Gastroenterology - Biofeedback to improve Bowel Continence

This leaflet has 3 aims:

1. To help you become better informed and more involved in your care.
2. To explain what happens on the day of the procedure.
3. To answer some of the questions commonly asked about the procedure.

If you have any questions, access or communication needs such as an interpreter, please contact the department stated on your appointment letter.

You may be experiencing problems with faecal leakage or strong urge to have a bowel action that is difficult to control.

The aim of your biofeedback training is to improve the strength of the muscles in your back passage. These muscles are called the internal and external anal sphincters. It is the external anal sphincter muscle that will be most improved by these exercises. As the strength of the muscle improves, your symptoms may reduce. You will be undertaking a series of sessions in the department and repeating these exercises at home. Also, within these sessions we will look at other aspects that may be contributing to your symptoms. With biofeedback we hope to help you reduce the number of episodes of incontinence that you are currently experiencing.

• The series of exercises will help you strengthen the muscles in your back passage 
• There are no known risks associated with biofeedback. There is a small risk of a tear (perforation) in the bowel however there have been no reported incidents
• There are limited alternatives to biofeedback that are ‘non- medical/non-surgical’

We will repeat the function test that you had at the start of the course of biofeedback so that we have before and after information.

Exercises

Each exercise requires you to tighten up (squeeze) the muscle in your back passage as though you are stopping yourself having your bowels opened, just as you have been doing during your training session in the department. You will feel as though the pelvic floor is pulling upwards if you are doing the exercises correctly. Repeat the exercises at least 4 times each day.

• Tighten up the muscle in your back passage and hold the tension for 2 seconds, repeat 6 times. Relax for 2 seconds in between each squeeze
• Tighten up the muscle in your back passage and hold the tension for 5 seconds, repeat 6 times. Relax for 5 seconds in between each squeeze
• Tighten up the muscle in your back passage and hold the tension for 10 seconds, repeat 6 times. Relax for 10 seconds in between each squeeze

You can also mix the exercises up so that for example you do the longer squeezes first and the shorter ones last. The Physiologist you see may ask you to do this.
 
As these exercises become easier, you may increase the time you squeeze for i.e. 10 seconds and 15 seconds, and then 15 seconds and 20 seconds and so on.

Smoking Policy

Northern Care Alliance Hospital operates a smoke free policy. To find out what this means for you, pick up the leaflets available at the hospital. For advice on stopping smoking contact 0161 212 4050.