Biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training versus posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation in treatment of functional obstructed defecation: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Functional obstructed defecation is a common anorectal problem among adult population. The objective was to compare the short-term efficacy of biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training versus transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation in treatment of patients with functional obstructed defecation.

Results

There were 41 patients completed the study. There were no statistical significant differences between biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training group and transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation group regarding different clinical characteristics, as well as, electrophysiological findings. There was statistically significant reduction in all outcome measures after intervention in both groups. The primary outcome measure was Modified obstructed defecation score. Secondary outcome measures were Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life questionnaire, time of toileting, and maximum anal pressure during straining to evacuate. No significant differences were present between both groups regarding different outcome measures in the pretreatment and post-treatment assessments. Successful outcome was reported in 81% of patients in biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training group in comparison to 40% of patients in the posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation group according to the Modified obstructed defecation score which was the primary outcome measure.

Conclusions

Both biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training and posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation are considered effective methods in the treatment of functional obstructed defecation. However, biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training seems to be more effective and superior in comparison to posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation. Posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation could be combined with biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training or considered as a second line therapy after failure of biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202009762113535. Registered 2 September 2020—retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=12321.