Premium
CR15
*IS SACRAL NERVE STIMULATION A VALID TREATMENT FOR FAECAL INCONTINENCE?
Author(s) -
Lutton N. J.,
Patton V.,
Lubowski D. Z.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04915_15.x
Subject(s) - medicine , sacral nerve stimulation , visual analogue scale , quality of life (healthcare) , patient satisfaction , fecal incontinence , stimulation , physical therapy , urology , surgery , nursing
Purpose: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a promising new modality to treat faecal incontinence. This study was designed to examine patient satisfaction with the procedure and relate this to changes in quality of life (QoL) and incontinence scores. Methodology: Twenty‐eight patients underwent insertion of a permanent stimulator after temporary stimulation had achieved a good result. Faecal incontinence QoL data, incontinence scores (scale 0–24) and baseline anorectal physiology measurements were recorded prospectively in a database, together with a postoperative survey and repeat physiological investigations. Results: Twenty‐four patients (86%) completed the survey. The median age of patients at the time of SNS insertion was 62 yrs (range 47–83) and median follow‐up was 10 months (2–50 m). The mean St Mark's incontinence scores were 16.9 pre‐operatively and 10.6 post‐operatively (p < 0.001). Faecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) measurements showed statistically significant improvements across all domains (lifestyle p = 0.02, coping p < 0.01, depression p = 0.01 and embarrassment p < 0.01). Mean patient satisfaction was 6.8 (visual analogue scale of 0–10). This score showed statistically significant correlations with both incontinence scores and three out of four FIQL domains. No correlation was seen with duration of treatment and patient satisfaction. Conclusion: SNS is a valid procedure for faecal incontinence as demonstrated by significant improvements in incontinence scores, FIQL measurements and these improvements are closely correlated to patient satisfaction with the procedure.