OBJECTIVE: To define the role of biofeedback in fecal incontinence and constipation. DESIGN: A case series of patients with fecal incontinence or constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction. SETTING: Tertiary care center with an anorectal physiology laboratory. PATIENTS: Patients with 1 of the following: (1) chronic or acute fecal incontinence, (2) fecal incontinence and neurologic injury, or (3) constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction. INTERVENTION: Electromyogram-guided biofeedback retraining of the pelvic floor. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of electromyographic abnormalities and subjective resolution of fecal incontinence or constipation. RESULTS: Of the patients with fecal incontinence, 92% experienced significant improvement with biofeedback without significant improvement in electromyographic values. Of the patients with constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction 80% experienced improvement with biofeedback without significant change in electromyographic values. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback is effective in selected patients with fecal incontinence and constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE: To define the role of biofeedback in fecal incontinence and constipation. DESIGN: A case series of patients with fecal incontinence or constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction. SETTING: Tertiary care center with an anorectal physiology laboratory. PATIENTS: Patients with 1 of the following: (1) chronic or acute fecal incontinence, (2) fecal incontinence and neurologic injury, or (3) constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction. INTERVENTION: Electromyogram-guided biofeedback retraining of the pelvic floor. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of electromyographic abnormalities and subjective resolution of fecal incontinence or constipation. RESULTS: Of the patients with fecal incontinence, 92% experienced significant improvement with biofeedback without significant improvement in electromyographic values. Of the patients with constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction 80% experienced improvement with biofeedback without significant change in electromyographic values. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback is effective in selected patients with fecal incontinence and constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Authors: Maria del Carmen Martínez-Puente; José Antonio Pascual-Montero; Damián García-Olmo Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis Date: 2003-10-07 Impact factor: 2.571