Size of Pelvic Outlet as a Potential Risk Factor of Fecal Incontinence: A Population-Based Exploratory Analysis

Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2025 Jan 1;16(1):e00789. doi: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000789.

Abstract

Introduction: The impact of pelvic bone structure on fecal incontinence (FI) is unclear. We assessed the association between weight-adjusted pelvic area and FI.

Methods: This was a population-based analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005-2006. Participants who completed the bowel health survey and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were included.

Results: On multivariable analysis of 2,772 participants, the lowest pelvic area quartile predicted increased FI compared with the third (odds ratio [OR]: 2.05, confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-3.56, P = 0.014) and fourth (OR: 1.94, CI: 1.02-3.70, P = 0.045) quartiles. Sex-stratified analyses found similar association among female patients only.

Discussion: Small pelvic area on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is a potential risk factor of FI.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fecal Incontinence* / epidemiology
  • Fecal Incontinence* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Surveys*
  • Pelvic Bones* / diagnostic imaging
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology