Posterior tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence is a common multifactorial condition with a range of invasive treatment options, all of which may be associated with significant complications. Posterior tibial stimulation by continence nurses is an established treatment for urinary incontinence; however, its use in faecal incontinence, while rapidly evolving, is limited to eight small and differing studies. In this article, the background of current management options for faecal incontinence is discussed, as are the physiology and evidence underlying neuromodulation. The evidence base for posterior tibial nerve stimulation in faecal incontinence is reviewed, as well as the implications for practice and further research. While this early evidence base is encouraging, it has yet to be established whether this novel approach may be the minimally invasive, effective and cheap treatment hoped for, for this common and debilitating condition.