Training and Comfort in the Management of Fecal Incontinence.
Only 31.1% of urogynecology attendings feel very comfortable managing fecal incontinence.
Training and Comfort in the Management of Fecal Incontinence.
IMPORTANCE: Fecal incontinence (fecal incontinence) is common, underdiagnosed, and often undertreated.
The objective of this study was to assess clinical exposure, didactic training, and self-reported comfort with fecal incontinence management among urogynecology fellows and fellowship-trained attendings in the United States.
A cross-sectional, anonymous electronic survey was distributed to physician members of the American Urogynecologic Society (American Urogynecologic Society) in 2025.
fewer than 1 in 3 feel highly confident treating this common condition
A total of 202 respondents completed the survey (35 fellows, 167 attendings; response rate 14.3%).
More than half of fellows (54.3%) and two thirds of attendings (66.5%) completed a colorectal surgery rotation, while gastroenterology rotations were less common.
Most respondents evaluated patients with fecal incontinence weekly (60.0% of fellows; 51.5% of attendings).
Most respondents (80.0% of fellows; 63.5% of attendings) believed that improving clinician comfort would enhance patient outcomes and access to care.
Clinical and didactic exposure to fecal incontinence varies widely across urogynecology training and practice.
Despite frequent encounters, limited procedural experience contributes to persistent discomfort with fecal incontinence management.
Standardizing fellowship education and expanding interdisciplinary, longitudinal training may improve clinician confidence and patient care.