NCT07099339

Effect of Pudendal Nerve Electrical Stimulation on Fecal Incontinence in Children With Repaired Anorectal Malformation

Effect of Pudendal Nerve Electrical Stimulation on Fecal Incontinence in Children With Repaired Anorectal Malformation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18 (actual)
• Sponsor: Sinai University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 6 Years – 9 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of pudendal nerve electrical stimulation on fecal incontinence in children with repaired anorectal malformation. Ithe investigators are hypothesized that PNES will significantly improve continence scores, reduce the frequency of fecal incontinent episodes, and enhance the overall quality of life in this vulnerable pediatric population, thereby addressing a critical unmet need in their long-term care. Children with repaired anorectal malformation may benefit more from combined pudendal nerve electrical stimulation with behavioral therapy and pelvic floor muscles training in improving fecal incontinence.

Detailed description

Anorectal malformation (ARM), commonly known as imperforate anus, represent a spectrum of congenital anomalies where the anus and rectum do not form properly during fetal development, these malformations vary widely in severity, from a simple membrane covering the anal opening to complex defects cloacal malformations involving abnormal connections (fistulas) to the urinary or genital tracts. Fecal incontinence in this population can stem from various factors, including impaired anorectal sensation, compromised sphincter function, and abnormal bowel motility, severely impacting a child's quality of life, psychosocial development, and integration into social activities. Current management strategies for FI in children with repaired ARM typically involve a multi-faceted approach, including dietary modifications, laxatives, enemas, and bowel management programs. Exercises such as Kegels, where children are taught to contract and relax these muscles, are commonly employed to enhance voluntary control and improve the ability to hold stool. The pudendal nerve plays a vital role in maintaining fecal continence by innervating the external anal sphincter EAS bilaterally by the somatic fibers of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th sacral roots through its connections to the sacral reflex arc, contributing to rectal sensation, and coordinating pelvic floor muscle function. All children treated by Behavioral Therapy and Kegel Exercise, and by Pudendal Nerve Electrical Stimulation for the study group. Outcome Measures: All children were evaluated before the commencement (pretreatment) and after 3 successive months of treatment (posttreatment). The anal sphincter muscle activity peak was assessed by anal pressure sensor and bowel diary was used for tracking defecation frequency and fecal leakage episodes daily.

Conditions

• Fecal Incontinence (FI)
• Anorectal Malformations

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Behavioral Therapy	Behavioral Therapy in form of: Learning and advices, Dietary modifications, Toilet pattern modification, Motivational rewarding system, and Diary documentation.
OTHER	Kegel Exercise	Kegel Exercise done by contracting and relaxing pelvic floor muscles for seconds with hold and repetitions.
DEVICE	Pudendal Nerve Electrical Stimulation	Pudendal Nerve Electrical Stimulation applied bilateral to the right and left pudendal by inserting rectal stimulator electrode anally with the other surface electrode at sacral region.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Anal Sphincter Muscle Activity Peak	Anal Sphincter Muscle Activity Peak was evaluated using anal pressure sensor (in mmHg) = anal squeeze pressure during maximum voluntary contraction - resting anal pressure at rest or resting tone as baseline activity
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Bowel Diary Documentation	Defecation Frequency and Fecal Leakage Episodes collected from the Bowel Diary that documenting bowel events daily through a period of time "a week".

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-11-02
• Primary completion: 2025-03-20
• Completion: 2025-06-03
• First posted: 2025-08-01
• Last updated: 2025-08-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt