Intended for healthcare professionals

Rapid response to:

Practice NICE guidelines

Management of faecal incontinence in adults: summary of NICE guidance

BMJ 2007; 334 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39231.633275.AD (Published 28 June 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;334:1370

Rapid Response:

Colostomy for faecal incontinence

As the husband and carer of a person with severe MS, I was surprised
to see no mention the possibility of colostomy in the management of severe
faecal incontinence. In my wife's case, no other measure prevented her
incontinence, and the formation of a colostomy has transformed her quality
of life.

I realise that only a minority of patients will need a colostomy, but
I do feel that this should have been mentioned in the guideline.

Competing interests:
Husband and carer of a patient

Competing interests: No competing interests

02 July 2007
Peter N Young
Retired Consultant Anaesthetist
112, Linden Avenue, Prestbury, Cheltenham, GL52 3DS