The Long-term Outcomes of Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence: A Single Center Experience

Background: Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for faecal incontinence.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of sacral neuromodulation and establish the outcomes of patients with inactive devices.c

Design: This is an observational study of patients treated for more than 5 years. A positive outcome was defined as a >50% reduction in faecal incontinence episodes or improvement in a symptom severity score. Data was reviewed from a prospectively managed database.

Settings: This study was conducted at a single tertiary referral centre.

Patients: Data from 74 patients (72 female) were available at long-term follow up.
Main Outcome Measures: Bowel diary, St. Mark’s incontinence score, and Manchester Health Questionnaire data were prospectively recorded at baseline, after peripheral nerve evaluation, and at last follow-up.

Results: Patients were analysed in cohorts based on time since sacral neuromodulation implantation: Group 1: 5-10 years (n=20), Group 2: >10 years (n=35), and Group 3: inactive SNM devices (n=19). Median St. Mark’s incontinence score and Manchester Health Questionnaire improved from baseline to last follow-up in Group 1 (p=<0.05) and Group 2 (p=<0.05), but in Group 3 results returned to baseline levels at last follow-up. Similarly, weekly faecal incontinence episodes improved in both active device groups at last follow-up. However, in Group 3 incontinence episodes were no different from baseline (p=0.722). Despite active devices, faecal urgency episodes increased at last follow-up after more than 10 years since peripheral nerve evaluation (p=<0.05). Complete continence was reported by 44% of patients, and at least a 50% improvement in 77% with active devices.

Limitations: This study is retrospective with some gaps in the available data at last follow-up.

Conclusions: Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for faecal incontinence in the long term, but all outcomes are adversely affected by device inactivity. Therefore, ongoing stimulation is required for continued benefit.