Journal article

Pudendal nerve stimulation for bowel dysfunction in complete cauda equina syndrome

AT George, TC Dudding, S Gurmany, MA Kamm, RJ Nicholls, CJ Vaizey

Annals of Surgery | LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS | Published : 2014

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: Pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) aims to maximize afferent or efferent stimulation from the sacral plexus. BACKGROUND:: We hypothesized this may be a promising new treatment for patients with bowel dysfunction in complete cauda equina syndrome (CES). METHODS:: Thirteen patients with complete CES [8 constipation predominant (group 1) and 5 incontinence predominant (group 2)] had a 3-week trial of PNS. Patients who showed a 50% or more improvement in symptoms during the trial phase proceeded to permanent neurostimulator implantation. RESULTS:: Five (63%) of the 8 patients in group 1 showed a 50% or more improvement in bowel symptoms during the trial phase and were permanently impla..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

The institution of the senior author (Dr Vaizey) received a grant from Medtronic for purchase of the kits for the study. However, Medtronic was not involved in the designing, conduct, and analysis of the results of the study. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.