Effect of biofeedback therapy on autonomic innervation in fecal incontinence

Aims: Biofeedback was shown to be effective in the treatment of patients with fecal incontinence. The exact mechanism of action has not been proven yet. We postulated that the response may be associated with changes in the functional extrinsic autonomic nerves. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of autonomic nervous system in the response to biofeedback therapy. Patients and methods: 7 consecutive patients (7 females, median age: 54yrs) were enrolled in the biofeedback treatment program. Colonoscopy and endoanal ultrasonography were performed to exclude structural damage. Anorectal manometry was p…