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Patient's perceptions of biofeedback therapy for obstructive defaecation
C. K Pager1, M. J Solomon, J Rex
1Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia, Department of Colorectal Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Summary
Biofeedback treatment for obstructive defaecation shows good short-term results, but long-term benefits may not be sustained. Patient-reported outcomes suggest exercises are helpful, but symptom severity can worsen over time.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Background:
- Obstructive defaecation (OD) is a functional disorder impacting quality of life.
- Biofeedback therapy is a common treatment for OD, aiming to improve anorectal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term patient-reported outcomes of biofeedback for obstructive defaecation.
- To assess the sustained usefulness of biofeedback training and its components up to five years post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 37 patients with OD undergoing a biofeedback program.
- Telephone follow-up an average of 23 months post-treatment to assess symptom severity and treatment component helpfulness.
Main Results:
- 70% of program completers reported at least a 15% improvement in perceived symptom severity short-term.
- No significant difference in symptom severity at follow-up between completers and non-completers.
- Long-term follow-up revealed symptom worsening in some completers, questioning sustained benefits.
Conclusions:
- Biofeedback offers favorable short-term outcomes for some OD patients.
- Exercises, education, and counseling appear crucial, potentially independent of biofeedback equipment.
- Long-term effectiveness of biofeedback for OD remains uncertain, necessitating further research into the disorder's natural history.