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Biofeedback rehabilitation in children with encopresis due to retentive constipation using simple tools: a real-world
Florence Campeotto1,2, Servane Abt3, Raphael Enaud4
1Paedriatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, APHP, Paris, France florence.campeotto@aphp.fr.
Insights
Biofeedback (BFB) rehabilitation is effective for children with retentive encopresis (RE). Most children showed significant improvement or recovery after BFB treatment, with sustained benefits at six months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Retentive encopresis (RE) is a common pediatric condition impacting quality of life.
- Biofeedback (BFB) is a non-invasive therapeutic approach.
- Evidence for BFB effectiveness in RE requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of biofeedback (BFB) rehabilitation in children diagnosed with retentive encopresis (RE).
- To assess treatment outcomes and long-term success rates of BFB therapy for RE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing BFB for RE between 2017 and 2020.
- Inclusion criteria: children with RE receiving BFB sessions.
- Data analysis included manometry findings and clinical success metrics (recovery or ≥50% reduction in soiling).
Main Results:
- Biofeedback (BFB) demonstrated high success rates in treating retentive encopresis (RE).
- Eighty-four percent (84%) of children achieved success by the last BFB session.
- Seventy-three percent (73%) maintained success at the 6-month follow-up, with older children showing higher success rates at 6 months (p=0.013).
Conclusions:
- Biofeedback (BFB) rehabilitation is a clinically effective treatment for children with retentive encopresis (RE).
- BFB offers a promising therapeutic option with sustained positive outcomes.
- Further research may explore factors influencing long-term success in pediatric RE patients.
Abstract:
This study aimed to describe the effectiveness of biofeedback (BFB) rehabilitation in children with retentive encopresis (RE). A retrospective, single-institution study was conducted in children with BFB sessions for RE between 2017 and 2020. Manometry data and associated envy scores were analysed. BFB was a success (recovery from RE or ≥50% reduction in faecal soiling) in 37/44 (84%) children at the last session and in 32/44 (73%) 6 months later. The median age of children was higher in the success group at 6 months (p=0.013). BFB could then be clinically effective in children with RE.
