Sacral nerve stimulation, also known as sacral neuromodulation, is a procedure in which the sacral nerve at the base of the spine is stimulated by a mild electrical current from an implanted device. It is done to improve functioning of the urinary tract, to relieve pain related to urination, and to control fecal incontinence.
As a proven treatment for urinary incontinence, sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has recently been found effective in the treatment of interstitial cystitis, a disorder that involves hyperreflexia of the urinary sphincter. SNS is also used to treat pelvic or urinary pain as well as fecal incontinence.
A person's ability to hold urine or feces depends on three body functions:
A dysfunction or deficiency in any of these components can result in incontinence. The most common forms of incontinence are stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence is related to an unstable detrusor muscle that controls the urinary sphincter. When the detrusor muscle is weak, urine can leak out of the bladder from pressure on the abdomen caused by sneezing, coughing, and other movements. Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden strong need to urinate and inability to hold urine until an appropriate time; it is also associated with hyperactivity of the urinary sphincter. Both conditions can be treated by SNS. SNS requires an implanted device that sends continuous stimulation to the sacral nerve that controls the urinary sphincter. This treatment has been used with over 1500 patients with a high rate of success. It was approved in Europe in 1994. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved SNS for disturbances that are usually treated by augmentation of the sphincter muscle or implanting an artificial sphincter can benefit from electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve. Although the mechanism of SNS is not completely clear, researchers believe that the patient's control of the pelvic region is restored by the stimulation or activation of afferent fibers in the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Urinary incontinence affects between 15% and 30% of American adults living in the community, and as many as 50% of people confined to nursing homes . It is a disorder that affects women far more frequently than men; 85% of people suffering from urinary incontinence are women. According to the chief of geriatrics at a Boston hospital, 25 million Americans suffer each year from occasional episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence.
Interstitial cystitis is less common than urinary or fecal incontinence but still affects 700,000 Americans each year. The average age of IC patients is 40; 25% of patients are younger than 30. Although 90% of patients diagnosed with IC are women, it is thought that the disorder may be underdiagnosed in men.
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is conducted through an implanted device that includes a thin insulated wire called a lead and a neurostimulator much like a cardiac pacemaker. The device is inserted in a pocket in the patient's lower abdomen. SNS is first tried on an outpatient basis in the doctor's office with the implantation of a test lead. If the trial treatment is successful, the patient is scheduled for inpatient surgery.
Permanent surgical implantation is done under general anesthesia and requires a one-night stay in the hospital. After the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon implants the neurostimulator, which is about the size of a pocket stopwatch, under the skin of the patient's abdomen. Thin wires, or leads, running from the stimulator carry electrical pulses from the stimulator to the sacral nerves located in the lower back. After the stimulator and leads have been implanted, the surgeon closes the incision in the abdomen.
Incontinence significantly affects a patient's quality of life; thus patients usually consult a doctor when their urinary problems begin to cause difficulties in the workplace or on social occasions. A family care practitioner will usually refer the patient to a urologist for diagnosis of the cause(s) of the incontinence. Patients with urinary and fecal incontinence are evaluated carefully through the taking of a complete patient history and a physical examination . The doctor will use special techniques to assess the capacity of the bladder or rectum as well as the functioning of the urethral or anal sphincter in order to determine the cause or location of the incontinence. Cystoscopy , which is the examination of the full bladder with a scope attached to a small tube, allows the physician to rule out certain disorders as well as plan the most effective treatment. These extensive tests are especially important in diagnosing interstitial cystitis because all other causes of urinary urgency, frequency, and pain must be ruled out before surgery can be suggested. Cystoscopy is done under anesthesia and often works as a treatment for IC. Once the doctor has made the diagnosis of urinary incontinence due to sphincter insufficiency, he or she will explain and discuss the surgical implant with the patient. SNS may be tried out on a temporary basis. The same pattern of diagnosis and treatment is used for patients with IC and fecal incontinence. Temporary implants can help eliminate those patients who will not benefit from a permanent implant.
Following surgery, the patient remains overnight in the hospital. Antibiotics may be given to reduce the risk of infection and pain medications to relieve discomfort. The patient will be given instructions on incision care and follow-up appointments before he or she leaves the hospital.
Aftercare includes fine-tuning of the SNS stimulator. The doctor can adjust the strength of the electrical impulses in his or her office with a handheld programmer. The stimulator runs for about five to 10 years and can be replaced during an outpatient procedure. About a third of patients require a second operation to adjust or replace various elements of the stimulator device.
In addition to the risks of bleeding and infection that are common to surgical procedures, implanting an SNS device carries the risks of pain at the insertion site, discomfort when urinating, mild electrical shocks, and displacement or dislocation of the leads.
Patients report improvement in the number of urinations, the volume of urine produced, lessened urgency, and higher overall quality of life after treatment with SNS. Twenty-two patients undergoing a three to seven-day test of sacral nerve stimulation on an outpatient basis reported significant reduction in urgency and frequency, according to the American Urological Association. Studies have indicated complete success in about 50% of patients. Sacral nerve stimulation is being used to treat fecal incontinence in the United States and Europe, with promising early reports. As of 2003, SNS is the least invasive of the recognized surgical treatments for fecal incontinence.
Sacral nerve stimulation has been shown to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of both urinary and fecal incontinence. Two groups of researchers, in Spain and the United Kingdom respectively, have reported that "the effects of neuromodulation are long-lasting and associated morbidity is low." The most commonly reported complications of SNS are pain at the site of the implant (15.3% of patients), pain on urination (9%), and displacement of the leads (8.4%).
There are three types of nonsurgical treatments that benefit some patients with IC:
Surgical alternatives to SNS are considered treatments of last resort for IC because they are invasive, irreversible, and benefit only 30–40% of patients. In addition, some studies indicate that these surgeries can lead to long-term kidney damage. They include the following procedures:
Walsh, Patrick C., MD, et al., eds. Campbell's Urology , 8th ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 2002.
Elliott, Daniel S., MD. "Medical Management of Overactive Bladder." Mayo Clinic Proceedings 76 (April 2001): 353-355.
Ganio, E., A. Masin, C. Ratto, et al. "Short-Term Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Functional Anorectal and Urinary Disturbances: Results in 40 Patients: Evaluation of a New OPtion for Anorectal Functional Disorders." Disorders of the Colon and Rectum 44 (September 2001): 1261-1267.
Kenefick, N. J., C. J. Vaisey, R. C. Cohen, et al. "Medium-Term Results of Permanent Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Faecal Incontinence." British Journal of Surgery 89 (July 2002); 896-601.
Linares Quevedo, A. I., M. A. Jiminez Cidre, E. Fernandez Fernandez, et al. "Posterior Sacral Root Neuromodulation in the Treatment of Chronic Urinary Dysfunction. [in Spanish] Actas urologicas espanolas 26 (April 2002): 250-260.
American Urological Association (AUA). 1120 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. (410) 727-1100. http://www.auanet.org .
National Association for Continence (NAFC). P. O. Box 1019, Charleston, SC 29402-1019. (843) 377-0900. http://www.nafc.org .
National Kidney Foundation. 30 East 33rd Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10016. (800) 622-9010 or (212) 889-2210. http://www.kidney.org .
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). 3 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3580.
Interstitial Cystitis Association. Sacral Nerve Stimulation Can Relieve Interstitial Cystitis, Studies Suggest . http://www.ichelp.com/research/SacralNerveStimulationCanRelieveIC.html .
Mayo Clinic. Sacral Nerve Stimulation . http://www.mayoclinic.org/incontinence-jax/sacralstim.html.
Nancy McKenzie, PhD
SNS devices are implanted under general anesthesia by urologists, who are physicians specializing in treating disorders of the urinary tract. The procedure is usually performed in a hospital.
I know it is very new over here. I am a little concerned, as I don't think my specialist has done any, (or only a couple) I have asked to speak to someone who has had it, but there was no one available.
After the initial implant, and healing, will I always be aware of the battery pack. I had the pre-op tests, one failed and the second one was ok.(This was for fecal incontinence.
Also since waiting for the main op I have been much better, could this be where the muscle was tightened during the test, or just coincidence?
Also I understood it was to be fitted in my hip area, yet the web tells of in the abdomen.
i will give both hospitals 10/10 not just because the op but the way i was treated i have been to many hospitals before and have had bad experences in some but both the london hosp and wakefield none as pinderfields they were amazing listens to everyone
hope this helps
from maria
I had my op done at whitechapel hospital in london and i cant thank all the team there enough as i suffered with this for at least 5years thinking it was normal after having children now i know it isnt.
I had the operation two weeks ago and I am really suffering with backache. Does anyone know if this is normal? I have not yet had the SNS turned on. Thanks Suznane
My specialist in Brisbane Australia, has suggested that i need a SNS for my chronic problem with fecal incontinence. The muscles and anal sphincter in my rectum have wasted away, does anyone know if the SNS helps build muscle that has wasted? Has anyone had the device for any length of time? and if so what are the long term effects? Oh and what can i expect with the trial that is planned? I have so many questions that i need to ask someone who has actually experienced a SNS.
Thanks
Thanks :)
Great to hear of your sucess and that you had little side affects. So nice to hear some positive feedback, as a lot of the comments are talking about the pain and discomfort experienced.
I live in Australia, and the procedure has only recently been accepted by our government here ( cost to them $16,000!) Cost to me around $2,000-.
I have my trial test procedure this coming Tuesday and cant wait! After many many years of bladder incontinence which has made my life quite difficult, Im keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that it works for me. If so, I go back in for perm. op 2 weeks later. Both procedures are undertaken through day surgery.
I am 56 and my hubby turns 60 next weekend so 3 couples are coming up to Queensland where we live from interstate to see him as a surprise. I am a little worried how I will be,I didnt want to put off the procedure though.
We are planning to go out for dinner etc. so I will be entertaining all weekend. (One couple arrive 2 days after my procedure) Im also having my 2 grandsons 3 & 4 for a couple of hours the next day, but, intend not doing anything strenuous with them, and wont pick them up.
Did you find the external box annoying? How does it attach? - clipped to a belt Im guessing. Did it look quite obvious under your clothes ( I will of course wear loose clothing) Do you have to give the device your full attention? or will I be able to go on with life as normal? What about sleeping with it?
Would love to hear your thoughts if you have the time.
Many Thanks
Marilyn
nancy
Thank you!
WHO ARE PERFORMING TREATMENT OF INCONTINENCE BY SACRAL NERVE STIMULATION METHOD.
THANKS A LOT
I'm in the UK and have just had it done. After a few days you'll be fine but maybe not able to pick up the little ones after the SNS fitting. Will be worth it if it helps though. If u need any advice I'm happy to help x
I am 60 and I love riding my horse. I see where some of you were told no more horse riding.
My Doc here says it will be ok as long as I don't fall off and injure myself and break the wire.
My question is Had anyone had a bad issue from riding? If so, What happened?? I worry that the bouncing will dislodge the wire.
Thanks
Someone please tell me i am not alone with the immense pain. i am having the stim taken out in a few weeks just in case this is whats causing it.
My current clinical condition, diagnosis and health concerns:
I am Md. Firuz Aalm from Bangladesh. I am suffering from Anus and Rectum Pain and Burning from last 4 years.When there is no pain than left side Muscle spasm inside the Anus is too much. From last two months i feel deep pain in my left side buttock, lower buttocl and hip. I feel muscle spasm, tightening and sweeling in left side buttock, hip and lower buttock. But i am not clear it is muscle spasm or not. Sometimes i feel a little bit burning sensations in left side perineum. I did many Investigation like MRI, CT Scan. Colonoscopy, Proctoscopy and many more but nothing found. April-2017 i was visited India Chennai Apollo Hospital. They suggest me for getting a tail bone Injection. Same time i was visited Dlehi Fortis Hospital. They also did a MRI of Lumber Spine and Pelvic Floor with Coccyx. MRI found a Disk Bulging in L2, L3, L4, L5 & S1. But the Doctors of the Fortis Hospital gave me an Injection of Pudendal Nerve block Injection without any Investigation and a Tail bone Injection. After come back from India 1st one month I feel better but now my Pain is more than before. Is it a Pudendal Neuralgia? Now I want to come to your hospital for Diagnosis and treatment of Pudendal Neuralgia. Please help me.
Now i am suffering more pain, muscle spasm in my left side buttock, lower buttock and hip. I discuss many doctors in my country and abroad. Most of the doctors remarks Pudendal Nerve Block was damage my nerve. Some pain doctors in Singapore suggest me for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) at S2, S3 S4 level. What is your openino about this? How much expensive this kinds of Stimulation?
Now i am looking for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) at S2, S3 S4 level in India.
I am waiting for your reply.
Best of luck.
mfiruz08@yahoo.com
in both my legs. please comment
Woke up Saturday morning and where the implant is it’s burning and stinging me which is really bad, can’t get hold of my doctor or nurse.
And I was wondering if anyone has had this problem and it’s normal, because I was told nothing after the surgery what to expect.
Replies and suggestions are welcome.