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Sacral nerve stimulation in patients after rectal resection--preliminary report
Brigitte Holzer1, Harald R Rosen, Wolfgang Zaglmaier
1Surgical Department, Danube Hospital-SMZ-Ost, Vienna, Austria.
Summary
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) improved fecal incontinence after rectal resection in a small survey. Five of seven patients showed marked improvement after a median 32-month follow-up, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is established for neurogenic fecal incontinence.
- Case reports suggest SNS efficacy for post-low anterior resection fecal incontinence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for fecal incontinence following rectal resection.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey of three Austrian departments (2002-2005).
- Data from seven patients (median age 57) who underwent SNS for fecal incontinence post-rectal resection (cancer or Crohn's disease).
Main Results:
- Temporary SNS (median 14 days) led to a marked reduction in incontinence episodes in all seven patients.
- Permanent SNS systems were implanted in all patients.
- After a median 32-month follow-up, five patients reported marked improvement in continence.
Conclusions:
- Experience with SNS for post-rectal resection fecal incontinence remains limited.
- SNS shows potential for improving continence in this patient group.
- Further prospective trials with larger patient cohorts are needed to confirm these findings.
