Electromyographic biofeedback can improve subjective and objective measures of fecal incontinence in the short term

Electromyographic biofeedback therapy has demonstrated subjective improvement in patients with fecal incontinence that is comparable to surgery. We assessed the efficacy of biofeedback therapy in a consecutive heterogeneous group of patients using both subjective and objective assessment criteria. These 28 patients with fecal incontinence were studied retrospectively. Patients were assessed using a qualityof-life questionnaire (QOL), the Vaizey and Wexner incontinence scoring systems, and anorectal manometry for efficacy of treatment, before and after biofeedback therapy. Eighty-six percent of patients completed the study. Median follow-up was 18 months. Eighty percent of patients demonstrated significant improvements in their Vaizey and Wexner scores (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The mean QOL score improved from 62 to 77 (P < 0.01). Significant improvements were also demonstrated in the mean resting pressure (P < 0.01), peak amplitude of squeeze (P < 0.01), and the duration of squeeze pressure (P < 0.05). The deferred 15-minute evacuation time also significantly increased (P < 0.001). This study reported significant short-term improvement in fecal incontinence with electromyographic biofeedback therapy using validated subjective and objective scoring systems. Similarly, this treatment also significantly improved anorectal manometric findings. Our data confirm the role of biofeedback therapy in the multimodality approach to patients with fecal incontinence. Presented at the Forty-Fourth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Orlando, Florida, May 19–21, 2003 (oral presentation).