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Published on: June 26, 2018
Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: its role in the treatment algorithm
1Department of Surgery, University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany. klaus.matzel@uk-erlangen.de
Summary
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective treatment for faecal incontinence, showing significant functional improvements across various causes. Outcomes remain stable long-term, even in patients with sphincter defects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Neurology
Background:
- Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) indications for faecal incontinence have broadened.
- Current clinical outcomes of SNS for faecal incontinence require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the clinical outcome of current sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) use in faecal incontinence treatment.
- Review the role of SNS in patients with anal sphincter lesions.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of Medline and Cochrane databases (English publications only).
- Included studies with ≥25 patients for general outcome analysis.
- Included all papers for SNS in patients with sphincter defects.
Main Results:
- Thirteen publications on SNS clinical outcomes were analyzed.
- Nine papers reported SNS use in patients with sphincter lesions.
- All studies showed statistically significant improvements in incontinence frequency (Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score) and function, with stable long-term outcomes.
- SNS was effective short-term for sphincteric gaps of 17-180°, irrespective of gap size.
Conclusions:
- Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a clinically efficient therapy for diverse faecal incontinence causes with reproducible results.
- SNS is an essential component of the surgical treatment algorithm for faecal incontinence.
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