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A prospective, randomized study comparing the effect of augmented biofeedback with sensory biofeedback alone on fecal incontinence after obstetric trauma

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare prospectively the effects of augmented biofeedback with those of sensory biofeedback alone on fecal incontinence and anorectal manometry after obstetric trauma. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of 40 females with impaired fecal continence after obstetric anal sphincter injury were recruited from a dedicated perineal clinic. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either augmented biofeedback or sensory biofeedback alone. All patients were assessed before and after twelve weeks of biofeedback training, using a fecal continence questionnaire and anorectal manometry. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 40 females recruited completed the study. Continence scores improved in both treatment groups, but the results were better for those who received augmented biofeedback. Anorectal manometry was unchanged by sensory biofeedback, whereas anal resting and squeeze pressures increased with augmented biofeedback. No change in anal vector symmetry was observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Augmented biofeedback training is superior to sensory biofeedback alone in the treatment of impaired fecal continence after obstetric trauma.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin

    Kaye Marshall (M.C.S.P.)

  2. Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

    Deirdre Walsh D.Phil. (M.C.S.P.)

  3. Department of Radiology, The Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    Michael Behan (F.F.R., R.C.S.I.)

  4. Department of Surgery, The Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    P. Ronan O'Connell M.D. (F.R.C.S.I.)

  5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

    Michelle M. Fynes (M.R.C.O.G.), Mary Cassidy (R.G.N.) &  Colm O'Herlihy M.D. (F.R.C.O.G.)

Authors
  1. Michelle M. Fynes
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  2. Kaye Marshall
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  3. Mary Cassidy
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  4. Michael Behan
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  5. Deirdre Walsh D.Phil.
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  6. P. Ronan O'Connell M.D.
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  7. Colm O'Herlihy M.D.
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Additional information

This study was funded by the Irish Health Research Board, the Mater College for Education and Research, and the Friends of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

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Fynes, M.M., Marshall, K., Cassidy, M. et al. A prospective, randomized study comparing the effect of augmented biofeedback with sensory biofeedback alone on fecal incontinence after obstetric trauma. Dis Colon Rectum 42, 753–758 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02236930

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02236930

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