Wexner Score for Obstructed Defecation / Faecal Incontinence
Cleveland Clinic Florida Wexner Score quantifies severity of faecal incontinence. Scores frequency of incontinence to gas, liquid, and solid stool, plus pad use and lifestyle alteration.
Score interpretation
Score 0 — perfect continence
→ No intervention required
Score 1–7 — mild faecal incontinence
→ Conservative management: dietary modification, pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback; colorectal referral if persistent
Score 8–14 — moderate faecal incontinence
→ Specialist colorectal referral; consider anorectal physiology testing; sacral nerve stimulation; antidiarrhoeals
Score 15–20 — severe faecal incontinence causing significant quality of life impairment
→ Urgent colorectal surgery review; investigate aetiology (anal manometry, endoanal ultrasound); surgical options (sphincteroplasty, SNS, colostomy)
Interpretation bands for the Wexner Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Jorge JM, Wexner SD. Etiology and management of fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 1993;36(1):77–97.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.