Sacral nerve stimulation for neurogenic faecal incontinence.

Background: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has emerged as a promising technique for the treatment of faecal incontinence. This study assessed the outcome of SNS in a cohort of patients with incontinence of neurological aetiology.

Methods: Thirty-six patients were included in a trial of SNS. Twenty-nine subsequently had a permanent implant. Evaluation consisted of a continence diary, anal manometry, saline retention testing and quality of life assessment.

Results: After a median follow-up of 35 (range 3-71) months, 28 patients showed a marked improvement in or complete recovery of continence. Incontinence to solid or liquid stool decreased from a median of 7 (range 4-15) to 2 (range 0-5) episodes in 21 days (P = 0.002). Saline retention time increased from a median of 2 (range 0-5) to 7 (range 2-15) min (P = 0.002). Maximum resting and squeeze anal canal pressures increased compared with preoperative values. Quality of life on all scales among patients who received a permanent implant increased at 12 and 24 months after operation.

Conclusion: SNS is of value in selected patients with neurogenic faecal incontinence.