The role of reprogramming in sacral nerve modulation for faecal incontinence

After implantation of a sacral nerve modulation (SNM) device for faecal incontinence (FI), patients are subjected to a rigid follow-up schedule. If symptoms recur, it may be necessary to reprogramme the stimulation parameters of the device. The aims of this study was to assess the need for reprogramming in patients with an SNM implant for FI.

All patients who received a permanent SNM implant for FI from January 2000 to February 2008 were included in this study. Patients were subjected to a rigid follow-up schedule at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Stimulator settings of the SNM device and changes made at every visit were collected and added to the database, and the number of patients in whom the stimulation parameter settings needed reprogramming was determined.

A total of 155 patients (11 men) were analysed. The mean age (± standard deviation) of the patients was 57.7 ± 11.9 years. Median follow-up was 28.1 (range: 1.0-93.6) months. The mean voltage increased significantly from 1.8 V at 1 month to 2.0 V at 3 months. Thirty-nine (25.2%) patients required no reprogramming of their SNM implant during any of their follow-up visits; however, 51 (32.9%) patients required reprogramming at 1-25% of their visits, 42 (27.1%) patients at 26-50% of their visits, 14 (9.0%) patients at 51-75% of their visits and nine (5.8%) patients at 76-100% of their visits.

Physicians and patients need to be aware of the fact that reprogramming of the SNM stimulator needs to be carried out at least once during follow-up in the majority of patients. Trained physicians or specialist nurses are imperative to ensure effective follow-up and appropriate SNM reprogramming.