EFFECT OF ELECTROSTIMULATION ON SPHINCTER FUNCTION IN NEUROGENIC FECAL CONTINENCE

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the effects of electrostimulation on sphincter function. METHODS: Electric stimulation was performed twice a day for 30 minutes over a 12-week period on 10 patients with neurogenic fecal incontinence. Anal manometry was repeated after 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Two patients experienced some improvement. Mean resting pressure was increased by 0.6 (-5.8 to +5.3) kPa and mean squeezing pressure by 0.3 (-1.6 to +2.6) kPa. All values remained below continent levels. An increase in squeezing pressure after both 6 and 12 weeks was recorded in only one patient. CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation does not improve internal or external sphincter function. There is no indication that it will do so in the long term either.