Biofeedback therapy for constipation in adults

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dyssynergic defecation is common and affects up to one half of patients with chronic constipation. This acquired behavioural problem is due to the inability to coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to evacuate stools. Today, it is possible to diagnose this problem and treat this effectively with biofeedback therapy, history, prospective stool diaries, and anorectal physiological tests. Several randomised controlled trails have demonstrated that biofeedback therapy using neuromuscular training and visual and verbal feedback is not only efficacious but superior to other modalities such as laxative or sham training. Also the symptom improvement is due a change in the underlying pathophysiology. Development of user friendly approaches to biofeedback therapy and use of home biofeedback programs will significantly enhance the adoption of this treatment by gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the future. Improved reimbursement for this proven and relatively inexpensive treatment will carry a significant impact on the problem.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-166
Number of pages8
JournalBest Practice and Research: Clinical Gastroenterology
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biofeedback therapy
  • Constipation
  • Dyssynergic defecation
  • Treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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