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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings

In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings

Published on: January 21, 2015

Neuromodulation for constipation: sacral and transcutaneous stimulation.

B P W van Wunnik¹, C G M I Baeten, B R Southwell

¹Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. b.van.wunnik@mumc.nl

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology

|March 9, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) shows promise for treating chronic constipation unresponsive to conservative methods. This technique modulates neural activity, offering a potential therapeutic option for specific patient groups.

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Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Neurology
Medical Devices

Background:

Constipation is a common digestive disorder often managed conservatively.
Neuromodulation, altering neural activity, is an emerging treatment approach.
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a developed method for modulating neural pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

To review neuromodulation techniques for constipation treatment.
To detail the methods and outcomes of sacral neuromodulation (SNM).
To explore transcutaneous electrical stimulation for constipation relief.

Main Methods:

Review of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) techniques.
Percutaneous electrode placement in the third sacral foramen.
Implantation of a subcutaneous stimulating device.
Assessment of transcutaneous stimulation via electrodes.

Main Results:

SNM mechanism involves modulating neural pathways controlling the large bowel.
Medium-term results for SNM in selected constipation patients appear promising.
Adverse events for SNM include electrode migration and infection.
Transcutaneous stimulation shows potential but with low evidence levels.

Conclusions:

SNM is a viable option for refractory idiopathic slow and normal transit constipation.
A testing phase can predict SNM treatment outcomes.
Further research is required to validate transcutaneous stimulation efficacy.