Radiofrequency treatment for fecal incontinence: is it effective long-term?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcome of the radiofrequency treatment for moderate to severe fecal incontinence.

This study is a retrospective review of a single-institution experience.

Patients who underwent the radiofrequency procedure were included.

The primary outcomes measured were the complication rate, short- and long-term response, and the rate of subsequent intervention for incontinence.

Twenty-seven patients underwent 31 radiofrequency procedures (81% women; mean age, 64 years). Median length of symptoms was 3 years. Biofeedback had failed for 52% of patients, and 23% of patients had previous surgical intervention. Thirty-eight percent of patients had a sphincter defect. Minor complications were observed in 19% of the patients. A treatment response was noted in 78% of the patients (mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score: 16 (baseline) and 10.9 (3 months postoperatively)). However, a sustained long-term response without any additional intervention was noted in 22% of the patients, and 52% of the patients underwent or are awaiting additional intervention for persistent or recurrent incontinence (mean follow-up, 40 months).

This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the limited number of subjects.

The radiofrequency procedure was safe, but a long-term benefit was noted in a minority of patients with moderate to severe fecal incontinence. Additional interventions were required in more than half of the patients. Larger studies are needed to determine the impact of various patient-related factors on the outcome of the radiofrequency treatment to identify the ideal patient for this therapy.