Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. The disorder can range in severity from a mild inconvenience to an embarrassing and debilitating condition. Spinal cord injuries and brain injuries often cause a complete loss of control of the bowel resulting in the need for a colostomy.
During a colostomy the colon is removed and the patient is fitted with a port and removable bag that receives the feces. After a colostomy the patient no longer defecates through the anus.