Sacral nerve neuromodulation for the treatment of lower bowel motility disorders
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Incontinence and constipation are common and cause a high degree of physical, social and psychological impairment. Maximal conservative therapy may improve some patients but many remain symptomatic. Surgical options are often unsatisfactory, with variable result and further options are limited. Sacral nerve stimulation uses electrical stimulation applied to the sacral nerves, eliciting a physiological effect on the lower bowel, anal sphincter and pelvic floor, resulting in clinical benefit. The objective of this study was to investigate whether sacral nerve neuromodulation can improve patients with disorders of bowel motility, when current maximal treatment has failed and to investigate the underlying physiological mechanism of action.
RESULTS: Incontinence: Nineteen patients, age 58 years (range, 37-71 years), with resistant incontinence for 6 years (range, 2-21 years) underwent stimulation. Continence improved in all at 24 months (range, 3-60 months), fourteen fully continent. Incontinent episodes decreased; 12 (range, 2-30) versus 0 (range, 0-4), P < 0.001. Urgency (P < 0.01) and quality of life improved (P < 0.05). Anal squeeze pressure (P = 0.001) and rectal sensation (P < 0.01) improved. Constipation: Four women, (aged 27-36 years) with resistant idiopathic constipation for 8-32 years underwent the first worldwide implants. Symptoms improved in all with temporary, and in three with permanent, stimulation at 8 months (range, 1-11 months). Bowel frequency…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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