Outcomes of Sacral Nerve Stimulation For Faecal Incontinence in Northern Ireland

Sacral nerve root stimulation (SNS) is an effective and developing therapy for faecal incontinence, a debilitating condition that can result in social and personal incapacitation.

The objectives of this study are to assess the morbidity of the procedure, improvement in the incontinence scores and Quality of Life (QoL) following SNS.

Patients were identified from the Northern Ireland regional SNS service from 2006 to 2012. Numbers of patients who had temporary placement and permanent placement were collated. Pre and postoperative assessment of severity of incontinence and QoL was performed using Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) respectively. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Morbidity was assessed by retrospective review of patient records.

Seventy-five patients were considered for trial of a temporary SNS. Sixty-one proceeded to insertion of a temporary SNS and, of these, 40 elected to have a permanent SNS. There was a significant reduction in the pre-SNS and post-SNS Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Scores from median of 14 to 9 respectively (p=0.008). There was a significant improvement in Role Physical (p=0.017), General Health (p=0.02), Vitality (p=0.043), Social Functioning (p=0.004), Role Emotional (p=0.007), Mental Health (p=0.013) and Mental Health Summary (p=0.003). However, this is not reflected in the bodily pain and physical functional domains.

Permanent sacral nerve stimulation is effective and results in significant improvement of faecal incontinence scores and quality of life.