Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Fecal and Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been used with success for the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence (FI) in patients with sphincter weakness with or without a sphincter damage. This chapter describes the strategies and operative technique for the staged procedure, consisting of a test phase (stage 1), followed by implantation of the device in trial responders (stage 2). Emphasis is put on peri- and intraoperative considerations. The chapter includes details of indications, preoperative care, pitfalls and danger points, postoperative care, and complications.