Sacral Nerve Stimulation For Constipation Research Articles

Comparison of long-term outcome of sacral nerve stimulation for constipation and faecal incontinence with focus on explantation rate, additional visits, and patient satisfaction

The aim of the present study was to compare sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for constipation (SNS-C) with SNS for idiopathic faecal incontinence (SNS-IFI) regarding explantation rate, additional visits, and improvement of patient satisfaction 5years after implantation. From our prospective database (launched in 2009), we extracted all SNS-C patients 5years post-implantation, and the SNS-IFI patients implanted just before and just after each SNS-C patient. We retrospectively evaluated the explantation rate, number of additional visits, and patient satisfaction using a visual analogue scale (VAS). We hypothesized that compared with those in the SNS-IFI group: (1) the explantation rate would be higher in SNS-C patients, (2) the number of additional visits would be higher in SNS-C patients, and (3) in patients with an active implant at 5years, the improvement in VAS would be the same. We included 40 SNS-C patients and 80 SNS-IFI patients. In the SNS-C group 7/40(17.5%), patients were explanted, compared to 10/80(12.5%) patients in the SNS-IFI group (p = 0.56). The mean number of additional visits in the SNS-C group was 3.5 (95% CI 2.8-4.1)) and 3.0 (95% CI 2.6-3.6)) in the SNS-IFI group (p = 0.38). Additional visits due to loss of efficacy were significantly higher in the SNS-C patients (p = 0.03). The reduction in VAS score (delta VAS) at 5years was 37.1 (95% CI 20.9-53.3) in the SNS-C group, and 46.0 (95% CI 37.9-54.0) in the SNS-IFI group (p = 0.27). No significant difference was found regarding explantation rate, number of additional visits, or improvement of VAS at 5years after SNS implantation between SNS-C patients and SNS-IFI patients.

Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation and fecal incontinence in children: Long-term outcomes, patient benefit, and parent satisfaction.

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in children with constipation and describe patient benefit and parent satisfaction. Using a prospective patient registry, we identified patients <21years old with constipation treated with SNS for >2years. We compared symptoms, medical treatment, PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptom Scale (GSS), Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL), and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) before SNS and at follow-up. We contacted parents to administer the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) and a parent satisfaction questionnaire. We included 25 children (52% male, median age 10years): 16 had functional constipation, six anorectal malformation, two tethered spinal cord, and one Hirschsprung's disease. Defecation frequency did not change after SNS but patients reporting fecal incontinence decreased from 72% to 20% (P<.01) and urinary incontinence decreased from 56% to 28% (P=.04). Patients using laxatives decreased from 64% to 44% (ns) and patients using antegrade enemas decreased from 48% to 20% (P=.03). GSS, most FIQL domains, and FISI were improved at follow-up. Six (24%) patients had complications requiring further surgery. Of the 16 parents contacted, 15 (94%) parents indicated positive health-related benefit and all would recommend SNS to other families. Sacral nerve stimulation is a promising and durable treatment for children with refractory constipation, and appears particularly effective in decreasing fecal incontinence. Although a quarter of patients experienced complications requiring additional surgery, nearly all parents reported health-related benefit. Future studies to identify predictors of treatment response and complications are needed.

A double-blinded randomized multicentre study to investigate the effect of changes in stimulation parameters on sacral nerve stimulation for constipation.

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may be offered to patients with constipation who have failed to improve with conservative treatment. The response to SNS is variable, with a significant loss of efficacy in some patients. An increased frequency of stimulation may improve the efficacy of SNS for faecal incontinence. This study aimed to see if alteration of the pulse width or frequency improved the outcome for those with constipation. Eleven patients with constipation currently being treated by SNS were recruited from three centres. They were randomized to five different protocols of stimulation each applied for 5 weeks. Group 1 used standard settings (pulse width 210 μs, frequency 14 Hz); in the other four groups (Groups 2-5) the pulse width and/or frequency were halved or doubled. Patients and investigators were blinded to the group allocation. The Cleveland Clinic constipation score varied significantly between the five groups. Group 1 achieved the lowest score mean (± SD) 13.4 (± 4.4) (P = 0.03). The number of digitations per defaecation was the lowest in Group 4, 90 μs and 14 Hz (P < 0.01). No other variable changed significantly. Standard settings were the most preferred by the recruited patients. Alteration of pulse width or frequency of stimulation had no significant effect on the outcome of SNS for constipation.

Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation (Br J Surg 2013; 100: 174–181)

Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation (<i>Br J Surg</i> 2013; 100: 174–181)

Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation

For over 10 years sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been used for patients with constipation resistant to conservative treatment. A review of the literature is presented. PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for studies demonstrating the use of SNS for the treatment of constipation. Thirteen studies have been published describing the results of SNS for chronic constipation. Of these, three were in children and ten in adults. Test stimulation was successful in 42-100 per cent of patients. In those who proceeded to permanent SNS, up to 87 per cent showed an improvement in symptoms at a median follow-up of 28 months. The success of stimulation varied depending on the outcome measure being used. Symptom improvement correlated with improvement in quality of life and patient satisfaction scores. SNS appears to be an effective treatment for constipation, but this needs to be confirmed in larger prospective studies with longer follow-up. Improved outcome measures need to be adopted given the multiple symptoms that constipation may be associated with. Comparison with other established surgical therapies also needs consideration.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Constipation in Children

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Constipation in Children

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Constipation: Suboptimal Outcome and Adverse Events

Sacral nerve stimulation is an emerging treatment for patients with severe constipation. There has been no substantial report to date on suboptimal outcomes and complications. We report our experience of more than 6 years by focusing on incidents and the management of reportable events. A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent sacral nerve stimulation for constipation between August 2002 and September 2008. Collected data included patients' demographic data, type and management of suboptimal outcomes and complications, and stimulation parameters at the time of reportable events. Thirty-eight patients (32 women; mean age, 45.6 y; SD, 11.8; range, 21-66) received a permanent stimulator after a successful test period. The mean treatment duration was 25.7 months (SD, 20.4; range, 0-70). Twenty-two patients (58%) experienced at least one reportable event attributable to the treatment. The total of 58 reportable events were noted, including lack or loss of efficacy, pain, and undesired change of sensation. Reprogramming successfully managed 28 reportable events (48%), 19 events (33%) required surgical interventions, and 3 adverse events led to discontinuation of the treatment. Nearly 60% of patients who received sacral nerve stimulation for constipation experienced at least one reportable event. Although the events were often resolved by reprogramming, more than one-third required surgical intervention or discontinuation of therapy. Patients undergoing sacral nerve stimulation for constipation need to be informed of these possibilities. A systematic assessment is needed to identify the cause and optimize the management of reportable events.

Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation: do we still miss something?

The aim of this study was to try to understand if psychological evaluation of patients candidate to sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) could be a potential selection criterion to identify those patients who could successfully respond to this treatment. From 2005 to 2007, 68 patients with slow transit constipation were identified, and all of them fulfill the selection criteria for the SNS treatment. The MMPI-2 test was purposed to all the patients. Wexner score, bowel movements, and SF36 were recorded in all the patients. Twenty-three patients (33.8%) refused the psychological evaluation. Forty-five patients completed the test: only 13 patients (19.1%) had a score in the normal range of the scales of the MMPI-2 and were implanted with the temporary test for SNS. After the screening period, 11 patients (84.6%) reported more than 50% improvement of bowel movements per week and no need of laxatives, so they were definitively implanted. The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range 12-36). The mean number of bowel movements per week and Wexner score were significantly improved after 1 year (p < 0.001). A complete and accurate psychological evaluation could be very important in the selection of the patients with STC that could benefit from SNS.

Surgery and Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Constipation and Fecal Incontinence

Fecal continence is a complex bodily function, which requires the interplay of sensation, rectal capacity, and anal neuromuscular function. Fecal incontinence affects approximately 2% of the population and has a prevalence of 15% in elderly patients. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. The variety of symptoms and risk factors suggest a multifactorial origin. Before any invasive intervention, the surgeon should have a thorough understanding of the etiology of these conditions. Appropriate medical management can improve symptoms in the majority of patients. Surgery is indicated when all medical possibilities are exhausted. This review discusses the most used surgical procedures emphasizing the latest experiences. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a promising option for patients with fecal incontinence and constipation. The procedure affords patients improved continence and quality of life. The mechanism of action is still poorly understood. This treatment has been used before in other more invasive surgical procedures or even after their failure to improve patients' symptoms and avoid a definitive stoma. Before any invasive intervention, the surgeon should have a thorough understanding of the etiology of these conditions. Appropriate medical management can improve symptoms in the majority of patients. Surgery is indicated when all medical possibilities are exhausted. This review discusses the most used surgical procedures emphasizing the latest experiences. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a promising option for patients with fecal incontinence and constipation. The procedure affords patients improved continence and quality of life. The mechanism of action is still poorly understood. This treatment has been used before in other more invasive surgical procedures or even after their failure to improve patients' symptoms and avoid a definitive stoma.