[The value and limitations of biofeedback in ano-rectal pathology]

Biofeedback, an instrumental training technique, enables the understanding and correction of a physiological mechanism, anorectal function in the present case. Correction of a functional abnormality seen as being responsible for a symptom involves the interplay of several factors within biofeedback, in particular the link between symptoms and functional abnormalities and the relationship existing between the trainer and trainee, the relative importance of which is difficult to identify. Initiation of such rehabilitation requires full clinical and functional evaluation in order to determine the indications and type of training programme required. Terminal constipation and incontinence are the chief indications providing useful results. This technique must be envisaged in the context of global management of perineal status as a whole, concomitantly with medical and surgical treatment.