PURPOSE:The lack of an outcome tool to evaluate the outcome of surgical and medical treatment for fecal incontinence makes interpretation of success difficult. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a preliminary outcome tool for fecal incontinence.METHOD:Since 1994 an extensive database has prospectively been collected on all females undergoing an overlapping sphincter repair for fecal incontinence by a single surgeon. A simple incontinence form designed to examine outcome, developed by colon and rectal surgeons, was filled out preoperatively and postoperatively.RESULTS:Of 206 females evaluated for surgical treatment of their fecal incontinence, 65 underwent surgical treatment from January 1994 until July 1999. The mean age was 49 (range, 23‐80) years, and the mean follow‐up was 10 (range, 1‐50) months. When comparing each variable (problems holding gas, staining of undergarments, accidental bowel movements, and need to wear pads) and lifestyle issue (physical, social, and sexual activities) preoperatively and postoperatively, there was significant improvement in all areas. Three parameters were chosen (change in accidental bowel movements, improvement in two of three lifestyle areas, and improvement in one of three lifestyle areas) to examine individual items from the database and to determine if they affected outcome. No single variable has a significant effect on the outcome. A scoring system was devised from the questionnaire. From preoperatively to postoperatively, there was a median 14‐point improvement that was statistically significant.CONCLUSIONS:This preliminary tool to examine outcome for fecal incontinence measures parameters that are significantly improved by overlapping sphincteroplasty. More work is needed to refine and validate this tool because a standard outcome tool is needed for reporting the results of surgical treatment of fecal incontinence.