Using sacral nerve modulation to improve continence and quality of life in patients suffering from low anterior resection syndrome

Croese, Alexander D., Whiting, Scott, Vangaveti, Venkat N., and Ho, Yik-Hong (2018) Using sacral nerve modulation to improve continence and quality of life in patients suffering from low anterior resection syndrome. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 88 (11). E787-E791.

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View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.14871
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Abstract

Background: Sphincter preserving surgery for the treatment of rectal cancer is very often feasible, avoiding a permanent colostomy. It is well recognized that a large proportion of patients will experience altered bowel habit following low anterior resection (LAR). Faecal incontinence is a common symptom associated with LAR syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term improvement in continence and quality of life (QoL) in LAR patients treated with sacral nerve modulation.

Methods: Patients with ongoing faecal incontinence for >1 year after reversal of diverting ileostomy post ultra-LAR were selected for the study. Eligible patients underwent sacral nerve modulator implantation as a two-stage procedure. Bowel diaries and the Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score were used to measure faecal incontinence and QoL.

Results: Twelve patients underwent permanent implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator. Median follow-up was 34 months (interquartile range (IQR) 20.25-62.5 months). The median improvement in faecal incontinence was 90% (IQR 76.25-98.75%) and the median improvement in patient QoL was 80% (IQR 71.25-93.75%). Patients who had previously been treated with biofeedback showed a median improvement in incontinence of 75% compared to 90% which was found in patients who had not had prior biofeedback treatment. The mean percentage improvement in patients with an internal anal sphincter defect was 80% compared to 90% seen in patients with an intact sphincter.

Results: The results of this study suggest that sacral nerve modulation should be more widely considered as an effective treatment strategy for patients with faecal incontinence following LAR.

Item ID: 56486
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1445-2197
Keywords: incontinence, low anterior resection, quality of life, sacral nerve modulation
Date Deposited: 05 Dec 2018 07:34
FoR Codes: 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis > 321199 Oncology and carcinogenesis not elsewhere classified @ 40%
32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3202 Clinical sciences > 320226 Surgery @ 60%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920102 Cancer and Related Disorders @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920118 Surgical Methods and Procedures @ 50%
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