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Liquid stool incontinence with severe urgency: anorectal function and effective biofeedback treatment
G Chiarioni1, C Scattolini, F Bonfante
1Division of Gastroenterology at Valeggio sul Mincio, University of Verona, Italy.
Gut
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Liquid stool incontinence often involves anal motor deficits. Biofeedback therapy significantly improved continence and urgency in most patients, offering a potential treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
Background:
- Anorectal sensorimotor function is well-understood in solid stool incontinence, but less so in liquid stool incontinence.
- Liquid stool incontinence with severe urgency, unresponsive to medical treatment, presents a significant clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anorectal sensorimotor function in patients with liquid stool incontinence and severe urgency.
- To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback treatment for improving continence and urgency in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Studied 16 patients with liquid stool incontinence and severe urgency, alongside 16 healthy controls.
- Assessed anorectal sensorimotor function, focusing on squeeze duration.
- Administered biofeedback treatment to 14 patients and assessed outcomes.
Main Results:
- Incontinent patients showed a significant reduction in squeeze duration compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
- Biofeedback treatment led to substantial continence improvement in 12 patients (86%) and decreased urgency (p < 0.05).
- Anal motor function improved persistently in most patients, though functional parameters did not predict treatment outcome.
Conclusions:
- An anal motor deficit is frequently observed in disabling liquid stool incontinence.
- Biofeedback therapy is an effective treatment, potentially improving anal continence in 75% of patients.
- Psychological factors may influence treatment response in non-responders.
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