Permanent sacral nerve stimulation for treatment of idiopathic constipation

Abstract

Background: Constipation can usually be managed using conservative therapies. A proportion of patients require more intensive treatment. Surgery provides variable results. This paper describes an alternative approach, in which the neural control of the bowel and pelvic floor is modified, using permanent sacral nerve stimulation. Methods: Four women (aged 27-36 years), underwent temporary and then permanent stimulation. All had idiopathic constipation, resistant to maximal therapy, with symptoms for 8-32 years. Clinical evaluation, bowel diary, Wexner constipation score, symptom analogue score, quality of life questionnaire and anorectal physiology were completed. Results: There was a marked ..