Defecatory disorders, including dyssynergic defecation and fecal incontinence, are highly prevalent conditions that significantly impair quality of life (QoL) and represent a major burden on healthcare systems. These disorders are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly in resource-limited settings. Electrostimulation therapy has emerged as a minimally invasive therapeutic option aimed at improving neuromuscular coordination and anorectal function. However, evidence regarding its impact on patient-reported QoL outcomes across different diagnostic subgroups remains limited, especially in real-world clinical practice.

To prospectively evaluate changes in QoL in patients with defecatory disorders undergoing electrostimulation therapy and to compare outcomes across different diagnostic subgroups. Secondary aims included assessing the consistency of response and exploring the relationship between clinical improvement and QoL changes.

A prospective observational study was conducted in our center including patients diagnosed with defecatory disorders based on high-resolution anorectal manometry results, who underwent electrostimulation therapy. Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected.
Quality of life was assessed using validated questionnaires (WHOQOL BREF) at baseline and after completion of therapy (min. 6 weeks). Clinical outcomes included symptom severity, frequency of bowel movements, and episodes of incontinence or obstructed defecation, depending on the underlying condition.
Pre- and post-treatment outcomes were compared to evaluate changes in quality of life. Correlations between clinical improvement and quality of life scores were also analyzed.

A total of 24 patients were included (mean age 61 years, predominantly female). The most frequent diagnosis was dyssynergic defecation.
Mean baseline quality of life score was 59.5, which significantly improved to 70.4 after electrostimulation therapy, with a mean increase of 10.9 points.

Improvement was observed in the majority of patients (>90%), with only one patient showing no change. Subgroup analysis demonstrated consistent improvement across dyssynergic defecation types, while patients with fecal incontinence showed a mean increase of 12.5 points, albeit with some variability.
A positive correlation between clinical improvement and quality of life scores was observed.

Electrostimulation therapy is associated with significant and clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life in patients with defecatory disorders. Benefits were observed across different diagnostic subgroups, particularly in dyssynergic defecation and fecal incontinence. These findings support the role of electrostimulation as an effective component of multidisciplinary pelvic floor management and highlight its applicability in high-volume clinical settings. Further studies with larger sample sizes and controlled designs are warranted to confirm these results.

Continence 19S (2026) 102726
DOI: 10.1016/j.cont.2026.102726