BIOFEEDBACK TREATMENT IS INEFFECTIVE IN NEUROGENIC FECAL INCONTINENCE

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to assess biofeedback treatment (ac tive sphincter exercises under direct electromyography vision) in neur ogenic fecal incontinence. METHODS: Twelve patients with neurogenic fe cal incontinence have been studied prospectively. External sphincter c ontractions were exercised under direct electromyographic vision twice per day for 30 minutes during 12 weeks. Manometry was done at the beg inning and after 12 weeks of training to evaluate objectively changes in sphincter functions. RESULTS: No patient experienced any improvemen t in fecal control. Mean resting pressure increased from 7 to 9 kPa an d mean squeeze pressure from 3.9 to 4.9 kPA, which was of no statistic al significance (P = 0.20 and P = 0.46, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ex ternal sphincter contraction exercises under direct electromyographic vision are not effective in neurogenic fecal incontinence. Degree of c ontinence does not improve, and external sphincter function is not inc reased significantly.