Biofeedback for constipation resulting from rectal outlet obstruction: Is it the answer?

Patients with constipation secondary to rectal outlet obstruction can be difficult to treat. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of biofeedback on this patient population. The study involved 233 patients. There were 193 females and 40 males; the average age was 41 years. Before biofeedback, the average bowel movements (BMs) were 1.4/7 days; 156 patients used assistance to defecate. EMG biofeedback training was done with the Perry Anal(R) sensor. After 3-4 weekly sessions, 73% of the patients considered themselves improved with 4 BMs/7 days. On follow-up, (4-55 months) 55% of patients continued to improve. We feel that biofeedback for constipation resulting from rectal outlet obstruction is effective.