Biofeedback in the Treatment of Nocturnal Enuresis: May Be an Alternative Method of Treatment?

Aim: Biofeedback is re-education of correct voiding to children with visual, tactile and sensorial stimuli. Biofeedback in the treatment of dysfunctional voiding and urinary incontinence can be used. However, in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis is not included in the routine treatment options. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of biofeedback in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. Material and Method: 50 children aged 5 years or older, who suffered a case of not wetting more than six-month period and admitted complaints of nocturnal urinary incontinence were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 9,4 +/- 2,52 (6-15). 27 patients (54%) were female and 23 patients (46%) were males. Biofeedback treatment performed to patients as 4 sessions. Each sessions were 30 minutes long every week. All patients were informed and advised to do the same exercise for 30 minutes every day at home. Results: Following the biofeedback treatment, incidence of wetting was found to have decreased significantly. 13% (3) of male patients and 11,1% (3) of female patients have not benefits from treatment. 87% (20) of male and 88,9% (24) of female patients have benefits from the treatment, frequency of urinary incontinence was reduced. Following the treatment, clinical improvement was 88%, while the rate of completely dryness was 54%. Statistical difference was found significantly at the incidence of wetting between before and after the treatment (p<0,05). Discussion: The positive results achieved in a short time indicates that the biofeedback method including the active participation of the child and the family in an environment of play, without medication, is candidate for the alternative treatment to nocturnal enuresis treatment.