Sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence related to obstetric anal sphincter damage

Abstract

PURPOSE: Sphincter repair is the standard treatment for fecal incontinence secondary to obstetric external anal sphincter damage; however, the results of this treatment deteriorate over time. Sacral nerve stimulation has become an established therapy for fecal incontinence in patients with intact sphincter muscles. This study investigated its efficacy as a treatment for patients with obstetric-related incontinence. METHODS: Fecally incontinent patients with external sphincter defects who would normally have undergone overlapping sphincter repair as a primary or repeat procedure were included. Eight consecutive women (median age, 46 (range, 35-67) years) completed temporary screening; all eve..