Effects of biofeedback in the treatment of female fecal incontinence

Abstract

IntroductionFecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of stools and gases, characterized by the inability to keep physiological control of bowel contents. It can negatively affect patients’ quality of life. Biofeedback is a therapeutic tool used in the treatment, through the training of the pelvic floor muscles from visual and sound stimuli. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of biofeedback in the treatment of female fecal incontinence. MethodsTwenty-three patients with fecal incontinence, diagnosed by clinical evaluation and manometry, and referred for biofeedback treatment, participated responding to the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Assessment scale, and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire to obtain personal data, clinical complaints and incontinence characteristics. Four biofeedback sessions were held once a week. After the protocol, they were reevaluated with anorectal manometry and questionnaires, and they were instructed to daily perform the sphincteric contraction exercises at home. ResultsThe comparison of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Scoring System and FIQL scores before and after the biofeedback protocol showed a significant decrease (p=0.0001) in fecal incontinence. The mean anal pressure at rest was 33.3mmHg before and 49.65mmHg after biofeedback, while the mean anal pressure of maximal voluntary contraction was 85mmHg before treatment and 136.65mmHg after it. ConclusionBiofeedback is an effective method for the treatment of fecal incontinence, with increased sphincter strength and improved quality of life.