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The influence of sacral nerve stimulation on anorectal dysfunction
Author(s) -
Carrington E. V.,
Knowles C. H.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2010.02518.x
Subject(s) - medicine , stimulation , mechanism (biology) , sacral nerve stimulation , sensory nerve , sensory system , physical medicine and rehabilitation , neuroscience , surgery , philosophy , epistemology , biology
Aim Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has become an established option in the management of defaecatory disorders. There are many data on the end‐organ effects of SNS, but limited consensus on its mechanism of action. The objective of this review was to determine the effect of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on anorectal function. Method Systematic literature review of the effect of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on anorectal function. Results There was significant heterogeneity of data pertaining to the effects of SNS on anorectal function, with no consistent change in physiological measures identified. Most data supported a mixed mechanism of action on anal motor and rectal sensory functioning. Conclusion To date, conflicting data exist on the mechanism of action of SNS as determined by end‐organ changes in anorectal physiology. Nevertheless, the data as they stand best support a mixed mechanism of action on anal motor and rectal sensory functions.