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

Abstract

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.