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Biofeedback: a new modality in the management of children with fecal soiling

K Olness, F A McParland, J Piper

    The Journal of Pediatrics
    |March 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Biofeedback training helped children with severe fecal incontinence gain anal sphincter control. Most patients achieved voluntary bowel movements and significantly reduced soiling accidents.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Gastroenterology
    • Neurorehabilitation
    • Pelvic Floor Therapy

    Background:

    • Severe fecal incontinence in children often stems from imperforate anus surgery or functional constipation.
    • Restoring anal sphincter control is crucial for improving quality of life in affected pediatric patients.

    Observation:

    • Fifty children and adolescents with fecal incontinence underwent biofeedback training.
    • Training involved using oscilloscope tracings to visualize and control internal and external anal sphincter contractions via air-filled balloons.

    Findings:

    • A significant majority (47 out of 50) achieved voluntary bowel movements.
    • Thirty patients completely eliminated soiling accidents after the training.

    Implications:

    • Biofeedback therapy is an effective non-invasive treatment for pediatric fecal incontinence.
    • This approach offers a promising solution for improving bowel control and reducing accidents in children with complex anorectal issues.

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