Short-term outcome of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for the treatment of faecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to establish the efficacy of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in treating flatal, urge and passive faecal incontinence (FI).

METHODS

A prospective study with 55 patients with FI was carried out. Clinical anamnesis, physical examination, a reverse visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Wexner score and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons quality of life score were recorded at baseline and 6 months, along with an incontinence diary. Subjects underwent one weekly session for 12 consecutive weeks and then continued with six additional fortnightly sessions. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (44 females; mean age 58.62 ± 10.74 years) with FI were treated with PTNS. The origins of the incontinence were obstetric (52.7 %) and perineal surgery (34.5 %). Eight patients did not continue with the second stage of treatment. The median Wexner baseline value was 9.98. After 6 months, it had decreased to 4.55 (p < 0.001). The visual analogue scale (VAS) increased from 4.94 to 6.80 (p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in lifestyle, coping/behaviour, depression/self-perception and embarrassment scores. With respect to different types of FI, there was an improvement in the Wexner score both in patients with true passive FI and in those with urge or mixed FI.

CONCLUSIONS

PTNS is an effective treatment for FI. Patients with passive or urge FI can benefit from this therapy, with improvement of the Wexner score and quality of life variables.