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Previous Volume 310:1282-1287 May 17, 1984 Number 20 Next

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Abstract

We studied anorectal sensory and motor function in 14 diabetics with fecal incontinence and compared the results with those in 13 continent diabetics, 31 nondiabetics with fecal incontinence, and 11 continent nondiabetics. The threshold volume at which diabetic patients with fecal incontinence experienced rectal sensation was higher (25.0 +/- 3.4 ml [mean +/- S.E.M.]) than that in continent diabetics (13.0 +/- 2.4 ml) or nondiabetics with or without incontinence (14.5 +/- 1.5 and 12.5 +/- 1.8 ml, respectively; P less than 0.02). Biofeedback conditioning in 11 incontinent diabetics led to normal sensory thresholds in six of seven patients with pretreatment thresholds above 20 ml; five of these six became continent. Biofeedback also improved external-sphincter function in nine diabetics, eight of whom became continent. Overall, 8 of 11 diabetics had a reduction in fecal soiling after biofeedback therapy. We conclude that fecal incontinence in diabetics may be caused by decreased rectal sensation or impaired function of the external sphincter or both, and that these abnormalities can often be improved by biofeedback therapy with resultant reestablishment of bowel control.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Chan, C L H, Lunniss, P J, Wang, D, Williams, N S, Scott, S M (2005). Rectal sensorimotor dysfunction in patients with urge faecal incontinence: evidence from prolonged manometric studies. Gut 54: 1263-1272 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• MARZUK, P. M. (1985). Biofeedback for Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Review of the Literature. ANN INTERN MED 103: 240-244 [Abstract]  
• HEALTH AND PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE, (1985). Biofeedback for Gastrointestinal Disorders. ANN INTERN MED 103: 291-293 [Abstract]