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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Treating Low Back Pain in Failed Back Surgery Patients with Multicolumn-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation

Treating Low Back Pain in Failed Back Surgery Patients with Multicolumn-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation

Published on: June 26, 2018

Sacral nerve stimulation in patients with severe constipation.

B Holzer¹, H R Rosen, G Novi

¹Surgical Department, Danube Hospital-SMZ-Ost, Vienna, Austria.

Diseases of the Colon and Rectum

|March 7, 2008

Summary

Sacral nerve stimulation improved severe chronic constipation in 42% of patients, significantly reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Further research into pelvic floor function is recommended.

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Published on: September 27, 2018

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Neurology

Background:

Constipation is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors.
Severe chronic constipation poses significant challenges in patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for treating severe chronic constipation.
To assess the impact of SNS on colonic transit time and rectal outlet obstruction.

Main Methods:

Nineteen patients with severe constipation underwent temporary sacral nerve stimulation lead implantation.
Permanent systems were implanted in patients showing improvement during the evaluation period.
Outcomes were assessed based on bowel movement frequency, need for digital manipulation, and Wexner constipation scores.

Main Results:

Forty-two percent of patients experienced significant constipation improvement after sacral nerve stimulation.
A notable decrease in Wexner constipation scores was observed 12 months post-implantation.
Patients reported a significant enhancement in their overall quality of life.

Conclusions:

Sacral nerve stimulation is a viable option for select patients with severe chronic constipation.
Further investigation into pelvic floor function is warranted to optimize SNS outcomes.