INTRODUCTION

 IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, THERE MAY BE ANOTHER SOLUTION.....
 
 

• Do you suffer from fecal incontinence or constipation ?
• Have you seen your physician and been told that "You'll just have to live with it"?

 

 
 
 

 In recent medical surveys conducted by various groups of individuals, biofeedback training attained tremendous success rates - provided the patient meets certain basic medical criteria .

 To see if you may benefit from biofeedback, contact the health care professional of your choice. For more information on how biofeedback home training may help you, contact webmaster@biosearch.com. Biofeedback therapy is used successfully world-wide. Why don't you make it work for you?

 OPTIONS:

Fecal Incontinence

FECAL INCONTINENCE

 Fecal Incontinence is the inability to control gas, liquid, and/or solid stool due to the inability to contract the external anal sphincter with enough strength to keep it closed when the rectum is distended. Although its effects are commonly focused towards the elderly, it is quite prevalent among all age groups.

 Incontinence is one of the major reasons amoung the elderly for admission into a nursing home. It is estimated that one-half of all nursing home residents are affected by some form of incontinence. (15) The easiest solution to the problem, until recently, has been the use of adult diapers. However, with the passage of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA'87), Congress has specifically addressed this problem by requiring that all caretakers develop plans of treatment for patients who are "chronically or occasionally incontinent". Although it is estimated that approximately 5% of the general population may suffer from some sort of fecal soiling, it is impossible to pinpoint this number because of the embarrassing nature of the disorder (20) . Many patients will refer to their incontinence as diarrhea - as it is a more socially acceptable symptom. It is also estimated that 60% of women having a history of problems with childbirth report some degree of incontinence.

Biosearch has designed the Anorectal Biofeedback System 5 specifically for the treatment of fecal incontinence in the home by helping you train or re-train the sphincter muscles to avoid soiling. For more information press home training .

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Bibliography
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Constipation

CONSTIPATION

 The symptoms of constipation are very common. The frequency of this complaint increases with patient age - with up to one-third of the population over the age of 65 using some sort form of laxative on a weekly basis (26).

Constipation works just the opposite of fecal incontinence . The patient does not display relaxation of the external anal sphincter during the attempt to defecate, but conversely shows a paradoxical contraction which obstructs defecation. If left untreated, it may lead to chronic constipation or fecal incontinence in 30% - 60% of the cases (9).

In a study involving children with pelvic floor dyssynergia (constipation), a twelve month follow-up indicated that 67% benefited from biofeedback versus the use of laxatives. A second control group showed a significantly higher percentage benefitting from biofeedback (15) . To date, there are no control group of adults, but uncontrolled studies and case reports support the efficacy of biofeedback training for the treatment of this disorder.

 Constipation may also be associated with various medical and surgical conditions similar to fecal incontinence, as well as functional impairments. Inactivity and bed rest, neuromuscular disorders, dietary modifications , as well as medications with constipating side-effects also contribute to constipation. A major complication from constipation in the elderly is fecal impaction - which can result in intestinal obstruction, ulceration, mental disturbances, and fecal incontinence. All complications are serious and could be potentially fatal.

Biosearch has designed the Anorectal Biofeedback System 10 specifically for the treatment of constipation in the home by helping you effectively train or re-train the sphincter muscles to relax, thereby alleviating the obstruction associated with non-relaxation. For more information see home training .

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Bibliography
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Constipation
Biofeedback

WHAT IS BIOFEEDBACK?

 Biofeedback is information that is "fed back" to an individual usually through the use of some type of electronic equipment or home training device. The biofeedback is used by the individual to gain sensitivity and, with practice, gain control over various body functions that were dysfunctional or over-functioning and previously thought to be uncontrollable.

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Constipation
Medical Surveys
Health care Professionals

MEDICAL SURVEY RESULTS

 In recent surveys conducted with various groups of individuals suffering from incontinence and/or constipation, biofeedback training attained the following success rates:
 
 

• General Population - 70% achieved continence or at least 90% reduction in the frequency of incontinence - depending on the degree of incontinence ( 15).

 

 
 
 

• Surgical Procedures - In the patient who suffered incontinence after an anorectal surgical procedure (most often hemorrhoidectomy), a success rate of 90% was reported (15).

 

 
 
 

• Diabetes or IBS - A success rate of 67% was reported (15) .

 

 
 
 

• Spinal Cord Injury - 45% of the patients benefitted from biofeedback training (15) .

 

 
 
 

• Geriatric Patients - In cases where the geriatric patient is suffering from weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and/or sensory loss, biofeedback achieved a 77% success rate - the same success rate achieved by young and middle aged patients with the same condition (15) .

 

 
 
 

• Spina Bifida - In cases of myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, 50% of the users achieved significant reductions in the frequency of soiling with biofeedback (15) .

 

 
 
 

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Bibliography
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Medical Criteria

WHAT MEDICAL CRITERIA MUST BE MET BY THE PATIENT IN ORDER FOR BIOFEEDBACK TO WORK?

 The success rate of any biofeedback training relies mostly on the part of the patient. Before considering the use of any biofeedback home training device, the age, condition and willingness of the patient must be taken into account. Although biofeedback has been in existence since the early 1970's, it is becoming another alternative for the treatment of incontinence, constipation, and other physical and psychophysiologial health problems. With tight controls on health care spending becoming more of an issue, biofeedback, where applicable, could soon become the leading treatment method over surgery prescribed by the health care professional .

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Health care Professionals

WHAT TYPE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS MANAGE ANORECTAL DISORDERS AND ARE FAMILIAR WITH BIOFEEDBACK TECHNIQUES?

 The following list, although not all-inclusive, contains some of the health care professionals who are familiar with biofeedback training:
 
 

• Colon & Rectal Surgeon
• Proctologist
• Gastroenterologist
• Pediatric Surgeon
• Pediatric Gastroenterologist
• Incontinence Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• General Practitioner
• Ob/Gyn
• Physiotherapist
• Enterostomal Therapist
• Psychologist

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Medical Survey
Medical Criteria
User Information Package
Home Training
Information

INFORMATION REQUEST FORM FOR THE BIOSEARCH HAND-HELD ANORECTAL BIOFEEDBACK HOME TRAINING SYSTEMS

 I.User information package

Please send a general information package on the Biosearch Hand- Held Anorectal Biofeedback Systems to:
 
 

Feedback Information Form

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Home Training
User Information Package

USER INFORMATION PACKAGE

The User package consists of the following items:
 
 

• The pamphlet "Biosearch Shows You How to Help Yourself Using" Biofeedback Training"

 

 
 
 

• An Information Request Form to be given to your healthcare professional for additional information on the Biosearch Hand-Held Anorectal Biofeedback Home Training Systems

Information
Healthcare Professional Information Package

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION PACKAGE

 The health care professional package consists of the following items:
 
 

• The video " Biofeedback Training for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation" presented by Marvin L. Corman, M.D. - Sansum Medical Clinic, Santa Barbara, CA
• The pamphlet "Biosearch Medical Products Presents the Hand-Held Anorectal Biofeedback System 5 and System 10" for home training
• Price List
• CPT Codes
• 45 Day Trial Program
• Product Sell Sheet with specifications

Information
Home Training

The Biosearch Anorectal Biofeedback System 5 for fecal incontinence and System 10 for constipation are used as a means for biofeedback training and isometric exercise of the anal sphincters for users who wish to train these muscles in the privacy of their own home or in a one-on-one setting with their health care professional .

The systems are comprised of two main components: anorectal probe and battery powered hand-held monitor. The silicone anorectal probe consists of two balloons -the balloon on the tip (distal balloon) which is filled with air to simulate the urge to defecate and a small bulb located just below the distal balloon (the proximal balloon) which is a pneumatic sensor for anal manometry. The rechargeable hand-held monitor provides a visual representation of the patients' anal resting and squeezing activity by converting the pneumatic signal from the probe into a DC signal in the monitor which illuminates the LED bar graph. Since there are multiple sensitivity levels, Biosearch requires that the unit be used in conjunction with a health care professional and require a prescription to be purchased.

 For additional information on the Biosearch Anorectal Biofeedback Systems 5 and 10 for home training contact webmaster@biosearch.com.

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Fecal Incontinence
Constipation
Biofeedback
Medical Surveys
Medical Criteria
Information
Bibliography

ANORECTAL BIOFEEDBACK BIBLIOGRAPHY

 1. Hyman, P.E.,M.D., Fleisher D.R., M.D.: Functional Fecal Retention. Practical Gastroenterology Nov/Dec 1992, Vol. XVI, No. 10.

2. Karulf, R.E., M.D., Coller, J.A., M.D., Bartolo, D.C.C., M.S., F.R.C.S., Bowden, D.O., P.A., Roberts, P.L., M.D., Murray, J.J., M.D., Schoetz, D.J.,M.D., Veidenheimer, M.C., M.D.: Anorectal Physiology Testing. Dis Colon Rectum, June 1991, Vol. 34, No. 6.

 3. Fleshman, J.W., M.D., Dreznik, Z., M.D., Meyer, K., R.N., Fry, R.D., M.D., Carney, R., Ph.D., Kodner, I.J. M.D.: Outpatient Protocol for Biofeedback Therapy of Pelvic Floor Outlet Obstruction. Dis Colon Rectum, Jan. 1992, Vol. 35, No. 1.

 4. Wexner, S.D., M.D., Cheape, J.D., M.D., Jorge, J.M.N., M.D., Heymen, S., B.A., Jagelman, D.G., M.D.: Prospective Assessment of Biofeedback For The Treatment of Paradoxical Puborectalis Contraction. Dis Colon Rectum, Feb. 1992, Vol. 35, No. 2.

 5. Dahl, J., Ph.D., Lindquist, B.L., M.D., Tysk, C., M.D., Leissner, P., M.D., Philipson, L., Ph.D., Jarnerot, G., M.D.: Behavioral Medicine Treatment in Chronic Constipation with Paradoxical Anal Sphincter Contraction. Dis Colon Rectum, Sep. 1991, Vol. 34, No. 9.

 6. Cali, R.L., Blatchford, G.J., Thorson, A.G., Christenson, M.A., Pitsch, R.M.: Normal Variation in Anorectal Manometry. Dis Colon Rectum, April 1991, Vol. 34, No. 4.

 7. Jensen, L.I., Lowry, A.C.: Biofeedback: A Viable Treatment Option For Anal Incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum, April 1991, Vol. 34, No. 4.

 8. Keighley, M.R.B., Oya, M., Oritz, J., Pinho, M., Asperer, J., Chattaphaday, G.: What is the Optimum Pelvic Floor Repair For Neuropathic Fecal Incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum, April 1991, Vol. 34, No. 4.

 9. Rex, D.K., M.D., Lappas, J.C., M.D.: Combined Anorectal Manometry and Defecography in 50 Consecutive Adults with Fecal Incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum, Nov. 1992, Vol. 35, No. 11.

 10. Turnbull, G., M.D., Ritvo, P.G., Ph.D.: Anal Sphincter Biofeedback Relaxation Treatment for Women with Intractable Constipation Symptoms. Dis Colon Rectum, June 1992, Vol. 35, No.6.

 11. Grimaud, J.C., M.D., Bouvier, M, Dr. Sci., Naudy, B., M.D., Guien, C., M.D., Salducci, J., M.D.: Manometric and Radiologic Investigations and Biofeedback Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Anal Pain. Dis Colon Rectum, Aug. 1991, Vol. 34, No. 8.

12. Kunin, Joshua D., MD; Fry, Robert D., MD; Fleshman, James W., MD; Kodner, Ira J., MD.: Pelvic Floor Disorders: Complete Rundown. Contempory Gastroenterology, March/April 1991.

 13. MacLeod, J.H., MD, FECAL INCONTINENCE - A PRACTICAL PROGRAM OF MANAGEMENT. Endoscopy Review, Nov/Dec 1988.

 14. Loening-Baucke, V., Dep't. of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, CHRONIC CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN,Gastroenterology Vol. 105, No. 5.

 15. Bassotti, G., MD, Ph.D., Whitehead, W.E., Ph.D., BIOFEEDBACK AS A TREATMENT APPROACH TO GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT DISORDERS, Amer. Journal of Gastroenterology, Vol. 89, No. 2, 1994.

 16. CUSTOMIZING CONTINENCE Contemporary Long Term Care, Dec. 1993.

 17. Plummer, M.K., O.T.R./L., Clinical Director, BIOFEEDBACK & BOWEL DISORDERS: TEACHING YOURSELF TO LIVE WITHOUT PROBLEM, Incontinence Control Service Participate, Spring 1992.

 18. BIOFEEDBACK PROMOTES EARLY RETURN OF RECTAL SENSATION IN PATIENTS WITH FECAL INCONTINENCE, Laparoscopy News, Sep. 1993.

 19. Wald, A.W., MD, Univ. of Pittsburgh Med. Ctr., MANAGING CONSTIPATION AND FECAL INCONTINENCE IN THE ELDERLY, Practical Gastroenterology, Vol. XVIII, No. 1, Jan.1994.

 20. Jensen, L.L., RN, Univ. of Minnesota Medical School Participate, INCONTINENCE: ANOTHER CLOSET ISSUE, Summer 1992.

 21. Berman, I.R., MD, Orr, W.C., Ph.D., PRACTICAL ANAL SPHINCTER TESTING: A USER-FRIENDLY GUIDE FOR THE OFFICE PROBLEM SOLVER, Perspectives in Colon and Rectal Surgery, 1992, Vol. 5, No. 2 155-156.

 22. Rintala, R., Lindahl H, Louhimo I., Childrens Hosp., Univ. of Helsinki, Finland, BIOFEEDBACK CONDITIONING FOR FECAL INCONTINENCE IN ANORECTAL MALFORMATIONS, Pediatric Surgery International 1988, 3:418-421.

 23. Tries, J., MS, O.T.R., Mgr. Biofeedback Center, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hosp. Milwaukee, WI, DISORDERS RELATED TO EXCESSIVE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE TENSION, "Participate", Spring/Summer 1993.

 24. Constantinides, C., MD, DIABETIC FECAL INCONTINENCE AND ANORECTAL BIOFEEDBACK.

 25. Eastman, P. A PROBLEM NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT, AARP Jul/Aug 1994, Vol. 35, No. 7.

 26. Ehrenpreis, Eli D., M.D. MEDICAL THEORY OF CONSTIPATION AND INCONTINENCE, Biofeedback for Colonrectal Disorders Symposium 1992.

 27. NEW HOPE FOR, MAYBE, THE LAST SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE DISORDER, John Hopkins Magazine, November 1994.

 28. Jeter, Katherine, F., EdD, WARM FUZZIES = CHI - A PRAGMATIST'S APPROACH TO BIOFEEDBACK AND BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY, Help For Incontinent People, Inc. (HIP).

 29. THE ANORECTAL PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY, Medical Science, The Courier-News, Somerville, NJ, 9/11/94.

 30. Dr. Kruelle, FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT FECAL INCONTINENCE.

31. Collins, Glenn, A PRODUCT'S CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO REMOVE THE REMAINING STIGMA SURROUNDING A ONCE-TABOO ISSUE, The Media Business, New York Times, Nov. 7, 1994.

 32. Yik-Hong Ho, F.R.A.N.C.S., F.A.M.S., Margaret Tan,A.N., Hak-Su Goh, F.R.C.S.,F.A.M.S.Clinical and Physiological Effects of Biofeedback in Outlet Obstruction Constipation Dis Colon Rectum 1996;39:520-524

 33. Yik-Hong Ho, F.R.A.N.C.S.,* Jy-Ming Chiang, M.D., Margaret Tan, A.N., Joyce Yee Low, M.B.B.S.* Biofeedback Therapy for Excessive Stool Frequency and Incontinence following Anterior Resection or Total Colectomy Dis Colon Rectum 1996;39:1289-1292

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Fecal Incontinence
Constipation
Surveys
Health care Professional Information Package