BACKGROUND: Anal sphincter surgery for @entity322 is associated with significant morbidity and a variable outcome. Sacral nerve stimulation may provide a good functional outcome with minimal morbidity. This paper reports the experience in a single centre over 5 years. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive @entity1 (14 @entity1 ), median age 60 (range 37-71) years, underwent temporary, and subsequent permanent, stimulation. All had @entity322 to solid or liquid stool; the aetiology was @entity130 (seven @entity1 ), @entity2631 (four), idiopathic (two), @entity292 surgery (one) and repaired @entity3577 (one). Median duration of symptoms was 6 (range 2-15) years. Clinical evaluation, endoanal ultrasonography, bowel diary, quality of life questionnaire (Short Form (SF) 36) and anorectal physiological testing were performed before and after stimulation. RESULTS: Continence had improved in all @entity1 at median follow-up of 24 (range 3-60) months. Eleven @entity1 were fully continent. Episodes of @entity322 decreased from median (range) 11 (2-30) per week before stimulation to 0 (0-4) per week after permanent stimulation (P < 0.001). Urgency improved in all @entity1 (median (range) ability to defer less than 1 (0-1) versus 8 (1-15) min; P = 0.01). 'Social function' and 'role-physical' subscales of the SF36 improved significantly. Mean resting pressure (35 versus 49 cm @entity2507 with temporary stimulation; P < 0.05) and squeeze pressure increment (43 versus 69 cm @entity2507 with permanent stimulation; P < 0.01) increased. Rectal sensitivity to initial distension changed (mean 47 versus 34 ml air; P < 0.05). There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Sacral nerve stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for @entity322 when conventional treatment has failed. There is minimal morbidity. The benefit is maintained in the medium term.

Medium-term results of permanent sacral nerve stimulation for XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'patients'] @entity322 :: ('MESH:D014549', 'Disease') :: ['faecal incontinence', 'incontinence'] @entity2631 :: ('MESH:D012594', 'Disease') :: ['scleroderma'] @entity2507 :: ('CHEBI:33813', 'Chemical') :: ['H2O'] @entity292 :: ('MESH:D005402', 'Disease') :: ['fistula'] @entity3577 :: ('MESH:D056887', 'Disease') :: ['rectal prolapse'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['obstetric injury']
@entity322 :: (MESH:D014549,Disease) :: ['faecal incontinence']
