Use of a gentamicin‐impregnated collagen sheet (Collatamp®) following implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator for faecal incontinence

Aim Gentamicin‐impregnated collagen (Collatamp^®) is well described for the prevention of infection in surgery. This technical note describes its intraoperative use as a prophylactic measure to prevent infection following implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator for faecal incontinence. Method Following implantation of the Interstim II Neurostimulator (Medtronic Neuromodulation, 710 Medtronic Parkway, Minneapolis, USA) in a subcutaneous pocket overlying the gluteal muscle, a single sheet of 10 cm × 10 cm gentamicin‐impregnated collagen is placed within the wound covering the implant. The subcutaneous tissue and skin are then closed in separate layers. Results To date eight patients [median age 46.5 (30–59) years] have received prophylactic cover with gentamicin‐impregnated collagen following permanent sacral nerve stimulator implantation. At a median interval of 89.5 (51–128) days, none of these patients developed a wound infection at the site of the neurostimulator implant. Conclusion Gentamicin‐impregnated collagen (Collatamp^®) used in the implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator may be a useful addition to the technique.