How common is fecal incontinence in the elderly?

Common: At least to some degree. Urinary incontinence is more common there is some promising research into slings for this type of incontinence just like with urine.

Pretty common: Fecal incontinence is more common than most people realize, but is not diagnosed as often as it could be. People are embarrassed to talk about it, so they never discuss it with their doctor. It is a common cause of people being sent to nursing home or needing a lot of nursing care at home. We have improved treatments for it, if you know someone with this issue. They should see a colorectal surgeon.