Research article summary (published 30 Jul 2006):

Electrical stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback in patients with fecal incontinence: a cohort study of 281 patients.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE:
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is an appealing treatment for patients with fecal incontinence but reported results vary. This study was designed to assess the outcome of pelvic floor rehabilitation in a large series of consecutive patients with fecal incontinence caused by different etiologies.

METHODS:
A total of 281 patients (252 females) were included. Data about medical history, anal manometry, rectal capacity measurement, and endoanal sonography were collected. Subgroups of patients were defined by anal sphincter complex integrity, and nature and possible underlying causes of fecal incontinence. Subsequently patients were referred for pelvic floor rehabilitation, comprising nine sessions of electric stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback. Pelvic floor rehabilitation outcome was documented with Vaizey score, anal manometry, and rectal capacity measurement findings.

RESULTS:
Vaizey score improved from baseline in 143 of 239 patients (60 percent), remained unchanged in 56 patients (23 percent), and deteriorated in 40 patients (17 percent). Mean Vaizey score reduced with 3.2 points (P < 0.001). A Vaizey score reduction of >or= 50 percent was observed in 32 patients (13 percent). Mean squeeze pressure (+5.1 mmHg; P = 0.04) and maximal tolerated volume (+11 ml; P = 0.01) improved from baseline. Resting pressure (P = 0.22), sensory threshold (P = 0.52), and urge sensation (P = 0.06) remained unchanged. Subgroup analyses did not show substantial differences in effects of pelvic floor rehabilitation between subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS:
Pelvic floor rehabilitation leads overall to a modest improvement in severity of fecal incontinence, squeeze pressure, and maximal tolerated volume. Only in a few patients, a substantial improvement of the baseline Vaizey score was observed. Further studies are needed to identify patients who most likely will benefit from pelvic floor rehabilitation.

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Author information

Author/s: Terra, M P (MP); Dobben, A C (AC); Berghmans, B (B); Deutekom, M (M); Baeten, C G M I (CG); Janssen, L W M (LW); Boeckxstaens, G E E (GE); Engel, A F (AF); Felt-Bersma, R J F (RJ); Slors, J F M (JF); Gerhards, M F (MF); Bijnen, A B (AB); Everhardt, E (E); Schouten, W R (WR); Bossuyt, P M M (PM); Stoker, J (J);

Affiliation: Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center, G1-229, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.p.terra(-atsign-)amc.uva.nl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Diseases of the colon and rectum (Dis Colon Rectum), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Aug; vol 49 (issue 8) : pp 1149-59

Dates: Created 2006/08/10; Completed 2006/09/28; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16773492, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Biofeedback (Psychology) Electric Stimulation Electromyography Fecal Incontinence - physiopathology; rehabilitation Female Humans Male

Manometry Middle Aged Muscle Contraction Muscle, Smooth - physiopathology Pelvic Floor - physiopathology Prospective Studies Treatment Outcome

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