Microchip implants on the anterior sacral roots in patients with spinal trauma: does it improve bowel function?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Spinal cord trauma frequently leads to chronic constipation and bowel dysfunction.
• Managing bowel function is a critical aspect of care for individuals with spinal cord injury.
• Anterior sacral roots stimulation is an emerging therapy for neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of anterior sacral roots stimulator implants in improving bowel function.
• To assess the impact of sacral nerve stimulation on constipation in patients with spinal cord trauma.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of eight patients with spinal cord injury and constipation underwent anterior sacral roots stimulator implantation.
• Bowel function was assessed using validated questionnaires and anorectal manometry before and after implantation.
• Stimulation parameters and patient outcomes related to defecation were recorded.

Main Results:

• Six out of eight patients (75%) demonstrated significant improvement in bowel function post-implantation.
• Four patients were able to achieve spontaneous defecation following stimulation.
• Anorectal manometry indicated a positive rectoanal pressure difference in patients with improved bowel function, suggesting enhanced rectal motility and sphincter coordination.

Conclusions:

• Anterior sacral roots stimulator implants represent a viable therapeutic option for improving bowel function in patients with spinal cord trauma.
• Sacral nerve stimulation may restore coordinated rectoanal function, aiding in defecation for this patient population.