Treatment for Fecal Incontinence Has Come a Long Way

Fecal incontinence is a common, yet embarrassing, condition. It happens when the anal sphincter muscle (located at the end of the rectum and controls the release of stool) doesn’t work properly, leading to involuntary or unexpected loss of bowel control. Affecting millions of people, treatment for fecal incontinence (aka bowel incontinence) has come a long way. With the development of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) surgery, sufferers now have an effective and less invasive option.

What Happens During SNS Surgery?

• With SNS, a small device, like a pacemaker, is implanted. It sends mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerve root, helping you better control your pelvic floor and sphincter muscles.
• Through a small incision made while you’re under sedation, your colorectal surgeon implants a lead wire next to the sacral nerve in your lower back. The sacral nerve controls the sphincter muscle.
• The lead wire comes out through the skin and is connected to a temporary, external battery-powered “pacemaker.” It sends electrical impulses to the sacral nerve.
• Stimulation helps the brain regain its control over the muscles of the pelvic floor and rectum, allowing you to have better awareness and control of bowel movements.
• You keep a diary of bowel activity for a two-week test phase.
• After a successful test phase, the temporary pacemaker is disconnected. Then a permanent pacemaker is connected to the lead wire and implanted under your skin just above the buttock, while you are lightly sedated.
• The stimulator can be remotely adjusted to optimize its effect for you. Although many patients have reported complete continence with SNS, the goal is a 50% improvement in symptoms and episodes within a year of surgery.

SNS Is a Safe Treatment for Fecal Incontinence

SNS is a safe and effective treatment option. In addition to the reduction of bowel incontinence, side effects of the procedure are minimal. They include pain at the site of the implantation and a slight tingling sensation in the legs and perineal area. The currently available devices are considered safe for MRIs.

Advantages Of Sacral Nerve Stimulation

SNS is a widely practiced therapy for urinary incontinence and is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration for fecal incontinence. It has been used successfully in Europe and the U.S. for many years to treat both urinary and fecal incontinence. Its benefits include:

• Better control of bowel function
• Smaller incisions, less pain
• Less risk of infection and complications
• Less bleeding
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities

If you’re considering treatment for fecal incontinence and would like to learn more about SNS surgery, contact your physician. They can help you determine if this is the right treatment option for your condition.

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