Understanding and Treating Fecal Incontinence with a New Device
Official title: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and biofeedback therapy in fecal incontinence using fecobionics
Funded at California Medical Innovations Institute · NIH-11140302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores new ways to understand and treat fecal incontinence, a common condition, using a special electronic device called Fecobionics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Medical Innovations Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $535,092 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131488-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals experiencing fecal incontinence who are seeking improved diagnostic methods and potential new therapies may be ideal candidates for future related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose fecal incontinence is not related to anorectal muscle function or who are not suitable for biofeedback therapy may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
Fecal incontinence affects many Americans, and we don't fully understand why it happens or have enough effective treatments. This project aims to uncover how the muscles in the lower bowel work to control bowel movements and how their problems lead to incontinence. We are using a new technology called Fecobionics, which is an electronic device shaped like stool, to measure pressures and movements inside the body. This device will help us better diagnose the causes of incontinence and develop new biofeedback therapies to help patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate diagnoses and more effective biofeedback treatments for individuals living with fecal incontinence.
How similar studies have gone: The Fecobionics technology is novel, aiming to provide new insights beyond current diagnostic tests which often give incomplete or conflicting information.
Where this research is happening
-
California Medical Innovations Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gregersen, Hans — California Medical Innovations Institute
- Study coordinator: Gregersen, Hans
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding fecal incontinence and how a novel stool-like device could help diagnose and guide therapy
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This study is looking at new ways to help people with fecal incontinence and urgency, especially older adults and those with neurological issues, by exploring how certain nerves in the colon work and how blocking them might make things better, giving participants a chance to help create better treatments for everyday l
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Active vs. Passive Anal Sphincter Training in Fecal Incontinence
This home-based trial tests whether adding active sphincter contractions to electrical stimulation helps adults with fecal incontinence more than stimulation alone.
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Beta-glucan cream added to standard skin care for IAD in hospitalized adults
This study tests whether adding a 0.5% beta-glucan moisturizing cream to usual skin care helps adults with incontinence-associated dermatitis heal faster and feel better.
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R20 Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence: Post‑Market Follow‑Up
This registry test checks how well the Axonics R20 rechargeable device works for adults with fecal incontinence after it’s on the market.
-
High-intensity electromagnetic stimulation for bowel control after J-pouch surgery
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.