Treatment of fecal incontinence

Abstract

Methods and devices to diagnose and treat fecal incontinence in females and males are provided. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for positioning in a patient's rectum allows for the visualization and manipulation or positioning of an anatomical reference point(s) in the patient's body. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for rectal insertion in a patient allows for the visualization and implementation of efficient and effective exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for the diagnosis or treatment of fecal incontinence comprising positioning in the rectum of a patient a multiple sensor-enabled catheter, visualizing the anatomical state of the patient, and manipulating the patient's body to a position capable of relieving the incontinence. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical state is the relative position of at least one patient anatomical reference points selected from the group consisting of the pubic bone, the coccyx, the bladder, the urethra, the uterus, the prostate, and the rectum. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical state is the muscular function of the rectal sphincter. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical state is the muscular function of the pelvic floor. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the manipulating is done by the patient.