectal incontinence can sometimes be embarrassing, causing people to delay medical consultation. However, persistent symptoms deserve professional evaluation.
Common signs include:
Accidental leakage of stool
Leakage of mucus
Difficulty delaying a bowel movement
Frequent soiling of underwear
Inability to control bowel movements
Rectal tissue protruding during or after defecation
Constipation accompanied by excessive straining
When symptoms occur alongside rectal protrusion, a colorectal evaluation can help determine whether rectal prolapse is contributing to the problem.
How Is Rectal Incontinence Evaluated?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. The doctor may ask about bowel frequency, stool consistency, leakage, constipation, previous childbirth or pelvic surgery, neurological conditions and other relevant symptoms.
When rectal prolapse is suspected, clinical examination may be sufficient to diagnose an external prolapse. Additional investigations may be recommended when internal prolapse or another structural abnormality is suspected.
The reference page identifies MRI defecography as an investigation that can help diagnose internal rectal prolapse. Sigmoidoscopy may also be used to examine the inside of the rectum and intestine.
The specific tests required depend on the patient’s symptoms and clinical findings.
Treatment Options for Rectal Incontinence
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of incontinence. If rectal prolapse or another structural abnormality is responsible, treating the underlying condition may be an important part of management.
Treatment may include dietary and bowel-habit modifications, pelvic floor management, medications for certain bowel disorders, or surgery when a structural problem requires correction.
Patients should not self-treat persistent incontinence without evaluation because different causes require different approaches.
Surgical Treatment When Rectal Prolapse Is Present
The reference information states that rectal prolapse requires surgical treatment. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the type of prolapse, patient characteristics and the surgeon’s assessment.
Rectopexy
Rectopexy involves repositioning and securing the rectum in its appropriate position. It may be performed using a laparoscopic approach or through an abdominal incision. In selected cases, part of the intestine may also need to be removed.
Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy
Also known as the Altemeier procedure, this operation involves accessing the prolapsed rectum through the anus, removing a portion of the rectum and sigmoid colon, and joining the remaining bowel.
Delorme Procedure
The Delorme procedure is another perineal approach and may be considered for selected shorter rectal prolapses. It involves removing the rectal lining and folding the underlying muscle layer to shorten and strengthen the rectal wall.
The appropriate surgical procedure must be determined after a detailed colorectal assessment.
Why Specialist Colorectal Evaluation Matters
Rectal incontinence can have multiple causes, and the treatment approach should address the underlying problem rather than only the symptom. A colorectal surgeon can evaluate the rectum, anus and surrounding structures and determine whether a prolapse, pelvic floor disorder, inflammatory bowel condition or another problem is contributing to the symptoms.
For patients looking for a Colorectal Surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Chintamani Godbole provides specialist care for conditions involving the colon, rectum and anus, including pelvic floor problems and rectal prolapse. His official profile lists colorectal surgery, robotic and laparoscopic surgery, inflammatory bowel disease surgery and complex fistula surgery among his areas of expertise.
Meet Dr. Chintamani Godbole
Dr. Chintamani Godbole is a super-specialist colorectal surgeon with a special interest in colorectal surgery and peritoneal surface oncology. His qualifications include MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, followed by DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. He also holds MRCS and FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
He completed five years of further colorectal surgical training in the United Kingdom, including fellowships in minimally invasive colorectal surgery, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, colorectal cancer surgery, peritoneal cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. He also trained at the Basingstoke Peritoneal Malignancy Institute and worked as a General and Colorectal Surgical Consultant at University Hospitals Coventry in the UK.
His official profile reports experience with more than 200 minimally invasive colorectal surgeries and more than 50 cytoreductive surgeries and HIPEC procedures. His expertise includes colorectal surgery, robotic and laparoscopic procedures, pelvic floor problems, inflammatory bowel disease and complex fistula-in-ano.
Clinic Environment at Gadre Hospital
Dr. Godbole consults at Gadre Hospital, near Hindmata Cinema, Dadar East, Mumbai. His practice is focused on specialist colorectal and gastrointestinal surgical care, with services including colorectal cancer treatment, robotic surgery, HIPEC, and management of inflammatory bowel disease.
His professional profile also highlights personalised communication with patients and relatives and specialist colorectal care across affiliated hospitals in Mumbai.
For patients searching for a Best Doctor for Gastroenterology in Mumbai, a consultation with a colorectal specialist can be particularly relevant when symptoms involve the rectum, anus, bowel control or pelvic floor.
When Should You Consult a Colorectal Surgeon?
Do not ignore persistent bowel leakage, mucus discharge, difficulty controlling bowel movements or tissue protruding from the anus. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is required.
You should consider a specialist consultation if:
Bowel leakage is recurring
You have difficulty controlling stool
Rectal tissue protrudes during bowel movements
You experience persistent constipation and straining
You have unexplained mucus or stool leakage
Symptoms interfere with work, travel or social activities
A specialist assessment can help distinguish rectal prolapse from other conditions that may produce similar symptoms.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Chintamani Godbole
If you are experiencing bowel-control problems, stool leakage or symptoms associated with rectal prolapse, timely colorectal evaluation can help clarify the underlying condition and available treatment options.
Call: 81087 91470
Consult Dr. Chintamani Godbole for a detailed evaluation of rectal prolapse, bowel-control problems and other colorectal conditions. A personalised assessment can help determine the appropriate diagnostic and treatment pathway for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can rectal prolapse cause bowel incontinence?
Yes. Rectal prolapse can be associated with weakness of the anal sphincter, which may result in leakage of stool or mucus and difficulty controlling bowel movements.
2. How is rectal prolapse diagnosed?
External rectal prolapse can often be diagnosed through clinical examination. If internal prolapse is suspected, investigations such as MRI defecography may be recommended. Sigmoidoscopy can also be used to examine the rectum and intestine.
3. Does rectal prolapse always require surgery?
The reference page states that rectal prolapse is treated surgically, with options including rectopexy, perineal rectosigmoidectomy and the Delorme procedure. The appropriate procedure depends on the type and characteristics of the prolapse and the individual patient.
4. Which specialist should I consult for rectal incontinence?
A colorectal surgeon can evaluate conditions affecting the rectum, anus and colon and investigate whether rectal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, inflammatory bowel disease or another condition is contributing to incontinence. Dr. Chintamani Godbole specialises in colorectal surgery and lists pelvic floor problems among his areas of expertise.
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