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

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.

Inclusion criteria

• children ages ranged from 6 to 9 years and complain of involuntary leakage of feces with a history of anorectal surgical repair MRI revealed the degree of muscle development "Fair/Hypoplastic" identifiable but less developed or asymmetrical muscles
• they can do minimal palpable voluntary contraction of anal sphincter muscle
• they were able to follow instructions during the testing and treatment procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• with severe hypoplasia or complete agenesis/absence of parts of the sphincter complex "Poor/Barely Identifiable/Absent", evidenced by MRI,
• children with post-colon surgery other than ARM, neurologic/neuropathic disorder, spinal cord lesion, sensory or hearing deficits.