Biofeedback is effective therapy for fecal incontinence and constipation.
OBJECTIVE
To define the role of biofeedback in fecal incontinence and constipation.


METHODS
A case series of patients with fecal incontinence or constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction.


METHODS
Tertiary care center with an anorectal physiology laboratory.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Electromyogram-guided biofeedback retraining of the pelvic floor.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Biofeedback is effective in selected patients with fecal incontinence and constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Ko
C Y
CY
Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
Tong
J
J
Lehman
R E
RE
Shelton
A A
AA
Schrock
T R
TR
Welton
M L
ML
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology