Trends in Surgeon-Level Utilization of Sacral Nerve Stimulator Implantation for Fecal Incontinence in New York State

[Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation: Evidence, Programming and Long-term Management]

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has established its role in the treatment of functional pelvic organ-/pelvic floor disorders. Even though the mode of action is not fully understood, SNM has become the preferred surgical treatment of fecal incontinence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A literature search was carried out on programming sacral neuromodulation and long-term outcomes in treating fecal incontinence and constipation.Sacral neuromodulation was found to be successful in the long term. Over the years, the spectrum of indications has expanded, and now includes patients presenting with anal sphincter lesions. The use of SNM for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is currently under clinical investigation. Findings of SNM for constipation are less convincing. In several randomised crossover studies, no success was demonstrated, even though it is possible that subgroups may benefit from the treatment. Currently the application cannot be recommended in general.The pulse generator programming sets the electrode configuration, amplitude, pulse frequency and pulse width. Usually pulse frequency and pulse width follow a default setting (14 Hz, 210 s), while electrode configuration and stimulation amplitude are adjusted individually to the patient need and perception of stimulation.Despite low infection rates and few electrode-/pulse generator dysfunctions, up to 65% of patients require surgical reintervention during long term follow-up - in 50% of cases because of battery depletion, which is an expected event. At least one reprogramming is necessary in about 75% of the patients during the course of the treatment, mostly because of changes in effectiveness, but rarely because of pain. Regular follow-up visits appear to be advisable.

CONCLUSION

Sacral neuromodulation can be considered to be a safe and effective long-term therapy of fecal incontinence. To optimise the therapeutic effect, a structured follow-up regime is advisable.

Changing paradigm of sacral neuromodulation and external anal sphincter repair for faecal incontinence in specialist centres

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine whether the paradigm of surgical intervention for faecal incontinence (FI) has changed between 2000 and 2013.

METHOD

This was a multi-centre retrospective study of patients who had undergone either sacral neuromodulation (SNM) or delayed sphincter repair or sphincteroplasty (SR) as a primary surgical intervention for FI in five centres in Europe and one in the United States. The flow of patients according to the intervention, sustainability of the treatment at a minimum follow-up of 5 years, complications and requirement for further interventions were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 461 patients (median age 56 years, range 24-90 years, 41 men) had either SNM or SR as an index operation during the study period [SNM 284 (61.6%), SR 177 (38.4%)]. Among SNM patients, there were 169 revisional operations (change of battery and/or lead, re-siting or removal). At the time of last follow-up 203 patients (71.4%) continued to use SNM. Among SR patients, 30 (16.9%) had complications, most notably wound infection (22, 12.4%). During follow-up 32 patients (18.1%) crossed over to SNM. Comparing two 4-year periods (2000-2003 and 2007-2010), the proportion of patients operated on who had a circumferential sphincter defect of less than 90° was 48 (68%) and 45 (46%), respectively (P = 0.03), while those who had SNM as the primary intervention increased from 29% to 89% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The paradigm of surgical intervention for FI has changed with increasing use of SNM.

Nurse- and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist-Led Bowel Training in Patients With Fecal Incontinence in a Tertiary Care Center

Little is known about nurse- and pelvic floor physical therapist-led bowel training in fecal incontinence after previous conservative management has been deemed unsatisfactory. The objective of this study was to evaluate combined nurse- and physical therapist-led bowel training sessions in a tertiary care center. This was a prospective, cross-sectional study. All patients with fecal incontinence between 2015 and 2016 with and without previous conservative management were included. Combined conservative treatment was defined as the use of stool-bulking agents (psyllium fibers) with or without antidiarrheal medication (loperamide) in combination with biofeedback or pelvic floor muscle training. Questionnaires regarding fecal incontinence (Vaizey incontinence score) and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey-36) were used. A decrease in the Vaizey incontinence score of 5 or more points was deemed to be clinically significant. Vaizey incontinence scores in all 50 patients decreased from 14.7 (SD = 4.5) to 9.9 (SD = 4.8) at follow-up (p < .001). Forty percent of patients reported an improvement in their Vaizey incontinence score (change of 5 or more points). Improvement was noted in those with and without previous treatment. Quality of life improved significantly. The limitation of the study includes lack of a standardized treatment protocol. Fecal incontinence reduced after nurse- and physical therapist-led bowel training sessions in patients with and without previous treatment, increasing their quality of life.