Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence - efficacy confirmed from a two-centre prospectively maintained...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Urology

Background:

• Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for faecal incontinence.
• Prospective data from multiple centers can address remaining questions regarding SNS efficacy and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate functional outcomes and surgical complication management in patients treated with SNS for faecal incontinence.
• To present data from an international two-center prospective database (SNSPD).

Main Methods:

• The SNSPD collected detailed pre- and perioperative data and follow-up information for patients undergoing SNS for bowel dysfunction.
• The database included patients implanted between May 2009 and December 2013 from centers in Denmark and France.

Main Results:

• 164 patients with faecal incontinence were included, with a median follow-up of 22 months.
• Wexner incontinence scores improved significantly (15 to 9, P < 0.001), as did the VAS impact on daily life (85.5 to 20, P < 0.001).
• 19.5% of patients required additional surgery, most commonly lead repositioning (12.1%); infections leading to explantation occurred in 3.0%.

Conclusions:

• Sacral nerve stimulation demonstrates significant functional improvement for faecal incontinence.
• While generally safe, careful monitoring for complications like lead migration and infection is essential for optimal patient management.