Fecal Incontinence Surgery Specialist in Phoenix, AZ

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we understand how profoundly fecal incontinence can affect your quality of life. Our experienced surgical team is dedicated to helping patients in the Phoenix area regain control and confidence through advanced surgical options when non-surgical treatments such as medications, dietary changes, or pelvic floor therapy have not provided sufficient relief.

Fecal incontinence can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury to the muscles or nerves around the anus, complications from childbirth, aging, or other medical conditions. Our board-certified surgeons are skilled in evaluating the underlying cause of your incontinence and recommending the most appropriate surgical solution tailored to your specific needs.
 
Surgical options include:

Sphincteroplasty: A procedure to repair or reconstruct the anal sphincter muscles, often needed after childbirth injuries or trauma.
 
Sacral Nerve Stimulation: The implantation of a small device that delivers electrical impulses to the nerves controlling bowel function, improving muscle coordination.
 
Muscle Transposition: In complex cases with significant muscle loss, our surgeons may perform muscle transposition, moving a muscle from another part of the body to help restore continence.
 
Colostomy: For individuals with severe symptoms who have not responded to other treatments, a colostomy may be considered to divert stool through an opening in the abdomen.
 
Our team at Phoenix Unified Surgeons takes the time to discuss all available options, carefully weighing the risks and benefits of each procedure. We work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that considers your health, lifestyle, and preferences.

Fecal incontinence, sometimes referred to as bowel incontinence, occurs when there is an inability to control bowel movements, leading to the unintentional loss of stool. This condition can significantly impact quality of life, but with the right expertise and treatment, many individuals can experience substantial improvement.
 
Common Causes of Fecal Incontinence:

Anal Sphincter Damage: Weakness or injury to the anal sphincter muscles—often due to childbirth, especially difficult deliveries or the use of forceps—can compromise continence.
 
Nerve Damage: Conditions such as diabetes, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis can disrupt the nerve signals that regulate bowel control.
 
Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea: Straining from constipation can stretch and weaken muscles, while frequent loose stools from chronic diarrhea may overwhelm the body’s ability to maintain continence.
 
Surgical History: Previous surgeries involving the rectum or anus can sometimes injure the muscles or nerves responsible for bowel control.
 
Age-related Changes: The natural aging process can lead to weakening of the bowel control muscles and nerves, increasing risk over time.
 
Other Medical Conditions: Disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or rectal prolapse are also known contributors.

Surgical intervention may be considered for patients whose quality of life is significantly impacted by fecal incontinence, even after trying non-surgical treatments such as dietary modifications, medications, pelvic floor exercises, or biofeedback therapy. Ideal candidates often include individuals with:
 
• Anatomical issues, such as damage to the anal sphincter muscles (commonly from childbirth, injury, or previous surgery)
• Certain neurological conditions that impair anal sphincter function
• Persistent symptoms despite comprehensive non-surgical management
 
Before recommending surgery, our colorectal specialists conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include advanced diagnostic testing to assess the structure and function of your anal sphincter and pelvic floor. We ensure that each patient is generally in good health to safely undergo surgery and that they have realistic expectations regarding outcomes and potential risks.

For individuals who have not experienced sufficient improvement with conservative treatments—such as dietary modifications, medications, or pelvic floor physical therapy—surgery may be an effective next step.
 
Our experienced surgical team carefully evaluates each patient to determine the underlying cause of incontinence and recommend the most suitable surgical approach. One commonly performed procedure at our practice is sphincteroplasty, which repairs a damaged anal sphincter muscle. This option can yield excellent results, particularly when the injury is recent and the surrounding tissue remains healthy. However, we ensure that patients are fully informed about the potential for recurrence of symptoms over time.
 
In severe or complex cases where other surgical interventions are unsuitable or have not been effective, our surgeons may discuss the possibility of a colostomy. While this procedure provides reliable control, it does involve adapting to a new lifestyle, and we provide comprehensive support to help patients adjust.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we understand that every patient’s recovery journey is unique. The length of your recovery after surgery will depend on several factors, including the specific procedure performed, your overall health, and how closely you follow the post-operative care instructions provided by our team.
For minor procedures performed—such as mole removal or simple biopsies—recovery is often brief, typically lasting just a few days. However, more complex surgeries, such as joint replacements or abdominal operations, may require several weeks to even a few months for a full recovery. During this time, it’s normal to experience some fatigue, discomfort, or temporary limitations in your daily activities.
 
Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to closely monitor your progress and address any concerns. Factors such as age, chronic conditions (like diabetes), and lifestyle habits (including nutrition and activity level) can also affect your healing process. We provide personalized guidance on when it’s safe to return to work, exercise, and other normal routines.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, M.D., MBA, FACS, FASCRS, provides personalized and comprehensive care for patients experiencing fecal incontinence. As a board-certified surgeon in both general and colon & rectal surgery, she combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Fox-McClary evaluates each case individually, creating customized treatment plans that focus on restoring bowel control, improving comfort, and enhancing overall quality of life. Her compassionate care ensures that patients feel supported throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Dr. Fox-McClary employs the latest minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques to effectively treat fecal incontinence. These advanced approaches help reduce recovery time, minimize discomfort, and improve surgical outcomes compared to traditional methods. By integrating cutting-edge technology with her extensive experience, Dr. Fox-McClary provides patients with safe, effective, and tailored solutions that address their specific condition. At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, the focus is on restoring function, confidence, and overall well-being through expert, individualized care.
 
Phoenix Unified Surgeons is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring you feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. For more information, contact us or book your appointment online. Our office is conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.