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+91-9549158888Anorectal Manometry and Biofeedback Therapy for Constipation and Stool Incontinence
Chronic Constipation and Stool Incontinence
Chronic constipation and stool incontinence are uncomfortable but prevalent disorders that can dramatically impact one's quality of life. Lifestyle, diet, and other medical disorders can play a part, but most patients actually suffer from an underdiagnosed condition known as dyssynergic defecation, a form of pelvic floor dysfunction.
What is Dyssynergic Defecation?
In normal bowel evacuation, the pelvic and abdominal muscles operate together in synchronization for safe and easy evacuation of stool. In dyssynergic defecation, the muscles fail to operate in synchrony. This produces stool passageway difficulty, incomplete emptying, increased straining, and even occasional stool incontinence. The disorder can occur in as many as 50% of patients with longstanding constipation and is most often an acquired, behavioral problem—never a structural one.
How is Dyssynergic Defecation Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of dyssynergic defecation involves a combination of clinical assessment and special investigations:
- Comprehensive medical history and stool diary to evaluate bowel habits
- Digital rectal examination to identify abnormal muscle coordination
- Balloon expulsion test to quantify ability to pass a simulated stool
- Anorectal Manometry – the gold standard test to assess how the muscles and nerves of the anus and rectum are functioning
At Eternal Hospital, we employ state-of-the-art high-resolution anorectal manometry to diagnose precisely. MRI defecography might be advised in some instances for better insight into the mechanics of the pelvic floor.
What is Anorectal Manometry?
Anorectal Manometry is a diagnostic test assessing the pressures and coordination of anal canal and rectal muscles. A thin, flexible tube with sensors is placed in the rectum to analyze:
- Anal sphincter strength
- Rectal sensation
- Reflexes and muscle coordination with simulated defecation
- This is a painless test, usually completed in less than 30 minutes, that gives valuable information to help the correct treatment.
- Treatment by Biofeedback Therapy
After dyssynergic defecation has been diagnosed, Biofeedback Therapy is the most effective, evidence-based therapy for treatment. This is a non-medicated, non-surgical therapy that re-trains the pelvic floor muscles and re-establishes normal coordination during bowel movements.
How Biofeedback Works?
- During biofeedback training, patients see or hear immediate feedback as they learn to:
- Contract and relax pelvic muscles correctly
- Enhance sensation and awareness of pressures in the rectum
- Have more complete evacuation without straining too much
- Biofeedback is usually performed in 4–6 sessions with a specialized therapist and customized to meet each patient's individual needs.
Why Opt for Biofeedback Rather Than Laxatives?
A number of randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that biofeedback therapy is much more effective than laxatives or diet modifications—both in the short and long term. In contrast to drugs, biofeedback treats the root cause of muscle discoordination instead of suppressing the symptoms. It is also devoid of side effects, which renders it safe for most patients.
Who Should Get Anorectal Manometry and Biofeedback?
These services are indicated for patients who have:
- Chronic constipation unresponsive to laxatives or lifestyle modifications
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Straining on the toilet in excess
- Incontinence of stool, particularly in association with muscle dysfunction
- Suspected pelvic floor disorders or dyssynergic defecation
- Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you have ongoing constipation or incontinence of the stool, it's time to seek a more in-depth assessment. Our expert Anorectal Manometry testing can identify the source of your symptoms. And with Biofeedback Therapy, we provide a first-line, evidence-based treatment that can help you gain control and comfort again.
