Percutaneous versus transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of faecal incontinence

Abstract

Objective: A prospective study was done to compare the efficacy of percutaneous versus transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation forpatients with Faecal Incontinence (FI)who had failed conservative treatment. Methods: Thirty-eight patients were randomly divided into two groups: percutaneous group (PTNS) and transcutaneous group (TTNS). Subjects underwent thrice sessions weekly for 12 consecutive weeks. Assessments were done at baseline and at the end of treatment using a bowel habit diary and Faecal Incontinence quality of Life questionnaire (FIQOL). Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant reduction in the mean of total weekly FIEs, mean urge FIEs and mean passive FIFs for PTNS and TTNS groups at the end of the treatment compared with baseline, p-value <0.05. The percentage of improvement was 42.8% for the PTNS group and 37.5% for the TTNS group. Regarding (FIQOL) measures, the results of the study showed that there was an improvement in all (FIQOL) measures for patients in both PTNS and TTNS groups. In comparing both groups, there were no significant differences between PTNS and TTNS regarding mean of total weekly FIEs, mean urge FIEs, mean passive FIFs and FIQOL measures p-value >0.05. Conclusion: PTNS was given for 12 weeks did not provide significant clinical benefit over stimulation applied by the transcutaneous route for the treatment of patients with FI. Further studies are recommended to determine its efficacy overlong-term duration.