Treatment of insufficiency of the anal sphincter by sacral spinal nerve stimulation with implantable neurostimulators
Matzel, K.E.; Stadelmaier, U.; Hohenfellner, M.; Hohenberger, W.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 115: 494-497
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0942-2854 PMID: 9931666 Document Number: 488931
The feasibility of permanent electrostimulation of the sacral spinal nerves was studied in patients with fecal incontinence and no detectable morphological lesions and thus not amenable to conventional surgical management. Applying acute percutaneous stimulation with needle electrodes, the most relevant sacral spinal nerve for striated sphincter muscle function was identified (sacral spinal nerve S3 or S4). The therapeutic potential of stimulation was tested by subchronic stimulation with temporary wire electrodes and, if effective, permanent electrodes were implanted in four patients. Long-term sacral spinal nerve stimulation persistently improved anal continence and increased the function of the striated muscular anal sphincter.