Sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence. First successful case in Greece.

Introduction: Sacral nerve modulation (SNM) is an established and successful treatment for fecal incontinence. We present the first successful case in Greece, performed in our department.

Patients And Methods: A 60-year-old female patient presented with a 5-year-old history of fecal incontinence. The Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF) Incontinence Score was 15. Endoanal ultrasound did not show defects of the internal or external anal sphincter. Conservative and pharmacological therapy was unsuccessful. The patient subsequently underwent a total pelvic floor repair, which was also unsuccessful. After discussing further options, the patient gave consent for percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE), for possible permanent stimulator implantation.

Results: A quadripolar lead was placed percutaneously through the dorsal S3 foramen under local anesthesia. This was connected to a test stimulator (Medtronic Interstim Model 3625, Minneapolis, MN). The stimulator was activated for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the test period, the CCF Incontinence score was 5. This was considered successful. A permanent stimulator (Medtronic Interstim Implantable Pulse Generator Model 3058, Minneapolis, MN) was then implanted under local anesthesia. Two months after permanent implantation, the Wexner Score has not increased.

Conclusion: SNM is a relatively simple, safe and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of fecal incontinence.