Acupuncture for fecal incontinence: Protocol for a systematic review and data mining

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Fecal incontinence significantly diminishes quality of life and personal well-being.
• Acupuncture is a common treatment for chronic conditions, yet its efficacy for fecal incontinence lacks systematic review.
• This study addresses the need for evidence on acupuncture's role in managing fecal incontinence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating fecal incontinence.
• To analyze clinical effective rates, functional outcomes, and quality of life improvements in patients receiving acupuncture.
• To identify potential acupuncture treatment prescriptions for fecal incontinence.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) across major databases up to February 28, 2019.
• Primary outcomes include clinical effective rate, functional outcomes, and quality of life.
• Risk of bias assessment using Cochrane Collaboration tool and publication bias analysis using funnel plots and statistical tests.

Main Results:

• The study will analyze clinical effective rates and functional outcomes related to acupuncture for fecal incontinence.
• Quality of life improvements and the daily average number of incontinence episodes will be assessed.
• Effective acupuncture prescriptions will be identified and analyzed.

Conclusions:

• This review will provide crucial evidence regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture for fecal incontinence.
• Findings will inform potential treatment strategies and prescriptions for acupuncture in managing this condition.
• The study aims to support evidence-based decision-making for patients and practitioners.