Long-term efficacy of biofeedback training for fecal incontinence

Biofeedback therapy in fecal incontinence has been reported to improve continence in more than 70 percent of patients, but most studies have followed patients for less than two years.

Patients treated by biofeedback training between 1985 and 1986 were given a questionnaire in 1991, as were incontinent patients who had not entered this treatment program. All were asked for the occurrence, frequency, and severity of incontinence events in the past two weeks. Anamnestic and anorectal manometry data from the initial visit were also compared.

Eighteen of 24 treated patients and 40 of 71 untreated patients responded. Of those treated by biofeedback, 78 percent reported episodes of fecal incontinence as compared with 77.5 percent of those not treated by biofeedback. Severity of incontinence, however, was significantly less (P < 0.02) in the treatment group (mean number of events, 0.2/day) than in those without treatment (1/day). In biofeedback-treated patients, it was identical with the frequency and severity reported immediately after therapy. No differences were found with respect to initial clinical data and anorectal manometry between both groups.

Biofeedback training improves continence in patients not only during treatment and within the first two years but also for several years after therapy.