Background: Chronic constipation with or without encopresis is often associated with abnormal defecation dynamics evidenced by manometric study and possibly manageable with biofeedback treatment.
Patients and methods: Twenty-six children more than 5 years of age suffering from constipation with or without encopresis for at least 6 months were treated with biofeedback plus lactulose; 15 of them were also given psychiatric attention. Pressure recordings from the internal and external sphincters in response to transient balloon distension of the rectum were obtained in all patients as did the recto-anal inhibitory reflex and the rectal sensitivity.
Results: Sixteen patients were considered as definitely cured or improved with this management; two others had relapses 6-12 months later and five were not improved; the three remaining patients were lost for follow-up.
Conclusion: As already reported, biofeedback treatment represents an interesting role in management of such children.