Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Treating Low Back Pain in Failed Back Surgery Patients with Multicolumn-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation
Published on: June 26, 2018
Surgery and sacral nerve stimulation for constipation and fecal incontinence
Rodrigo A Pinto1, Dana R Sands
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Boulevard, Weston, FL 33331, USA.
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) offers improved continence and quality of life for patients with fecal incontinence and constipation. This promising surgical option is considered when medical management fails, though its mechanism requires further understanding.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Fecal incontinence affects 2% of the population, rising to 15% in the elderly.
- Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder with multifactorial causes.
- Surgical intervention is reserved for refractory cases after medical management failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current surgical procedures for fecal incontinence and constipation.
- To highlight the role and latest experiences with sacral nerve stimulation (SNS).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on surgical treatments for fecal incontinence and constipation.
- Emphasis on sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) as a therapeutic option.
Main Results:
- Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) demonstrates potential for improving continence and quality of life.
- SNS can be used as an alternative or salvage therapy to avoid stomas.
- The precise mechanism of action for SNS remains incompletely understood.
Conclusions:
- Surgical options, including SNS, are valuable for patients with refractory fecal incontinence and constipation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of SNS.
- Understanding the etiology of these conditions is crucial before surgical intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...