Biofeedback therapy for fecal incontinence in patients with mid or low rectal cancer after restorative resection

Objective To investigate the efficacy of biofeedback therapy for fecal incontinence in patients with mid or low rectal cancer. Methods Twenty-four patients with mid or low rectal cancer received biofeedback treatments after restorative resection and therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using anorectal manometry and Vaizey and Wexner scoring systems. Eighteen inpatients without defecating difficulties were selected as control group. Results The parameters of anorectal manometry in patients with rectal cancer were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.01).Mter biofeedback therapy,the maximum squeeze pressure,resting pressure and maximum tolerated volume were significantly increased,from(118.3±42.9)mm Hg to(193.2±38.2)mm Hg,(27.8±9.0)mm Hg to (47.9±9.3)mm Hg,(97.5±52.8)ml to(189.1±39.0)ml,respectively(all P<0.01),while no significant difference in sensory threshold was observed(P=0.101).Post-treatment Vaizey(10.5±2.3 vs 12.9±2.8) and Wexner (7.5±2.5 vs 10.1±2.6)scores were significantly decreased compared with those before biofeedback(P<0.01).Conclusion Biofeedback therapy can impmve the anal function in patients with rectal cancer after restorative resection. Key words: Rectal neoplasms;  Biofeedback;  Restorative resection;  Fecal incontinence