Clinical Outcomes of Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation in Patients with Functional Defecation Disorders

Aim: This article aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) and its effects on anorectal sensorimotor function in patients with functional defecation disorders. Methods: This uncontrolled retrospective study reviewed the clinical data of patients diagnosed with FDD according to the Rome IV criteria who received PMS. Constipation symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the constipation scoring system (CSS) and the patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included anorectal motor and sensory function assessed by high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM), including anorectal pressure parameters, rectal sensory thresholds, and rectal anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). Results: Following treatment, significant improvements were observed in constipation symptoms and quality of life. CSS and PAC-QOL scores were significantly reduced compared with baseline (both p < 0.05). Among the individual CSS items, significant improvements were observed in defecation straining and time spent in the lavatory per attempt (both p < 0.05). HRAM demonstrated significant reductions in anal resting pressure, anal residual pressure during simulated defecation, and anorectal pressure gradient, accompanied by a significant increase in anal relaxation rate (all p < 0.05). Rectal sensory function was also improved, as evidenced by a significant reduction in the maximum tolerable rectal volume (p = 0.021). Although no significant changes were observed in RAIR parameters, a trend toward improved internal anal sphincter relaxation was noted. PMS was generally well tolerated, and no serious treatment-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: In this uncontrolled retrospective study, patients with FDD showed significant improvements in constipation symptoms, quality of life, anorectal motility, and rectal sensory function following PMS treatment. The observed changes in anorectal motility and rectal sensation suggest that PMS may improve defecatory dysfunction through modulation of anorectal sensorimotor function. Prospective controlled studies are warranted to further confirm these findings.