Annals of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (APhOT)

ISSN: 2640-2734

Case Report

The Role of Physiotherapy in Parity-Induced Flatus Incontinence: A Case Report

Authors: Ojukwu CP and Goodness Mba C*

DOI: 10.23880/aphot-16000253

Abstract

Gas incontinence also known as Flatus incontinence is a common postpartum anal incontinence which impairs social participation and also lacks established protocol of management. Symptom persistency has been reported after perineal muscles repair due to weakness/ loss in function of the pelvic floor muscles. This case report describes about the importance and effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation (PMR) in a 28year old primiparous woman, four months postpartum who presented with parity-induced flatus incontinence aggravated after sexual activities at a the Physiotherapy clinic of a state government owned hospital located in the south eastern part of Nigeria. Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation (PMR) and Stabilization exercises were administered thirty minutes (30mins) to forty-five minutes (45mins) three times (3x), a week (1 week) for four weeks (4weeks). There was a significant reduction in Mark’s (Vaizey) score by more than 2 points at the end of the four weeks of physiotherapy intervention and also patient recorded improvement in all the domains of faecal incontinence quality of life scale, pelvic floor muscle strength (anal squeeze pressure) and pelvic floor muscle function (endurance and coordination).

Keywords: Flatus Incontinence; Pelvic Floor Muscle; Parity; Post Delivery; Primiparous; Physiotherapy Modality; Perineal Tear; Anal Sphincter Injuries

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