gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Sacral neurostimulation (SNS) has been used as a safe, effective, reversible, and minimally invasive treatment option for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction or fecal incontinence, if conservative management is ineffective or only partially effective. Sacral neurostimulation (SNS) involves a two-stage procedure to assess outcomes prior to permanent implantation. Stage one involves bilateral placement of a sacral tined lead that is externalized and tested for 3 weeks. Stage two is the implantation of a neurostimulator in responders.

Method: We collected and evaluated data from patients undergoing sacral neurostimulation (SNS) between 2011 and 2013. Implanted patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 6 months, and then after 12 months.

Results: 20 patients (12 men; 8 women) were included in this study. The average age was 57 years, range 31 to 77 years. The indications were overactive bladder syndrome and urinary retention n=18, chronic pelvic pain n=1, and fecal incontinence n=1. 15 patients (8 men; 7 women) were responder and received a subcutaneous neurostimulator (overactive bladder syndrome and urinary retention n=13; chronic pelvic pain n=1; fecal incontinence n=1). The reoperation rate was 6.7% (n=1) and was indicated because of an infectiously complication. In the follow-up, patients (93.3%, n= 14) were deeply contented with the sacral neurostimulation.

Conclusions: Treatment with sacral neurostimulation (SNS) may be efficient in patients with various pelvic floor dysfunctions, especially non-obstructive urinary retention and anal incontinence.