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Speciality Spotlight
Constipation
- Lower
Gastrointestinal Problems
Ko CY, Tong J, Lehman RE, et al [ Univ of California, Los Angeles; Univ of California, San Francisco]
Biofeedback is Effective Therapy for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation
Arch Surg 132: 829-834, 1997
Fecal incontinence results from neurogenic causes, sphincter injuries or failure of surgical repair. 25 such patients [21 women and 4 men, median age, 63 years] were taken for study. 17 patients of constipation [ 12 women and 5 men, median age, 50 years] had pelvic floor dysfunction or expulsion weakness.
Retraining the pelvic floor comprised contracting the anal sphincter for five seconds. Of the 25 patients with incontinence 23 improved. The two with pudendal nerve disease did not improve. Of the 17 with constipation 13 showed improvement. The 4 that did not improve exhibited colonic delay or were unable to follow the biofeedback instructions.
Biofeedback thus constitutes an important step in managing rectal dysfunction.
- Karlbom
U, Hallden M, Eeg-Olofsson KE, et al [ Univ Hosp,
Uppsala, Sweden]
Results of Biofeedback in Constipated Patients : A Prospective study
Dis Colon Rectum 40: 1149-1155, 1997
Paradoxical contraction of the levator any muscle can be a cause of constipation usually psychological and rarely due to neurologic disorders. Exercising this muscle helped 19 of the 28 participants. This treatment was carried out for 3 months.
