Publication:

Role of recto-anal biofeedback in management of fecal incontinence: early experience for prospective non-surgical management

Background Fecal incontinence is a difficult and debilitating problem with various nonsurgical and surgical modes of treatment. Biofeedback is among the most considerable nonoperative strategies. This study is to review of the short-term effectiveness of the use of biofeedback therapy in management of fecal incontinence.

Methods A retrospective review of 14 patients with fecal incontinence were included and completed the planned biofeedback sessions regarding clinical response and change in anorectal manometric parameters.

Results 14 incontinent patients (9 males and 5 females), mean age 38.0 ± 21.4 years, 6 patients (42.8%) showed excellent response (cured), 5 patients (35.7%) showed good response (improved) and 3 patients (21.5%) showed poor response. There were a highly significant decrease in the grade with mean 3.8±1.4 to 2.4±1.7 (P value =0.003) and a score mean 11.8±5.9 to 6.1±7.1 (P value = 0.002). increase in anal resting pressure by mean 33.6±18.1 mmHg (P value = 0.004) and anal squeeze pressure by mean 75.4±35.2 mmHg (P value = 0.002). Also increase in anal resting pressure from 36.2±13.4 mmHg to 46.0±19.7 mmHg (P value = 0.046) and the anal squeeze pressure 89.3±21.8 mmHg to 106.7±21.0 mmHg (P value = 0.026). the volume required for 1st sensation mean 34.6±10.8 cc. decreased to 29.3±9.4 cc. (P value = 0.048) and the maximum tolerable volume increases from 221.4±55.9 cc to 235.7±54.9 cc (P-value = 0.022).

Conclusions Biofeedback therapy has an effective role in short term efficacy in management of fecal incontinence.