Role of Interferential Therapy in Children with Fecal Incontinence Postanorectal Malformation Surgeries

BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformation (ARM) is one of the most common pediatric surgical problems dealt in day-to-day practice. Although the outcome of surgery has improved a great deal over the last three decades fecal incontinence (FI) is still a common long-term morbidity that affects the quality of life of these patients. Bowel wash (BW) program with pelvic floor exercise are standard care of management for these patients. This study was undertaken to assess the role of interferential therapy (IFT) along with BW compared to BW alone in the management of FI. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four children more than 2-year-old age previously operated for malformation and having FI with Kelly score <4 were recruited and assigned to one of the two groups. One group was given standard BW regimen and the other BW with IFT for 3 months. Posttherapy Kelly scoring was done, and the results were compared. RESULTS: IFT with BW provided no added advantage over BW alone for the treatment of FI in patients of ARMs. CONCLUSION: The time-tested modality of BW is the cornerstone in the management of FI.