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Fecal Incontinence: Is Sacral Nerve Stimulation Always the Answer?

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Current Common Dilemmas in Colorectal Surgery
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Abstract

Fecal incontinence is a common and debilitating condition that has significant morbidity and negatively affects quality of life. Due to the multitude of etiologies that contribute to fecal incontinence, treatment is frequently challenging and requires individualization. In addition to initial conservative measures, a number of interventions are available with varying efficacy and morbidity. Sacral nerve stimulation is an emerging therapy for fecal incontinence that has been described as a first-line surgical option in patients refractory to medical management. Here, we aim to describe which patients would benefit from sacral nerve stimulation and in whom other treatment modalities should be considered.

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Abbreviations

ABS:

Artificial bowel sphincter

FI:

Fecal incontinence

SNS:

Sacral nerve stimulator

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Rice, T.C., Paquette, I.M. (2018). Fecal Incontinence: Is Sacral Nerve Stimulation Always the Answer?. In: Schlachta, C., Sylla, P. (eds) Current Common Dilemmas in Colorectal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70117-2_18

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