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Electrical stimulation for faecal incontinence in adults
G Hosker1, C Norton, M Brazzelli
1Department of Urological Gynaecology, St Mary's Hospital, Whitworth Park, Manchester, UK, M13 OJH. ghosker@ugynae.cmht.nwest.nhs.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Electrical stimulation shows potential short-term benefits for faecal incontinence. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and establish treatment standards for this distressing condition.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Clinical trials
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Faecal incontinence significantly impacts quality of life.
- Electrical stimulation is a proposed treatment.
- Current treatment lacks established standards and proven efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation for adult faecal incontinence.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of multiple databases (Cochrane, Medline, Embase) up to November 1999.
- Inclusion of randomized or quasi-randomized trials in adults.
- Methodological quality assessment and data extraction by independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Only one eligible randomized trial with 40 participants was identified.
- The trial had methodological limitations and short follow-up.
- Preliminary findings suggest short-term benefits of electrical stimulation with anal biofeedback over vaginal biofeedback for obstetric-related faecal incontinence.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient data currently exist to draw reliable conclusions on electrical stimulation for faecal incontinence.
- A potential therapeutic effect is suggested but not confirmed.
- Larger, well-designed trials are necessary to establish efficacy and guide treatment.