First experiences with pudendal nerve stimulation in fecal incontinence: a technical report

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for refractory lower urinary tract and bowel dysfunction. In some urological patients, SNS does not have satisfactory results. Pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) has recently been proposed for these patients and successfully tested. Given the sometimes unsatisfactory results after SNS in fecal incontinence (FI), we tested PNS on patients suffering from FI. We used the device and implantation technique described by Spinelli et al. By making a slight change in the device, we developed a quick and easy-to-use method for successful PNS implantation, based on electrophysiological response. We present the results of a feasibility study, in which we tested the effectiveness of PNS with our modified implantation technique on 2 patients, with very satisfactory early results in a 4-month follow-up.