Improving the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence by alteration of stimulation parameters

Abstract

Background: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective treatment for faecal incontinence, but only standard stimulation parameters have been used. This study assessed the clinical impact of altering the parameters. Methods: Twelve patients with partially improved faecal incontinence following SNS underwent acute testing to select optimal stimulation parameters; rectal compliance was used as a surrogate marker. Parameters tested were: stimulation off; frequency 14 (standard), 31 or 6.9 Hz; and pulse duration 210 (standard), 450 or 90 μs. Patients completed a 2-week bowel diary, St Mark's continence score (SMCS) and Rockwood faecal incontinence quality-of-life (FIQL) score before testing u..