This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation. BJS 2013; 100: 174-181.

Published: 2nd November 2012

Authors: G. P. Thomas, T. C. Dudding, G. Rahbour, R. J. Nicholls, C. J. Vaizey

Background

For over 10 years sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been used for patients with constipation resistant to conservative treatment. A review of the literature is presented.

Method

PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for studies demonstrating the use of SNS for the treatment of constipation.

Results

Thirteen studies have been published describing the results of SNS for chronic constipation. Of these, three were in children and ten in adults. Test stimulation was successful in 42–100 per cent of patients. In those who proceeded to permanent SNS, up to 87 per cent showed an improvement in symptoms at a median follow‐up of 28 months. The success of stimulation varied depending on the outcome measure being used. Symptom improvement correlated with improvement in quality of life and patient satisfaction scores.

Conclusion

SNS appears to be an effective treatment for constipation, but this needs to be confirmed in larger prospective studies with longer follow‐up. Improved outcome measures need to be adopted given the multiple symptoms that constipation may be associated with. Comparison with other established surgical therapies also needs consideration. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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