Long-term efficacy of biofeedback therapy for dyssynergic defecation: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Although biofeedback therapy is effective in the short-term management of dyssynergic defecation, its long-term efficacy is unknown. Our aim was to compare the 1-year outcome of biofeedback (manometric-assisted pelvic relaxation and simulated defecation training) with standard therapy (diet, exercise, laxatives) in patients who completed 3 months of either therapy.

METHODS: Stool diaries, visual analog scales (VASs), colonic transit, anorectal manometry, and balloon expulsion time were assessed at baseline, and at 1 year after each treatment. All subjects were seen at 3-month intervals and received reinforcement. Primary outcome measure (intention-to-treat analysis) was a change in the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week. Secondary outcome measures included bowel symptoms, changes in dyssynergia, and anorectal function.

RESULTS: Of 44 eligible patients with dyssynergic defecation, 26 agreed to participate in the long-term study. All 13 subjects who received biofeedback, and 7 of 13 who received standard therapy, completed 1 year; 6 failed standard therapy. The number of CSBMs per week increased significantly (P<0.001) in the biofeedback group but not in the standard group. Dyssynergia pattern normalized (P<0.001), balloon expulsion time improved (P=0.0009), defecation index increased (P<0.001), and colonic transit time normalized (P=0.01) only in the biofeedback group.

CONCLUSIONS: Biofeedback therapy provided sustained improvement of bowel symptoms and anorectal function in constipated subjects with dyssynergic defecation, whereas standard therapy was largely ineffective.