[Biofeedback: a simple and efficient method in the treatment of fecal incontinence].

Aim: To search in retrospectively and prospectively from the efficacy of biofeedback training in patients with fecal incontinence and to investigate the determinant factors of improvement of the patients.
Methods: The incontinent patients were evaluated in phases: I: In 37 subjects, 14 men and 23 women, aged between 13 and 82 years, biofeedback training was done, and the efficacy was determined retrospective form. II: In 14 patients, 2 men and 12 women, aged between 19 and 79 years, biofeedback training was done, and rectal balloon sensitivity, force of contraction and motor/sensitivity index were evaluated in prospective form before and after biofeedback training.
Results: In the group of the patients studied in phase I, findings were: 21 patients (60%) complete continence, 12 (34%) improvement, and 2 (5.7%) without change. In the group of the patients studied in phase II, findings were: 8 patients (57%) complete continence, 4 (29%) improvement and 2 (14%) without change. In patients with complete continence there was a decrease in rectal balloon sensitivity (P < 0.05) and an increase of the motor/sensitivity index (P < 0.05), before and after biofeedback training.
Conclusion: Biofeedback is a simple, painless and effective treatment for patients with fecal incontinence. It allows to improve rectal sensitivity and to increase the motor/sensitivity index, determinant for patients continence.