Biofeedback Is Effective Therapy for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation
Clifford Y. Ko, MD;
Jenny Tong, MD;
Richard E. Lehman;
Andrew A. Shelton, MD;
Theodore R. Schrock, MD;
Mark L. Welton, MD
Arch Surg. 1997;132(8):829-834.
Abstract
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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.
Arch Surg. 1997;132:829-834
Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles (Dr Ko) and the University of California, San Francisco (Drs Tong, Shelton, Schrock, and Welton and Mr Lehman).
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