Biofeedback Is Effective Therapy for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation

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Abstract
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