Non-surgical magnetic-electrical biofeedback improves anterior resection syndrome after sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Sphincter-preserving surgery is a common procedure for rectal cancer, but anterior resection syndrome (ARS) remains a frequent complication.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of combined magnetic-electrical biofeedback therapy in patients with ARS after sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer.

METHODS

Sixty patients with ARS following sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer admitted to our hospital between August 2024 to March 2026, were selected. Based on the chronological order of surgery, the patients were divided into control group and (n = 30) receiving conventional intervention or a study group (n = 30) receiving magnetic-electrical biofeedback therapy. Bowel function indicators, Low ARS (LARS) scores and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument (MSKCC-BFI) scores were assessed before, 1 month after, and 3 months after intervention. Anal pressure indicators, including anal resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure, were evaluated before and after the intervention. Anorectal function indicators, including first rectal sensation volume, maximum tolerated volume, and rectal compliance, were compared before and after the intervention. The clinical efficacy rates were also calculated for both groups.

RESULTS

Baseline bowel function indicators, LARS scores, and MSKCC-BFI scores (P > 0.05) did not differ significantly between groups. After treatment, the study group showed fewer daily bowel movements, lower fecal incontinence frequency scores, lower LARS scores, and higher MSKCC-BFI scores than the control group (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in anal pressure or anorectal function indicators before the intervention (P > 0.05). Anal resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, as first rectal sensation volume, maximum tolerated volume, and rectal compliance were also significantly higher in the study group than the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 96.67% (29/30) significantly higher in the study group than 73.33% (22/30) in the control group [96.67% (29/30) vs 73.33% (22/30), P < 0.05].

CONCLUSION

Combined intervention using magnetic-electrical biofeedback demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with ARS after sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer. It facilitates the synergistic recovery of rectal and anal canal functions, plays a positive role in improving patients’ bowel movements and anorectal function, and promotes enhanced clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Magnetic-electrical biofeedback therapy; Low rectal cancer; Sphincter-preserving surgery; Anterior resection syndrome; Anorectal function

Core Tip: Anterior resection syndrome remains one of the most challenging functional complications after sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer, substantially affecting patients' quality of life. This study demonstrates that combined magnetic-electrical biofeedback therapy significantly improves bowel function, anal sphincter function, anorectal physiological parameters, and patient-reported bowel function compared with conventional rehabilitation alone. The combined intervention achieved a higher overall clinical response rate and promoted coordinated recovery of rectal and anal functions, suggesting that it is a safe, effective, and promising rehabilitation strategy for postoperative anterior resection syndrome management.