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Sacral neuromodulation; does it affect colonic transit time in patients with faecal incontinence?
O Uludag1, S M P Koch, C H C Dejong
1University Hospital Maastricht, Department of General Surgery PO Box 5800 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Summary
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) significantly reduced fecal incontinence episodes and bowel movements. However, SNM did not alter colonic transit time in patients with fecal incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Neurology
Background:
- Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is established for urinary voiding disorders.
- Observed effects on bowel function led to its use in treating fecal incontinence.
- This study investigates SNM's impact on bowel frequency and colonic transit time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in managing fecal incontinence.
- To assess the effect of SNM on bowel movement frequency.
- To determine the influence of SNM on segmental colonic transit time.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen patients with fecal incontinence underwent colon transit studies before and after permanent SNM implantation.
- Patients maintained a three-week bowel habits diary.
- Colonic transit time was measured segmentally (right colon, left colon, recto-sigmoid).
Main Results:
- SNM significantly reduced median incontinence episodes from 8.7 to 0.33 per week (P < 0.001).
- Median bowel movements per week decreased from 14.7 to 10.0 (P < 0.008).
- No significant changes were observed in segmental or total colonic transit time.
Conclusions:
- Sacral neuromodulation effectively reduces fecal incontinence and bowel movement frequency.
- SNM does not significantly alter colonic transit time in patients with fecal incontinence.