title: Bio-feedback treatment of fecal incontinence: where are we, and where are we going?
abstract: Fecal incontinence is a disabling disease, often observed in young subjects, that may have devastating psycho-social consequences. In the last years, numerous evidences have been reported on the efficacy of bio-feedback techniques for the treatment of this disorder. Overall, the literature data claim a success rate in more than 70% of cases in the short term. However, recent controlled trials have not confirmed this optimistic view, thus emphasizing the role of standard care. Nonetheless, many authors believe that this should be the first therapeutic approach for fecal incontinence due to the efficacy, lack of side-effects, and scarce invasiveness. Well-designed randomized, controlled trial are eagerly awaited to solve this therapeutic dilemma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterological Rehabilitation, University of Verona, Valeggio sul Mincio Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chiarioni
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Morelli
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Iantorno
authors.forename: Gabrio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bassotti
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome