Effect of Acupuncture and Biofeedback on Fecal Incontinence after Anus Preservation Operation for Rectal Cancer / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the effect of acupuncture and biofeedback on the recovery of fecal incontinence after anus preservation operation for rectal cancer. Methods:From January 1st, 2016 to June 30th, a total of 226 patients with rectal cancer after anus preservation operation were selected. Finally, 120 patients with fecal incontinence were randomly divided into control group (n = 40), acupuncture group (n = 40) and observation group (n = 40). All the groups accepted levator ani movement. In addition, the acupuncture group received acupuncture, and the observation group received acupuncture and biofeedback, for three months. Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Scores (CCF-FIS), anorectal pressure, pelvic floor surface electromyography and quality of life were measured before treatment, and one month, two months and three months after treatment. Results:There was no significant difference in CCF-FIS, anorectal pressure, pelvic floor surface electromyography and quality of life among three groups before treatment (F < 2.943, P > 0.05). After treatment, all the above indexes improved (F > 5.235, P < 0.01), and were better in the acupuncture group and observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05), especially in the observation group (P < 0.05) at each time point. The curative effect of the observation group was related to the location of the tumor (χ2 > 4.405, P < 0.05) one month after treatment, and it was related to whether pelvic autonomic nerve preservation was performed during the operation (χ2 > 4.706, P < 0.05) and whether radiotherapy was added after the operation (χ2 > 5.013, P < 0.05) at each time point after treatment. At three months follow-up, the recurrence rate was lower in the observation group (8.6%) than in the acupuncture group (35.7%) and in the control group (35.0%) (χ2 > 5.976, P < 0.05). No complication occurred in all groups. Conclusion:Acupuncture and biofeedback can improve the symptoms of defecation incontinence and promote the recovery of anal function after anus preservation operation for rectal cancer.