Related Experiment Videos
Sacral nerve stimulation in fecal incontinence.
Ole O Rasmussen1, Steen Buntzen, Michael Sørensen
1Department of Surgery D, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark. olra@herlevhosp.kbhamt.dk
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|June 25, 2004
Summary
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) significantly reduced fecal incontinence episodes in patients. This minimally invasive treatment shows promising results for various causes of incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
Background:
- Fecal incontinence (FI) significantly impacts quality of life.
- Current treatments for FI have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in patients with fecal incontinence.
Main Methods:
- 45 patients with fecal incontinence underwent sacral nerve stimulation testing.
- Successful test stimulation led to permanent system implantation.
- Outcomes were assessed based on reduction in incontinence episodes and Wexner score.
Main Results:
- 43 of 45 patients had a muscular response during testing.
- 37 patients received permanent SNS systems.
- A significant reduction in the median Wexner incontinence score was observed (16 to 6, P < 0.0001).
- No significant difference in efficacy was noted across different etiologies of incontinence.
Conclusions:
- Sacral nerve stimulation is a promising treatment for fecal incontinence.
- Patients with idiopathic, spinal, or post-sphincter repair incontinence may benefit from SNS.