A vaginal bowel-control system for the treatment of fecal incontinence

Holly E. Richter, Catherine A. Matthews, Tristi Muir, Michelle M. Takase-Sanchez, Douglass S. Hale, Douglas Van Drie, Madhulika G. Varma

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a vaginal bowel-control device and pump system for fecal incontinence treatment. METHODS: Women with a minimum of four fecal incontinence episodes over 2 weeks were fit with the intravaginal device. Treatment success, defined as a 50% or greater reduction of incontinent episodes, was assessed at 1 month. Participants were invited into an optional extended-wear period of another 2 months. Secondary outcomes included symptom improvement measured by the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire, and Patient Global Impression of Improvement. Adverse events were collected. Intention-to-treat analysis included participants who were successfully fit entering treatment. Per protocol, analysis included participants with a valid 1-month treatment diary. RESULTS: Sixty-one of 110 (55.5%) participants from six clinical sites were successfully fit and entered treatment. At 1 month, intention-to-treat success was 78.7% (48/61, P<001); per protocol success, 85.7% (48/56, P<001) and 85.7% (48/56) considered bowel symptoms "very much better" or "much better." There was significant improvement in all Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (P<001) and Modified Manchester (P≤007) subscales. Success rate at 3 months was 86.4% (38/44; 95% confidence interval 73-95%). There were no serious adverse events; the most common study-wide device-related adverse event was pelvic cramping or discomfort (25/110 participants [22.7%]), the majority of events (16/25 [64%]) occurring during the fitting period. CONCLUSION: In women successfully fit with a vaginal bowel-control device for nonsurgical treatment for fecal incontinence, there was significant improvement in fecal incontinence by objective and subjective measures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)540-547
Number of pages8
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume125
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 27 2015
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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