Ann Surg Treat Res.  2019 Oct;97(4):194-201. 10.4174/astr.2019.97.4.194.

Efficacy of biofeedback therapy for objective improvement of pelvic function in low anterior resection syndrome

• Lee KH
• Kim JS
• Kim JY

• KMID: 2459317
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/astr.2019.97.4.194

Abstract

PURPOSE
There is no established treatment of choice for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback therapy for objective improvement of pelvic function in LARS, we performed the present study.
METHODS
The primary endpoint was the change of Wexner score. Consenting patients between 20 and 80 years old with major LARS at least 2 months after sphincter preserving proctectomy for rectal cancer were enrolled. After recommendation of biofeedback therapy, patients who accept it were enrolled in the biofeedback group and patients who refuse were enrolled in the control group. Initial and follow-up evaluations were performed and analyzed.
RESULTS
Fifteen and sixteen patients were evaluated in the control group and the biofeedback group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of LARS score between both groups. Decrease in Wexner score and increase in rectal capacity were significantly higher in the biofeedback group (odds ratio [OR], 5.386; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.194-24.287; P = 0.028 and OR, 1.061; 95% CI, 1.002-1.123; P = 0.042).
CONCLUSION
Biofeedback therapy was superior for objective improvement of pelvic function to observation in LARS. It can be considered to induce more rapid improvement of major LARS.

Keyword

Fecal incontinence; Manometry; Postoperative complications; Rectal neoplasm; Rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Biofeedback, Psychology*
Fecal Incontinence
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Manometry
Postoperative Complications
Rectal Neoplasms
Rehabilitation

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The low anterior resection syndrome score (LARS score).

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  Fig. 2 Flow-chart. LARS, low anterior resection syndrome; WS, Wexner score; NBM, number of bowel movement.

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  Fig. 3 The Wexner score (The translated version into the native language was used).

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