The Role of Biofeedback Treatment in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: Lower urinary tract dysfunction is a wide clinical spectrum and according to the International Children’s Continence Society, lower urinary tract dysfunction contains overactive bladder, voiding postponement, underactive bladder, infrequent voiding, extraordinary daytime only urinary frequency, vaginal reflux, bladder neck dysfunction, and giggle incontinence. Biofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that can be applied easily and aims to activate relevant pelvic wall muscles for normal bowel and bladder functions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback treatment in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Material and Methods: Twenty-nine patients who were diagnosed with lower urinary tract dysfunction and did not respond to standard therapy were included in the study. Biofeedback therapy was applied to these patients for 8 weeks. Results: After animation biofeedback treatment, daytime symptoms improved in 13 patients (44.8%), and nighttime enuresis improved in two (6.8%) patients. Although 5 patients with constipation completely improved, there was no improvement in patients with encopresis. There was a decrease but not a complete improvement in complaints of six patients (20.7%). Mean urinary incontinence symptom score which was 16.19±7.69 before biofeedback treatment decreased to 9.52±6.4 after the treatment, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was suggested that biofeedback treatment can be considered as a suitable alternative in children with dysfunctional urination who do not respond to standard treatment.