Sacral nerve stimulation

The current concept of recruiting residual function of an inadequate pelvic organ by electrostimulation involves stimulation of the sacral spinal nerves at the level of the sacral canal. The rationale for applying SNS to fecal incontinence was based on clinical observations of its effect on bowel habits and anorectal continence function in urologic patients (increased anorectal angulation and anal canal closure pressure) and on anatomic considerations: dissection demonstrated a dual peripheral nerve supply of the striated pelvic floor muscles that govern these functions. Because the sacral spinal nerve site is the most distal common location of this dual nerve supply, stimulating here can elicit both functions. Since the first application of SNS in fecal incontinence in 1994, this technique has been improved, the patient selection process modified, and the spectrum of indications expanded. At present SNS has been applied in more than 1300 patients with fecal incontinence limited.     

Sacral Nerve Stimulation in Patients After Rectal Resection—Preliminary Report

Introduction Sacral nerve stimulation is a widely accepted therapeutic option for neurogenic fecal incontinence. More recently, case reports showed a positive effect of sacral nerve stimulation in patients with fecal incontinence following low anterior resection. The purpose of this study was to gain more information for this selected indication for sacral nerve stimulation through a nationwide survey. Material and methods In the period 2002 to 2005, three Austrian departments reported data of patients who underwent SNS for fecal incontinence following rectal resection. Data were available of seven patients (two female, five male) with a median age of 57 years (min 42; max 79). Six patients had undergone rectal resection as a treatment for low rectal cancer. One patient had undergone rectal resection for Crohn’s disease, one patient subtotal colectomy and ileorectostomy for slow colon transit constipation. Results Test stimulation was performed in the foramen S3 unilaterally over a median period of 14 days (2–21 days). Seven patients reported a marked reduction of episodes of incontinence during the observation period and received a permanent stimulation system. After a median follow-up of 32 months (17–46), five patients reported a marked improvement of their continence situation. Conclusion Despite a nationwide survey experiences with SNS as a treatment for fecal incontinence following rectal resection is still limited. Our observations show an improvement of the continence function following SNS. However, the promising results of our series as well as others need further research and more clinical data by a larger number of patients in a prospective trial.     

Sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of bowel dysfunction from imperforate anus: A case report

IntroductionBowel dysfunction (fecal incontinence and constipation) presents in over 50% of patients after treatment of congenital anal malformations. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for the treatment of fecal incontinence improves function in the majority of patients. We present a case report of the treatment of bowel dysfunction with sacral nerve stimulation in a patient with a history of an imperforate anus.Presentation of caseA twenty year-old female with a history of imperforate anus at birth, repaired during infancy with anorectoplasty, presented with fecal incontinence and constipation. Since childhood, she had been suffering from intermittent constipation with worsening fecal incontinence in early adulthood. Examination revealed mild anal stenosis and mucosal prolapse. Endoanal ultrasound demonstrated intact internal and external sphincter with low resting and squeeze pressures on anal manometry. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was normal. The patient underwent permanent sacral nerve stimulation with a primary goal of improvement in continence and, secondarily, for the alleviation of intermittent chronic constipation.DiscussionAt 15 month follow-up, the patient had improvement in fecal incontinence (CCIS of 14 pre-SNS to 1 post-SNS), constipation (CCCS of 28 pre-SNS to 20 post-SNS), and quality of life (FIQOL improved in lifestyle (3.7), coping/behavior (3.4), self perception (3.9), and social embarrassment (4.5).ConclusionSacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of bowel dysfunction in adults secondary to imperforate anus can be performed safely and with good results.     

Quality of life and morbidity after permanent sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence

HYPOTHESIS: Permanent sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a promising emerging treatment for fecal incontinence. However, there is little data on morbidity and quality of life (QOL) during long-term stimulation. DESIGN: Prospective trial to assess morbidity and QOL in patients treated with SNS. Median follow-up was 13 months (range, 1-42 months). SETTING: University hospital providing primary, secondary, and tertiary care. PATIENTS: Between December 2001 and July 2005, SNS was tested in 44 patients (30 women), with a median age of 65 years (range, 15-88 years). INTERVENTIONS: Percutaneous nerve evaluation and permanent insertion of an implantable pulse generator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity, stool diary, and Wexner Score for fecal incontinence; Hanley Score for urinary incontinence; and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, the 36-item short form health survey, and the Royal London Hospital questionnaire for QOL. RESULTS: A permanent stimulator was implanted in 37 patients (84%). Eight patients (22%) experienced complications that required surgical intervention. (A successful restimulation was possible for 5 of those patients.) Adverse effects of SNS were remedied in 5 patients by reprogramming the stimulator. Wexner Scores decreased from a median of 16 points preoperatively (range, 6-20), to a median of 5 points postoperatively (range, 0-13; P<.001). The median number of involuntary stool losses and for urge defecations also decreased significantly. Significant improvement in QOL was found in both generic and incontinence-specific questionnaires (P<.05). The success rate of SNS was 77% (34 of 44 patients) and 92% (34 of 37) in patients with permanent implantation. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive technique of SNS is safe and effective. Most adverse effects can be easily remedied. Our data demonstrate that SNS significantly improves patients' QOL, including their physical and psychological well-being.     

Sacral Nerve Stimulation in Children with Medically Refractory Fecal Incontinence or Severe Constipation

IntroductionThe goal of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients treated with sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for medically refractory fecal incontinence or severe constipation.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated with SNS after failed medical management at a single center between 9/1/2015 and 6/30/2022. Demographic and clinical data was extracted from the electronic medical record. Rates of involuntary bowel movements were evaluated using a bowel severity score questionnaire and compared pre- and post-SNS using McNemar and McNemar–Bowker tests.Results70 patients underwent SNS placement. The median age was 12.8 years (IQR 8.6–16.0) and 61.4% were male. The most common diagnosis was idiopathic constipation (67.1%), followed by anorectal malformation (15.7%), and others. 43 patients had severity scores recorded both pre- and at least 90 days post-SNS insertion. The rates of daytime and nighttime involuntary bowel movements were significantly different pre-compared to post-SNS placement (p = 0.038 and p = 0.049, respectively). The rate of daytime and nighttime fecal continence increased from 44% to 58.1% and 53.5%–83.7%, respectively. The rate of at least weekly daytime and nighttime fecal incontinence decreased from 48.8% to 18.7% and 34.9%–7.0%, respectively. Minor pain/neurological symptoms occurred in 40% of patients, while 5.7% developed a wound infection. Further surgery for the SNS was required in 40% of patients.ConclusionsSNS placement can be an effective treatment for medically refractory fecal incontinence. Minor complications and the need for further procedures are common, while more serious complications like wound infections are rare.Type of StudyRetrospective Cohort Study.Level of EvidenceLevel 3.     

Sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence and constipation in adults: a short version Cochrane review

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence and constipation are disabling conditions that reduce quality of life. If conservative treatment fails, one option is sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), a minimally invasive technique allowing modulation of the nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor and hindgut. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of SNS for fecal incontinence and constipation in adults. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Trials Register (searched 24 April 2007) and the reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomized or quasi-randomized trials assessing the effects of SNS for fecal incontinence or constipation in adults. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened the search results, assessed the methodological quality of the included studies, and undertook data extraction. MAIN RESULTS: Three crossover studies were included. Two, enrolling 34 (Leroi) and two participants (Vaizey), assessed the effects of SNS for fecal incontinence, and one (Kenefick), enrolling two participants, assessed SNS for constipation.In the study by Leroi, following the crossover period, participants, while still blinded, chose the period of stimulation they had preferred. Outcomes at different time points were reported separately for 19 participants who preferred the "on" and five who preferred the "off" period. For the group of 19, the median (range) episodes of fecal incontinence per week fell from 1.7 (0-9) during the "off" period to 0.7 (0-5) during the "on" period; for the group of five, however, the median (range) rose from 1.7 (0-11) during the "off" period compared with 3.7 (0-11) during the "on" period. Vaizey reported an average of six, and one, episodes of fecal incontinence per week during the "off" and "on" periods, respectively. Leroi reported that four of 27 participants experienced an adverse event resulting in removal of the stimulator; Vaizey did not report adverse events.For SNS for constipation, during the "off" crossover period the participants experienced an average of two bowel movements per week, compared with five during the "on" period. Abdominal pain and bloating occurred 79% of the time during the "off" period compared with 33% during the "on" period. No adverse events occurred. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The very limited evidence from the included studies suggests that SNS can improve continence in selected people with fecal incontinence, and reduce symptoms in selected people with constipation. However, temporary, percutaneous stimulation for a 2-3-week period does not always successfully identify those for whom a permanent implant will be beneficial. Larger, good quality randomized crossover trials are needed to allow the effects of SNS for these conditions to be assessed with more certainty.     

Sacral nerve stimulation as an option for the treatment of faecal incontinence in patients suffering from cauda equina syndrome

Study design:Retrospective clinical study with 1-year follow-up.Objectives:Treatment of faecal incontinence by permanent sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in patients suffering from cauda equina syndrome (CES).Setting:Klosterneuburg, Austria.Background and purpose:A flaccid paresis of the sphincter ani muscle and the pelvic floor combined with faecal incontinence can occur in patients suffering from CES as a result of a trauma in the region of the lumbar spine. If the incontinence cannot be managed by the use of laxatives or anal tampons, the patient is restricted in his/her quality of life. Thus, it was our aim to improve sphincter function and anal sensitivity to achieve voluntary rectal defaecation.Materials and methods:The functional integrity of at least one sacral root (S2-S4) was determined through percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE). Following this analysis, a period of external temporary SNS was performed to evaluate the functional effect. If there was a decrease in the number of episodes of faecal incontinence during this evaluation period, a neurostimulation device (InterStim; Medtronic) was implanted.Patients:A total of 11 patients suffering from flaccid paresis of the anal sphincter muscle and faecal incontinence caused by CES underwent PNE, which was successful in 8 patients. Two of these patients were eliminated from the procedure at the end of the temporary SNS period, one patient refused the permanent implantation. Therefore, five patients proceeded to permanent implantation, which led to an improved continence in all the cases.Discussion:In the synopsis of the preoperative proctologic and neurological findings, successful electric stimulation of the sacral roots can be expected in incomplete CES. In the case of flaccid paresis of the anal sphincter muscles caused by an incomplete CES, permanent SNS offers a promising option for the treatment of faecal incontinence.Spinal Cord (2008) 46, 644-647; doi:10.1038/sc.2008.6; published online 4 March 2008.     

Quality of life in patients treated with sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence, the uncontrolled loss of liquid or solid stool, is a common problem whose prevalence ranges from 2% to 17% in the US. Patients with this condition may suffer from severe embarrassment, shame, or depression, which, in turn, may severely impede daily activities. Sacral neuromodulation/stimulation (SNS) was first employed for the treatment of fecal incontinence in 1995. Since that time, over 100 case series have been conducted to assess SNM efficacy for the treatment of fecal incontinence. Most of these studies have shown significant improvement in fecal incontinence severity over short- and long-term follow-up. A more limited number of studies have assessed the effect of SNM on patient quality of life. This article broadly reviews these studies and concludes that SNM improves patient quality of life for both short- and long-term therapy.     

Outcome and cost analysis of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence

BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may be successful in treating incapacitating faecal incontinence. The technique is expensive, and no cost analysis is currently available. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcome and analyse cost-effectiveness. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients underwent a two-stage SNS procedure. Outcome parameters and real costs were assessed prospectively. RESULTS: SNS was tested successfully in 33 of 36 patients, and 31 patients were stimulated permanently. In the first stage, eight of 36 patients reported minor complications (pain, infection or electrode dislocation), resulting in a cost of euro 4053 (range euro 2838-7273) per patient. For the second stage (permanent stimulation), eight of 33 patients had an infection, pain or loss of effectiveness, resulting in a cost of euro 11,292 (range euro 7406-20,274) per patient. Estimated costs for further follow-up were euro 997 per year. The 5-year cumulative cost for SNS was euro 22,150 per patient, compared with euro 33,996 for colostomy, euro 31,590 for dynamic graciloplasty and euro 3234 for conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: SNS is a highly cost-effective treatment for faecal incontinence. Options for further reduction of SNS costs include strict patient selection, treatment in an outpatient setting and using cheaper devices.     

Sacral nerve stimulation reduces corticoanal excitability in patients with faecal incontinence

BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) can produce symptomatic relief in patients with faecal incontinence. Moreover, peripheral nerve stimulation has been shown to affect brain function. The aim of this study was to determine whether SNS might produce important changes in cortical activity linked to improved continence. METHODS: In an experimental study, ten women with intractable faecal incontinence (mean age 51.3 years) were serially mapped with transcranial magnetic stimulation before and immediately after 14 days of temporary SNS (15 Hz, pulse width 210 micros), and then 2 weeks later. Anal sphincter electromyographic responses were recorded to cortical stimulation of multiple points over a scalp grid covering the bilateral medial cortex. Continence scores, anorectal manometry and rectal sensitivity data were also collected. RESULTS: SNS improved global symptom scores in the majority of patients; mean(s.e.m.) continence scores fell from 16.9(1.6) to 10.6(1.8) (P = 0.042). Cortical mapping showed a consistent decrease in corticoanal representation and overall excitability immediately after SNS compared with baseline (mean(s.e.m.) 38,083(13,669) versus 42,507(13,297) microV s; P = 0.017), which was reversed 2 weeks after SNS wire removal. CONCLUSION: SNS produces symptom benefit in patients with faecal incontinence that is associated with a reversible reduction in corticoanal excitability. SNS therefore drives dynamic brain changes that may play a functional role in influencing anal continence.     

Prospective clinical audit of two neuromodulatory treatments for fecal incontinence: sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)

Background and purpose

Two types of neuromodulation are currently practised for the treatment of fecal incontinence (FI): sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). This study compares these therapies, as no data exist to prospectively assess their relative efficacy and costs.

Methods

The subjects of this study were two distinct cohorts undergoing SNS (between 2003 and 2008) or PTNS (2008-onwards) for FI. Clinical outcomes assessed at 3 months included incontinence scores and the number of weekly incontinence episodes. The direct medical costs for each procedure were calculated from the audited expenditure of our unit.

Results

Thirty-seven patients (94.6 % women) underwent permanent SNS and 146 (87.7 % women) underwent PTNS. The mean pre-treatment incontinence score (±SD) was greater in the SNS cohort (14 ± 4 vs. 12 ± 4) and the mean post-treatment incontinence scores were similar for the two therapies (9 ± 5 vs. 10 ± 4), with a greater effect size evident in the SNS patients. In a ‘pseudo case–control’ analysis with 37 “matched” patients, the effect of both treatments was similar. The cost of treating a patient for 1 year was £11 374 ($18 223) for permanent SNS vs. £1740 ($2784) for PTNS.

Conclusion

Given the lesser cost and invasive nature of PTNS, where both techniques are available, a trial of PTNS could be considered for all patients.     

Systematic review of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence and constipation

BACKGROUND AND METHOD: This systematic review assesses the efficacy and safety of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for faecal incontinence and constipation. Electronic databases and selected websites were searched for studies evaluating SNS in the treatment of faecal incontinence or constipation. Primary outcome measures included episodes of faecal incontinence per week (faecal incontinence studies) and number of evacuations per week (constipation studies). RESULTS: From 106 potentially relevant reports, six patient series and one crossover study of SNS for faecal incontinence, and four patient series and one crossover study of SNS for constipation, were included. After implantation, 41-75 per cent of patients achieved complete faecal continence and 75-100 per cent experienced improvement in episodes of incontinence. There were 19 adverse events among 149 patients. The small crossover study reported increased episodes of faecal incontinence when the implanted pulse generator was switched off. Case series of SNS for constipation reported an increased frequency of evacuation. There were four adverse events among the 20 patients with a permanent implant. The small crossover study reported a reduced number of evacuations when the pulse generator was switched off. CONCLUSION: SNS results in significant improvement in faecal incontinence in patients resistant to conservative treatment. Early data also suggest benefit in the treatment of constipation.     

Fecal and urinary continence after ileal cecal cystoplasty for the neurogenic bladder

PURPOSE: In patients with a neurogenic bladder augmentation with the ileal cecal segment has generally been disregarded as an option due to concerns regarding fecal incontinence. We report our results using a hemi-Indiana pouch bladder augmentation for neurogenic bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of 63 patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction treated with a hemi-Indiana pouch bladder augmentation was performed. None of the patients had fecal incontinence before surgery. RESULTS: Median followup interval was 6 years (range 1 to 10). Etiology of the neurogenic bladder was spinal cord injury in 42 patients (66%), myelodysplasia in 18 (29%) and sacral agenesis in 3 (5%). One patient (1.5%) died immediately postoperatively from a pulmonary embolus. Of the remaining 62 patients, urinary continence was achieved in 54 (87%) and 8 were incontinent per the abdominal stoma. All 8 patients were treated with Contigen injections into the stoma and 4 (50%) became continent. The 4 patients with persistent urinary incontinence became continent after open surgical revision. Postoperatively, fecal continence was improved in 14 patients (23%), unchanged in 46 (74%) and worse in 2 (3%). In 2 patients with deterioration in bowel function stool frequency and fecal soilage increased in conjunction with antibiotic usage. No patient had chronic fecal incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: In select patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction ileal cecal bladder augmentation with a continent tapered ileal limb results in a 100% incidence of urinary continence with minimal alterations in fecal continence.     

Sacral nerve stimulation induces pan-colonic propagating pressure waves and increases defecation frequency in patients with slow-transit constipation

OBJECTIVE: Colonic propagating sequences are important for normal colonic transit and defecation. The frequency of these motor patterns is reduced in slow-transit constipation. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a useful treatment for fecal and urinary incontinence. A high proportion of these patients have also reported altered bowel function. The effects of SNS on colonic propagating sequences in constipation are unknown. Our aims were to evaluate the effect of SNS on colonic pressure patterns and evaluate its therapeutic potential in severe constipation. METHOD: In eight patients with scintigraphically confirmed slow-transit constipation, a manometry catheter (16 recording sites at 7.5 cm intervals) was positioned colonoscopically and the tip fixed in the caecum. Temporary electrodes (Medtronic) were implanted in the S2 and S3 sacral nerve foramina under general anaesthesia. In the fasted state, 14 Hz stimulation was administered and four sets of parameters (pulse width 300 or 400 micros; S2 and S3) were tested in four 2-h epochs, in random order, over 2 days. Patients were then discharged home with the sacral wires in situ and a 3-week trial stimulation commenced during which patients completed a daily stool diary. RESULTS: When compared with basal activity, electrical stimulation to S3 significantly increased pan-colonic antegrade propagating sequence (PS) frequency (5.4 +/- 4.2 vs 11.3 +/- 6.6 PS/h; P=0.01). Stimulation at S2 significantly increased retrograde PSs (basal 2.6 +/- 1.8 vs SNS 5.6 +/- 4.8 PS/h; P=0.03). During the subsequent three-week trial (continuous stimulation), six of eight reported increased bowel frequency with a reduction in laxative usage. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that SNS induces pan-colonic propagating pressure waves and therefore shows promise as a potential therapy for severe refractory constipation.     

Effect of functional continuous magnetic stimulation for urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of continuous magnetic stimulation on urinary incontinence by studying the urodynamic effect on urethral closure and bladder inhibition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 11 patients with stress incontinence and 12 with urge incontinence (7 males and 16 females, mean age 55.8 years) were evaluated. In the pilot study urethral pressure profile was performed before and after 20 Hz. 15-minute (with 1-minute on/30-second off cycles) stimulation, and maximum intraurethral pressure was recorded during stimulation in stress incontinence cases. Cystometry was performed before and during 15-minute stimulation at 10 Hz. in urge incontinence cases. In the therapeutic study 8 females with stress incontinence, and 3 males and 5 females with urge incontinence were treated with magnetic stimulation twice a week for 5 weeks. RESULTS: In the pilot study maximum intraurethral pressure increased by 34% during stimulation and maximum urethral closure pressure increased by 20.9% (p = 0.0409) after stimulation in stress incontinence cases. In urge incontinence cases significant increases in bladder capacities at first and maximum desire to void during stimulation were noted (p = 0.0164 and 0.0208, respectively). In the therapeutic study 86% of 7 patients with stress incontinence and 75% of 8 with urge incontinence were improved, and 1 dropped out of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous magnetic stimulation was effective on urethral closure and bladder inhibition, and as treatment of urinary incontinence.     

Permanent sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the longer-term therapeutic response of permanent sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence and to delineate suitable indications and the mode of action. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A single report of permanent sacral nerve stimulation in three patients followed up for 6 months showed marked improvement in fecal continence. Acute evaluation has shown that the effect may be mediated by altered rectal and anal smooth muscle activity, and facilitation of external sphincter contraction. METHODS: Five women (age 41-68 years) with fecal incontinence for solid or liquid stool at least once per week were followed up for a median of 16 months after permanent implantation. All had passive incontinence, and three had urge incontinence. The cause was scleroderma in two, primary internal sphincter degeneration in one, diffuse weakness of both sphincters in one, and disruption of both sphincters in one. RESULTS: All patients had marked improvement. Urgency resolved in all three patients with this symptom. Passive soiling resolved completely in three and was reduced to minor episodes in two. Continence scores (scale 0-20) improved from a median of 16 before surgery to 2 after surgery. There were no early complications, and there have been no side effects. One patient required wound exploration at 6 months for local pain, and a lead replacement at 12 months for electrode displacement. The quality of life assessment improved in all patients. The resting pressure increased in four patients, but there was no consistent measured physiologic change that could account for the symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sphincter degeneration and weakness, and possibly in those with sphincter disruption, sacral nerve stimulation markedly improves fecal incontinence.     

Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: results from a single centre over a 10‐year period

Aim Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is considered a first‐line surgical treatment option for faecal incontinence. There is little information on long‐term results. The results of SNS for faecal incontinence performed at a single centre over a 10‐year period are reported. Method A cohort analysis of consecutive patients treated with SNS for faecal incontinence over a 10‐year period was carried out. Data were collected prospectively using bowel habit diaries and St Mark’s and Cleveland Clinic incontinence scores. Treatment success was defined as a > 50% reduction in episodes of faecal incontinence compared with baseline. Results Temporary SNS was performed in 118 patients, and 91 (77%) were considered suitable for chronic stimulation. The median period of follow up was 22 (1–138) months. Seventy patients were followed for 1 year with success in 63 (90%). Of 18 patients followed for 5 years, 15 (83%) reported continued success, 11 (61%) maintained full efficacy, 4 (22%) reported some loss, and 3 (17%) reported complete loss. Three patients with a 10‐year follow up had no loss in efficacy. Overall, complete loss of efficacy was observed in 14 (16%) patients at a median of 11.5 months following implantation. A further 5 (6%) patients showed deterioration with time. In 9 (47%), no reason for the deterioration in symptoms could be identified. Conclusions SNS can be effective for up to 10 years. Some patients experience deterioration in symptoms over time. The reasons for this are often not evident.     

Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence in patients with previous partial spinal injury including disc prolapse

BACKGROUND: This study examined the use of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) to treat faecal incontinence in patients with partial spinal injury. METHODS: Patients selected for SNS had experienced more than one episode of faecal incontinence per week to liquid or solid stool for more than 1 year and had failed maximal conservative treatment. All patients had an intact external anal sphincter. RESULTS: Temporary SNS was performed in 13 patients (median age 58.5 (range 39-73) years). The spinal insults were disc prolapse (six), trauma (four), spinal stenosis (one) or occurred during neurosurgery (two). Twelve patients (eight women and four men) had successful temporary stimulation and proceeded to permanent implantation. The median follow-up time was 12 (range 6-24) months. The mean(s.d.) number of episodes of incontinence decreased from 9.33(7.64) per week at baseline to 2.39(3.69) at last follow-up (P = 0.012). The number of days per week with incontinence and staining decreased significantly (both P < 0.001). Ability to defer defaecation improved from a median of not being able to defer (range 0-1 min) to being able to defer for 5-15 (range 0 to over 15) min (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: SNS can benefit patients with faecal incontinence following partial spinal injury.     

Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: optimizing outcome and managing complications

Aim A knowledge of the principles of neurostimulation is essential to achieve optimal efficacy and minimize adverse effects. The aim of this article was to review the current evidence regarding device programming in the management of patients having sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for faecal incontinence. Method A Medline search was performed including the keywords and/or MeSH headings of sacral nerve stimulation, neuromodulation, artificial pacemaker, faecal incontinence, programming, adverse effects and complications. Further studies were identified by cross‐referencing from relevant articles and by appraisal of recent peer‐reviewed conference abstracts and proceedings. Results Neurostimulator programming is an important component of SNS. Efficacy can be improved or restored with reprogramming. Adverse stimulation is often reversible, and nonstimulation‐related complications are correctable. A total loss of efficacy can be explained in over one‐half of patients. Conclusion An improved outcome of SNS can be achieved by selecting the best possible stimulation parameters individualized to each patient. Further research into the optimal settings is needed.