Abstract
BACKGROUND
Although biofeedback treatment ameliorates symptoms in patients with fecal incontinence, whether it improves anorectal function is unclear.
AIM
To examine prospectively whether biofeedback therapy influences objective and subjective parameters of anorectal function and whether it improves outcome.
METHODS
Nineteen consecutive patients (females = 17) with fecal incontinence for over 1 year, underwent a three-phase outpatient treatment program. This program consisted of pelvic muscle strengthening exercises (phase 1), 1-h biofeedback therapy sessions twice a week (phase 2), and reinforcement sessions at 6 wk, 3, 6, and 12 months (phase 3). The number of sessions in phase 2 were customized for each patient. Anorectal manometry, saline continence test, prospective stool diaries, and bowel satisfaction scores were used to assess the changes in bowel function before and 1 year after therapy.
RESULTS
After biofeedback therapy, the anal squeeze sphincter pressure (p < 0.05), the duration of squeeze (p < 0.001), and the capacity to retain liquids (p < 0.05) increased. Rectoanal coordination also improved with a reduction (p < 0.001) in rectal pressure and an increase (p < 0.05) in the continence index. Threshold volumes for first perception and desire to defecate decreased (p < 0.05). The number of therapy sessions varied, mean (range) = 7 (4-13). Stool frequency and the number of incontinence episodes decreased (p < 0.001). Bowel satisfaction score improved (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Biofeedback therapy is effective and improves objective and subjective parameters of anorectal function in patients with fecal incontinence. Customizing the number of sessions and providing periodic reinforcement may improve the success rate.
TY - JOUR
T1 - Can biofeedback therapy improve anorectal function in fecal incontinence?
AU - Rao,S S,
AU - Welcher,K D,
AU - Happel,J,
PY - 1996/11/1/pubmed
PY - 1996/11/1/medline
PY - 1996/11/1/entrez
SP - 2360
EP - 6
JF - The American journal of gastroenterology
JO - Am J Gastroenterol
VL - 91
IS - 11
N2 - BACKGROUND: Although biofeedback treatment ameliorates symptoms in patients with fecal incontinence, whether it improves anorectal function is unclear. AIM: To examine prospectively whether biofeedback therapy influences objective and subjective parameters of anorectal function and whether it improves outcome. METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients (females = 17) with fecal incontinence for over 1 year, underwent a three-phase outpatient treatment program. This program consisted of pelvic muscle strengthening exercises (phase 1), 1-h biofeedback therapy sessions twice a week (phase 2), and reinforcement sessions at 6 wk, 3, 6, and 12 months (phase 3). The number of sessions in phase 2 were customized for each patient. Anorectal manometry, saline continence test, prospective stool diaries, and bowel satisfaction scores were used to assess the changes in bowel function before and 1 year after therapy. RESULTS: After biofeedback therapy, the anal squeeze sphincter pressure (p < 0.05), the duration of squeeze (p < 0.001), and the capacity to retain liquids (p < 0.05) increased. Rectoanal coordination also improved with a reduction (p < 0.001) in rectal pressure and an increase (p < 0.05) in the continence index. Threshold volumes for first perception and desire to defecate decreased (p < 0.05). The number of therapy sessions varied, mean (range) = 7 (4-13). Stool frequency and the number of incontinence episodes decreased (p < 0.001). Bowel satisfaction score improved (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Biofeedback therapy is effective and improves objective and subjective parameters of anorectal function in patients with fecal incontinence. Customizing the number of sessions and providing periodic reinforcement may improve the success rate.
SN - 0002-9270
UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/8931418/Can_biofeedback_therapy_improve_anorectal_function_in_fecal_incontinence
L2 - http://www.diseaseinfosearch.org/result/3797
DB - PRIME
DP - Unbound Medicine
ER -
