Sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence related to obstetric anal sphincter damage.

Purpose: Sphincter repair is the standard treatment for fecal incontinence secondary to obstetric external anal sphincter damage; however, the results of this treatment deteriorate over time. Sacral nerve stimulation has become an established therapy for fecal incontinence in patients with intact sphincter muscles. This study investigated its efficacy as a treatment for patients with obstetric-related incontinence.

Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence following a rectosigmoid resection for colorectal cancer.

Introduction: Following recto-sigmoid resection some patients may become faecally incontinent and remain so despite conservative treatment. This multicentre prospective study assessed the use of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in this group.

Methods: All patients had more than or equal to 4 days of faecal incontinence for solid or liquid stools over a 21-day period following recto-sigmoid resection for colorectal carcinoma.

Sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence following surgery for rectal prolapse repair: a multicenter study.

Purpose: A proportion of patients have fecal incontinence secondary to a full-thickness rectal prolapse that fails to resolve following prolapse repair. This multicenter, prospective study assessed the use of sacral nerve stimulation for this indication.

Methods: Patients had to have more than or equal to four days with fecal incontinence per 21-day period more than one year after surgery.

Neuromodulation for constipation and fecal incontinence.

The evidence is consistent with permanent SNM substantially improving continence in patients with severe fecal incontinence resistant to medical treatment. This treatment has been used in patients in whom a major surgical intervention would normally have been the next stage in treatment and the option of a minimally invasive treatment, with the added advantage of testing before definitive implantation, has the potential to have a major impact on this patient group. The results of the early case series examining the use of SNM for constipation are encouraging.