Rectal sphincter atonia

The loss or marked reduction of resting tone and contractile function of the internal and/or external anal sphincter, leading to impaired anorectal continence mechanisms and predisposing to passive fecal leakage and flatus incontinence. Possible causes are neurological conditions (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spina bifida, severe diabetic neuropathy), physical trauma (childbirth, anorectal surgery, trauma) and age-related factors (loss of muscle tone, chronic constipation, rectal prolapse).