Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence following a rectosigmoid resection for colorectal cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Following recto-sigmoid resection some patients may become faecally incontinent and remain so despite conservative treatment. This multicentre prospective study assessed the use of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in this group. Methods: All patients had more than or equal to 4 days of faecal incontinence for solid or liquid stools over a 21-day period following recto-sigmoid resection for colorectal carcinoma. The operation had to have been deemed curative. They had to have failed pharmacological and biofeedback treatment. Results: Three male patients met these criteria. One had had a colo-anal and two a colo-rectal anastomosis for rectal carcinoma. All patients had intact inter..