Effect of electrostimulation on sphincter function in neurogenic fecal continence.

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the effects of electrostimulation on sphincter function. 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. 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. Electrostimulation does not improve internal or external sphincter function. There is no indication that it will do so in the long term either.