[Sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of faecal incontinence]

The sacral nerve stimulation is a new promising procedure for faecal incontinence in patients in whom conservative treatments have failed. In contrast to more invasive restorative surgeries (e.g. dynamic graciloplasty or artificial sphincter), sacral nerve stimulation can be tested and performed in outpatient under local anaesthesia. From May 2001 to April 2004, 25 consecutive patients with faecal incontinence underwent percutaneous test-stimulation during 10 to 14 days. The test was positive in 16 of them (64%) in whom a permanent implantation of an internal pulse generator was performed. During the follow up of this group a significant reduction of the number of incontinence episodes and a considerable improvement of quality of life was demonstrated. Complete investigations and restrictive patient selection, as well as a carefully follow up are recommended for the success in sacral nerve stimulation therapy.