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Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence in patients with sacral malformation

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International Journal of Colorectal Disease Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a common and effective treatment for faecal incontinence (FI), but accessibility of the sacral nerves is mandatory. In some cases, electrode placement fails for unknown reasons. A frequent cause could be sacral malformations, which have a high incidence (up to 24.1%) and can be unsuspected.

Methods and results

We report two patients with FI consequent to congenital anorectal malformation and associated sacral malformation. Despite partial sacral agenesis, SNS was feasible in both. They benefitted greatly from SNS, with an improved ability to postpone the urge up to at least 15 min, reduced incontinence episodes (at least 50%), and significantly better quality of life.

Conclusion

SNS may be feasible in patients with FI, even in the presence of sacral malformation. However, clinicians should be aware of the attendant technical difficulties. Preoperative imaging, preferably with MRI of the sacrum, is advisable. If the sacral spinal nerves are inaccessible technically, pudendal nerve stimulation could be considered, if anatomy permits.

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Acknowledgements

K.E. Matzel is a medical consultant to Medtronic.

M. Brunner has received honoraria for working at a Medtronic workshop.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    M. Brunner & K. E. Matzel

  2. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Coloproctology Section, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 145 Shandong Road, Shanghai, China

    Z. Cui

Authors
  1. M. Brunner
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  2. Z. Cui
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  3. K. E. Matzel
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Correspondence to K. E. Matzel.

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Brunner, M., Cui, Z. & Matzel, K.E. Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence in patients with sacral malformation. Int J Colorectal Dis 32, 929–931 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-016-2748-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-016-2748-6

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