Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Magnetically-Assisted Remote Controlled Microcatheter Tip Deflection under Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 4, 2013
Magnetoelectric biofeedback for precision-targeted rectocele management: A randomized controlled trial of
Hong Zhi Geng1, Chen Xu2, Jiying Cong2
1Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hepu People's Hospital, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 95 Dinghai North Road, Beihai City, 536100, China.
Purpose:
Magnetoelectric biofeedback therapy (MEBFT) is an emerging intervention for moderate rectocele-associated obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS); however, its efficacy and mechanisms remain unclear. This study compared MEBFT with conventional biofeedback therapy (BFT) and developed a 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM)-based predictive model for clinical decision-making.
Methods:
In this prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 68 female patients with defecography-confirmed moderate rectocele-associated ODS were treated in the outpatient department of Tianjin Union Medical Center from January 2019 to June 2024). Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the MEBFT or BFT group. Primary outcomes included 3D HR-ARM parameters, Glazer surface electromyography, and patient-reported outcomes (Cleveland Clinic Constipation and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life scores) at baseline and 3 months. The secondary outcomes included predictive indicators derived from the Hosmer-Rothman model and treatment response stratification.
Results:
MEBFT significantly improved fast-twitch fiber recruitment, anorectal function, and quality of life compared to BFT (all P < 0.01). The Hosmer-Rothman model identified a negative MRP-MTV interaction (synergy index = 0.20), with the R11 phenotype (MRP < 80 mmHg-MTV < 135 cc) predicting an 82.35% response to MEBFT after 3 months of treatment (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.72). Phenotypic stratification-guided management: R11 for MEBFT, R00 (elevated MRP-MTV) for surgical evaluation, and R10/R01 for extended MEBFT with surgical backup.
Conclusions:
MEBFT demonstrated superior clinical effectiveness, anorectal functional recovery, and quality of life compared with BFT after 3 months of treatment. The exploratory Hosmer-Rothman model may provided a moderate-accuracy phenotype-based approach using 3D HR-ARM parameters to stratify treatment response and optimize the individualized management of moderate rectocele-associated ODS.
Trial Registration:
1. Date of registration (needs to be before the Date of the First Patient): December 26, 2023. 2. Date of initial participant enrollment: January 9, 2019. 3. Clinical trial identification number: ChiCTR2300079173. 4. URL of the registration site: http://www.chictr.org.cn/.

