title: [Biofeedback: a simple and efficient method in the treatment of fecal incontinence].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To search in retrospectively and prospectively from the efficacy of biofeedback training in patients with fecal incontinence and to investigate the determinant factors of improvement of the patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The incontinent patients were evaluated in phases: I: In 37 subjects, 14 men and 23 women, aged between 13 and 82 years, biofeedback training was done, and the efficacy was determined retrospective form. II: In 14 patients, 2 men and 12 women, aged between 19 and 79 years, biofeedback training was done, and rectal balloon sensitivity, force of contraction and motor/sensitivity index were evaluated in prospective form before and after biofeedback training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the group of the patients studied in phase I, findings were: 21 patients (60%) complete continence, 12 (34%) improvement, and 2 (5.7%) without change. In the group of the patients studied in phase II, findings were: 8 patients (57%) complete continence, 4 (29%) improvement and 2 (14%) without change. In patients with complete continence there was a decrease in rectal balloon sensitivity (P < 0.05) and an increase of the motor/sensitivity index (P < 0.05), before and after biofeedback training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biofeedback is a simple, painless and effective treatment for patients with fecal incontinence. It allows to improve rectal sensitivity and to increase the motor/sensitivity index, determinant for patients continence.
authors.affiliation: Sección Motilidad, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, U.B.A Córdoba, Capital Federal.
authors.forename: O M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Laudanno
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Iantorno
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tomé
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies