Electrode Placement and Continence Outcomes in Pediatric Hirschsprung’s Disease: Rectal Versus Surface Stimulation After Trans-Anal Pull-Through Surgeries
- Author:
Fathia AHMED
1
;
Safi AHMED
;
Hany ELGOHARY
;
Shymaa SALEM
;
Enas ABUTALEB
;
Mohamed ELDESOKY
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):129-138
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:To compare the outcome of rectal and surface electrode stimulation, when performed concomitantly with routine anal sphincter (AS) exercises and bio-feedback training, in children who have received corrective surgery to address Hirschsprung disease (HD).
Methods:Sixty-seven patients (pediatric) who underwent corrective surgery due to HD were randomly assigned to Group A (rectal electrode, n=34) or Group B (surface electrode, n=33). The two groups were given the same protocols of AS and bio-feedback training. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Bowel Function Score (BFS), Pediatric Incontinence and Constipation Scoring System Scale (PICSS) were measured at baseline, post intervention and follow-up.
Results:There were significant improvements in both groups over time across all outcomes. PedsQL increased (d=0.42–1.28, η²p up to 0.37), BFS improved notably (d=1.21, η²p=0.35), and PICSS decreased (d up to 1.15, η²p=0.33). The greatest gains occurred from baseline to follow-up, with smaller but significant changes from post-treatment to follow-up, indicating sustained effects.
Conclusion:Electrical stimulation with rectal electrodes, combined with AS exercises and bio-feedback training, is a major way of improving bowel functioning, continence and quality of life in Hirschsprung child. Such results highlight the promise of multimodal rehabilitation and should be supported by additional multicenter studies.
