Sacral nerve stimulation can be successful in patients with ultrasound evidence of external anal sphincter disruption

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine whether patients with fecal incontinence and endoanal ultrasound evidence of anal sphincter disruption may be successfully treated by sacral nerve stimulation. METHODS: Five consecutive females with incontinence to solids and endoanal ultrasound evidence of anal sphincter disruption were treated by a two-week trial of sacral nerve Stimulation. If successful, patients then proceeded to permanent sacral nerve Stimulation implantation. RESULTS: Five patients, aged 34 to 56 years, were treated by temporary sacral nerve stimulation. Four had symptoms starting after childbirth. Two had previously had an anterior sphincter repair. After a two-week trial, three females reported full continence and an improvement in all aspects of their Rockwood fecal incontinence quality of life scores. These three females underwent permanent sacral nerve stimulation implantation. The remaining two patients reported no improvement and underwent dynamic graciloplasty or end colostomy respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral nerve stimulation may successfully restore bowel continence in some patients with endoanal ultrasound evidence of a defect in their external anal sphincter.