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Biofeedback therapy for symptoms of bowel dysfunction following surgery for colorectal cancer

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Abstract

Background

Following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, up to 60% of patients experience post-surgery bowel dysfunction (PSBD). This retrospective review aimed to evaluate biofeedback therapy with regard to patients’ symptoms of fecal incontinence (FI) and stool frequency.

Methods

Patients with symptoms including frequency, urgency, FI, incomplete evacuation, failure to respond to dietary, medication or standard pelvic floor exercises (≥6 months) underwent biofeedback therapy between 2003 and 2006. Patients attended 3–4 sessions 1 week apart incorporating: anorectal function assessment; Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) and severity questionnaires; suggested coping strategies; dietary advice; bowel, food and exercise diary training; relaxation breathing; evacuation techniques; anal and pelvic floor muscle exercises using computerized visual feedback; and were reassessed at a final session following 4 weeks of home practice.

Results

Nineteen CRC PSBD patients [anterior resection (3); ultra-low anterior resection (10); segmental colectomy (2); and proctocolectomy (4)], mean age: 64.1 (95% CI: 47.0–81.3) years, participated. FIQL scales improved significantly for lifestyle, coping and embarrassment but not depression. Incontinence severity and number of bowel motions significantly decreased. Satisfaction with results of therapy was high. Subjective bowel control rating improved. FIQL scores further improved 2 years later.

Conclusion

The holistic biofeedback protocol for PSBD in CRC patients is successful in the short and medium term.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the participants and Stephanie Vuleta, Clinical Scientist, for technical assistance. We acknowledge support of this review from a James Cook University Program Grant. Lynne Bartlett is supported by a scholarship from the Cancer Council, Queensland.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faecal Incontinence Research Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    L. Bartlett & M. Nowak

  2. The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia

    K. Sloots

  3. School of Medicine and the Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    Y.-H. Ho

Authors
  1. L. Bartlett
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  2. K. Sloots
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  3. M. Nowak
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  4. Y.-H. Ho
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Correspondence to L. Bartlett.

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Bartlett, L., Sloots, K., Nowak, M. et al. Biofeedback therapy for symptoms of bowel dysfunction following surgery for colorectal cancer. Tech Coloproctol 15, 319–326 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-011-0713-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-011-0713-5

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