Outcomes and efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging-compatible sacral nerve stimulator for management of fecal incontinence: A multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND Fecal incontinence(FI)is an involuntary passage of fecal matter which can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life.Many modalities of treatment exist for FI.Sacral nerve stimulation is a well-established treatment for FI.Given the increased need of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for diagnostics,the In-terStim which was previously used in sacral nerve stimulation was limited by MRI incompatibility.Medtronic MRI-compatible InterStim was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in August 2020 and has been widely used.AIM To evaluate the efficacy,outcomes and complications of the MRI-compatible InterStim.METHODS Data of patients who underwent MRI-compatible Medtronic InterStim placement at UPMC Williamsport,University of Minnesota,Advocate Lutheran General Hospital,and University of Wisconsin-Madison was pooled and analyzed.Patient demographics,clinical features,surgical techniques,complications,and outcomes were analyzed.Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology(STROBE)cross-sectional reporting guidelines were used.RESULTS Seventy-three patients had the InterStim implanted.The mean age was 63.29±12.2 years.Fifty-seven(78.1%)patients were females and forty-two(57.5%)patients had diabetes.In addition to incontinence,overlapping symptoms included diarrhea(23.3%),fecal urgency(58.9%),and urinary incontinence(28.8%).Fifteen(20.5%)patients underwent Peripheral Nerve Evaluation before proceeding to definite implant placement.Thirty-two(43.8%)patients underwent rechargeable InterStim placement.Three(4.1%)patients needed removal of the implant.Migration of the external lead connection was observed in 7(9.6%)patients after the stage I procedure.The explanation for one patient was due to infection.Seven(9.6%)patients had other complications like nerve pain,hematoma,infection,lead fracture,and bleeding.The mean follow-up was 6.62±3.5 mo.Sixty-eight(93.2%)patients reported significant improvement of symptoms on follow-up evaluation.CONCLUSION This study shows promising results with significant symptom improvement,good efficacy and good patient outcomes with low complication rates while using MRI compatible InterStim for FI.Further long-term follow-up and future studies with a larger patient population is recommended.

Surgical treatment of sacral fractures following lumbosacral arthrodesis: Case report and literature review

Sacral fractures following posterior lumbosacral fusion are an uncommon complication. Only a few case series and case reports have been published so far. This article presents a case of totally displaced sacral fracture following posterior L4-S1 fusion in a 65-yearold patient with a 15-year history of corticosteroid use who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using iliac screws. The patient was followed for 2 years. A thorough review of the literature was conducted using the Medline database between 1994 and 2014. Immediately after the revision surgery, the patient's pain in the buttock and left leg resolved significantly. The patient was followed for 2 years. The weakness in the left lower extremity improved gradually from 3/5 to 5/5. In conclusion, the incidence of postoperative sacral fractures could have been underestimated, because most of these fractures are not visible on a plain radiograph. Computed tomography has been proved to be able to detect most such fractures and should probably be performed routinely when patients complain of renewed buttock pain within 3 mo after lumbosacral fusion. The majority of the patients responded well to conservative treatments, and extending the fusion construct to the iliac wings using iliac screws may be needed when there is concurrent fracture displacement, sagittal imbalance, neurologic symptoms, or painful nonunion.

Lumbar-Sacral Plexus Block Anesthesia versus General Anesthesia for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Case Control Study

Background: Peripheral block techniques for total hip arthroplasty have been used as an analgesic strategy, only a few studies described it as an anesthetic technique, so the perioperative performance and safety are poorly studied. Methods: 78 total hip arthroplasties were prospectively observed in our hospital. Divided into 2 groups: 1) General anesthesia;and 2) Lumbar sacral plexus block anesthesia. Variables measured in both groups were: demographics, conversion to general anesthesia, total opioid doses, surgical time, blood loss, postoperative pain, use and total dose of vasopressors drugs, transfusion and ICU transfer needs, postoperative ambulation time, and length of hospital stay. T student and chi-square tests were used upon the case. A significant difference was considered when a value of p < 0.05 was obtained. Descriptive statistics were performed in frequency, percentages, variance and standard deviation. Results: 3 patients (7.3%) anesthetized with combined lumbar sacral plexus block were converted to general anesthesia. When comparing peripheral nerve block and general anesthesia, less intraoperative (p = 0.000) and postoperative (p = 0.002) opioid consumption were noted, less postoperative pain in PACU (p = 0.002) and in the first 24 hours (p = 0.005), as well as earlier onset of ambulation (p = 0.008) and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.031). Conclusions: In our study, the lumbar and sacral plexus block anesthesia technique provided anesthetic conditions to perform hip joint arthroplasty and it was proved to be advantageous in comparison to general anesthesia.

Abdominosacral resection for locally recurring rectal cancer

AIM To investigate feasibility and outcome of abdominalsacral resection for treatment of locally recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma.METHODS A population of patients who underwent an abdominalsacral resection for posterior recurrent adenocarcinoma of the rectum at the National Cancer Institute of Milano, between 2005 and 2013, is considered. Retrospectively collected data includes patient characteristics, treatment and pathology details regarding the primary and the recurrent rectal tumor surgical resection. A clinical and instrumental follow-up was performed. Surgical and oncological outcome were investigated. Furthermore an analytical review of literature was conducted in order to compare our case series with other reported experiences.RESULTS At the time of abdomino-sacral resection, the mean age of patients was 55(range, 38-64). The median operating time was 380 min(range, 270-480). Sacral resection was performed at S2/S3 level in 3 patients, S3/S4 in 3 patients and S4/S5 in 4 patients. The median operating time was 380 ± 58 min. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 1750 m L(range, 200-680). The median hospital stay was 22 d. Overall morbidity was 80%, mainly type Ⅱ complication according to the ClavienDindo classification. Microscopically negative margins(R0) is obtained in all patients. Overall 5-year survival after first surgical procedure is 60%, with a mediansurvival from the first surgery of 88 ± 56 mo. The most common site of re-recurrence was intrapelvic.CONCLUSION Sacral resection represents a feasible approach to posterior rectal cancer recurrence without evidence of distant spreading. An accurate staging is essential for planning the best therapy.

Adverse events of sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence reported to the federal drug administration

AIM:To investigate the nature and severity of AE related to sacral neurostimulation(SNS).METHODS:Based on Pubmed and Embase searches,we identified published trials and case series of SNS for fecal incontinence(FI)and extracted data on adverse events,requiring an active intervention.Those problems were operationally defined as infection,device removal explant or need for lead and/or generator replacement.In addition,we analyzed the Manufacturer and User Device Experience registry of the Federal Drug Administration for the months of August-October of2015.Events were included if the report specifically mentioned gastrointestinal(GI),bowel and FI as indication and if the narrative did not focus on bladder symptoms.The classification,reporter,the date of the recorded complaint,time between initial implant and report,the type of AE,steps taken and outcome were extracted from the report.In cases of device removal or replacement,we looked for confirmatory comments by healthcare providers or the manufacturer.RESULTS:Published studies reported adverse events and reoperation rates for 1954 patients,followed for 27(1-117)mo.Reoperation rates were 18.6%(14.2-23.9)with device explants accounting for 10.0%(7.8-12.7)of secondary surgeries;rates of device replacement or explant or pocket site and electrode revisions increased with longer follow up.During the period examined,the FDA received 1684 reports of AE related to SNS with FI or GI listed as indication.A total of 652 reports met the inclusion criteria,with 52.7%specifically listing FI.Lack or loss of benefit(48.9%),pain or dysesthesia(27.8%)and complication at the generator implantation site(8.7%)were most commonly listed.Complaints led to secondary surgeries in 29.7%of the AE.Reoperations were performed to explant(38.2%)or replace(46.5%)the device or a lead,or revise the generator pocket(14.6%).Conservative management changes mostly involved changes in stimulation parameters(44.5%),which successfully addressed concerns in 35.2%of cases that included information about treatment results.CONCLUSION:With reoperation rates around 20%,physicians need to fully disclose the high likelihood ofcomplications and secondary interventions and exhaust non-invasive treatments,including transcutaneous stimulation paradigms.

Presacral venous bleeding during mobilization in rectal cancer

AIM To analyze the anatomy of sacral venous plexus flow, the causes of injuries and the methods for controlling presacral hemorrhage during surgery for rectal cancer.METHODS A review of the databases MEDLINE? and Embase? was conducted, and relevant scientific articles published between January 1960 and June 2016 were examined. The anatomy of the sacrum and its venous plexus, as well as the factors that influence bleeding, the causes of this complication, and its surgical management were defined.RESULTS This is a review of 58 published articles on presacral venous plexus injury during the mobilization of the rectum and on techniques used to treat presacral venous bleeding. Due to the lack of cases published in the literature, there is no consensus on which is the best technique to use if there is presacral bleeding during mobilization in surgery for rectal cancer. This review may provide a tool to help surgeons make decisions regarding how to resolve this serious complication.CONCLUSION A series of alternative treatments are described; however, a conventional systematic review in which optimal treatment is identified could not be performed because few cases were analyzed in most publications.

Sphincteroplasty for fecal incontinence in the era of sacral nerve modulation

The role of sphincteroplasty in the treatment of patients with fecal incontinence due to anal sphincter defects has been questioned because the success rate declines in the long-term.A new emerging treatment for fecal incontinence,sacral nerve stimulation,has been shown to be effective in these patients.However,the success rate of sphincteroplasty may depend of several patient-related and surgical-related factors and the outcome from sphincteroplasty has been evaluated differently(with qualitative data) from that after sacral nerve stimulation(quantitative data using scoring systems and quality of life).Furthermore,the data available so far on the longterm success rate after sacral nerve modulation do not differ substantially from those after sphincteroplasty.The actual data do not support the replacement of sphincteroplasty with sacral nerve stimulation in patients with fecal incontinence secondary to sphincter defects.

Trans-sacral screw fixation in the treatment of high dyplastic developmental spondylolisthesis

We describe the case of a 67-year-old woman with L5-S1 ontogenetic spondylolisthesis treated with pedicle fixation associated with interbody arthrodesis performed with S1-L5 trans-sacral screwing according to the technique of Bartolozzi. The procedure was followed by a wide decompressive laminectomy. The patient had a progressive improvement of the symptoms which gradually disappeared in 12 mo. The radiograph at 6 and 12 mo showed complete fusion system. The choice of treatment in L5-S1 ontogenetic spondylolithesis is related to a correct clinical and diagnostic planning(X-ray, computer tomography magnetic resonance imaging, Measurement). In particular, the severity index and the square of unstable zone, and the standard measurements already described in the literature, are important to understand and to plane the correct surgical strategy, that require, in most of the times, fusion and interbody artrodesis.

Clinical outcomes of sacral neuromodulation in non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria:A 5-year retrospective,multicentre study in China

BACKGROUND Management of non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria represents one of the most challenging dilemmas in urological practice.The main clinical symptom is the increase in residual urine.Voiding dysfunction is the main cause of dysuria or urinary retention,mainly due to the decrease in bladder contraction(the decrease in contraction amplitude or duration)or the increase in outflow tract resistance.Sacral neuromodulation(SNM)has been used for>10 years to treat many kinds of lower urinary tract dysfunction.It has become increasingly popular in China in recent years.Consequently,studies focusing on nonneurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria patients treated by SNM are highly desirable.AIM To assess the outcome of two-stage SNM in non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria.METHODS Clinical data of 54 patients(26 men,28 women)with non-neurogenic,nonobstructive dysuria treated by SNM from January 2012 to December 2016 in ten medical centers in China were retrospectively analyzed.All patients received two or more conservative treatments.The voiding diary,urgency score,and quality of life score before operation,after implantation of tined lead in stage I(test period),and during short-term follow-up(latest follow-up)after implantation of the implanted pulse generator in stage II were compared to observe symptom improvements.RESULTS Among the 54 study patients,eight refused to implant an implanted pulse generator because of the unsatisfactory effect,and 46 chose to embed the implanted pulse generator at the end of stage I.The conversion rate of stage I to stage II was 85.2%.The average follow-up time was 18.6 mo.There were significant differences between baseline(before stage I)and the test period(after stage I)in residual urine,voiding frequency,average voiding amount,maximum voiding amount,nocturia,urgency score,and quality of life score.The residual urine and urgency score between the test period and the latest follow-up time(after stage II)were also significantly different.No significant differences were observed for other parameters.No wound infection,electrode breakage,or other irreversible adverse events occurred.CONCLUSION SNM is effective for patients with non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria showing a poor response to traditional treatment.The duration of continuous stimulation may be positively correlated with the improvement of residual urine.

Isolated sacral injuries: Postoperative length of stay, complications, and readmission

AIM: To investigate inpatient length of stay(LOS), complication rates, and readmission rates for sacral fracture patients based on operative approach.METHODS: All patients who presented to a large tertiary care center with isolated sacral fractures in an 11-year period were included in a retrospective chart review. Operative approach(open reduction internal fixation vs percutaneous) was noted, as well as age, gender, race, and American Society of Anesthesiologists' score. Complications included infection, nonunion and malunion, deep venous thrombosis, and hardware problems; 90-d readmissions were broken down into infection, surgical revision of the sacral fracture, and medical complications. LOS was collected for the initial admission and readmission visits if applicable. Fisher's exact and non-parametric t-tests(Mann-Whitney U tests) were employed to compare LOS, complications, and readmissions between open and percutaneous approaches.RESULTS: Ninety-four patients with isolated sacral fractures were identified: 31(30.4%) who underwentopen reduction and internal fixation(ORIF) vs 63(67.0%) who underwent percutaneous fixation. There was a significant difference in LOS based on operative approach: 9.1 d for ORIF patients vs 6.1 d for percutaneous patients(P = 0.043), amounting to a difference in cost of $13590. Ten patients in the study developed complications, with no significant difference in complication rates or reasons for complications between the two groups(19.4% for ORIF patients vs 6.3% for percutaneous patients). Eight patients were readmitted, with no significant difference in readmission rates or reasons for readmission between the two groups(9.5% percutaneous vs 6.5% ORIF).CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in LOS based on operative approach for sacral fracture patients. Given similar complications and readmission rates, we recommend a percutaneous approach.

Intrathecal hematoma and sacral radiculitis following repeat epidural blood patch

Postdural puncture headache(PDPH)is an incapacitating complication that can occur following spinal anesthesia and with inadvertent dural puncture during epidural anesthesia.We present a case of a 32-year-old G2 P1 female who was admitted for induction of labor and received epidural catheter placement for analgesia.After an inadvertent dural puncture and development of a PDPH,the patient was offered conservative measures for the first 48 hours without improvement.An epidural blood patch(EBP)was placed achieving only moderate relief.Two days later,a second EBP was performed and the patient developed severe back pain which radiated bilaterally to her buttocks.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)demonstrated the presence of blood in the intrathecal space.This could be the cause of sacral radiculitis,an uncommon complication of an EBP.This suggests that EBPs could potentially cause neurologic symptoms which may be more common than people previously thought.As complicated outcomes have followed both conservative and aggressive management,MRI can be an early diagnostic tool in such cases and a multidisciplinary approach should be taken.

Impact of Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation of Sacral Surface Considering Individual Anatomical Sacral Variations on Early Recovery Urinary Continence after Radical Prostatectomy

Objectives: To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation of different anatomical variations of sacral surface on early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. Methods: Twenty of 53 consecutive patients who underwent prostatectomy by a single surgeon were enrolled in this study. Ten patients were prospectively randomized to two groups;five patients in Sacral foramena stimulation group received postoperative surface electrical stimulation of sacral foramina area while five patients in control group did not received any electrical stimulation. Selection of remaining ten patients depended on sacral hiatus anatomical variations, assessed by plan X-rays. Of the ten patients, five patients with sacral hiatus subtotals were grouped under SHS1 while 5 patients with sacral hiatus totals were grouped as SHS2. Electrical stimulation for each group began 7 days after catheter removal, thrice a week for 8 weeks. Each of the 24 treatment sessions for each group composed of 20 minutes for sacral electrical stimulation. Continence was evaluated at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks using the 24-hour pad test and according to the incontinence section of the International Continence Society questionnaire. Results: After 2 weeks of treatment, the mean leakage weight was comparable between SFS group and SHS1 group while it was significantly lowered in SHS2 as compared to SFS and SHS1 groups. Comparing mean leakage weight at 8 weeks revealed further significant reduction in SHS2 group than in SFS and SHS1 groups. Moreover, percentage of continent patients was highest in SHS2 group after 8 weeks of treatment followed by SHS1, SFS and control respectively. Conclusions: Electrical stimulation of sacral hiatus surface area may provide better stimulation for sacral nerve than sacral foramena surface area and appears to be effective treatment for early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.

Combined Sacral Nerve Roots Stimulation and Low Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Some pelvic pain syndromes are very resistant to medical treatment. Several studies have demonstrated that sacral neuromodulation, which has been successfully used for the treatment of bladder dysfunction, incontinence, urinary retention and urinary frequency [1]-[3], can be successfully used for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain [4]-[7]. Several studies have also demonstrated significant involvement of dorsal column pathways in the transmission of visceral pelvic pain [8] and the successful use of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain [9]. We report three cases of severe chronic pelvic pain that failed conservative treatment modalities. Placement of a combined sacral nerve roots stimulator and a low thoracic spinal cord stimulator resulted in a significant pain relief and improvement in daily life activities. We believe that this combination may help patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain resistant to medical management.

Sacral neuromodulation therapy of the lower urinary tract: A review of the literature and unanswered questions

Objective: To review the evidence surrounding Sacral Neuromodulation therapy and delineate areas that will need more research. Methods: An extensive search was performed on the available literature on SNM for lower urinary tract dysfunction. Based on the results of the search, the mechanisms of action, indications, technique, and patient characteristics of therapy failures and success are presented and discussed. Results: SNM is accepted by the FDA since 1997 for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. As it is a relatively new procedure, there are variations in the technique of lead placement, generator choice, testing interval, patient selection, time to explantation, and definitions of therapy failures and successes. Conclusions: SNM is a safe and therapeutic option for the treatment of urgencyfrequency syndrome, urge incontinence, and idiopathic urinary retention. However, there are multiple unanswered questions that require extensive research.

Intraoperative Ureteral Identification Utilizing StimSite™ Technology during Robotic-Assisted Sacral Colpopexy Procedure: A Case Report

Identification of the pelvic ureter location is crucial during robotic-assisted sacral colpopexy procedures to avoid iatrogenic injury. In this case study, StimSite&#8482 technology (Allotrope Medical;Houston, TX) was used to assist with ureter identification. StimSite is a novel, minimally invasive surgical device designed to facilitate ureter identification by delivering on-demand mild electrical impulses to stimulate visible ureteral peristalsis. Visualization of the ureter can help prevent inadvertent injury which can cause significant patient morbidity, and in some cases mortality. The use of StimSite permitted ureter mapping along the pelvic sidewall and assisted with creating the proper peritoneal dissection for synthetic mesh placement. StimSite provides a minimally invasive, time-conscious option for real-time ureter identification during robotic-assisted sacral colpopexy procedures.

Labtse and the Reinscription of Sacralized Social Space

One of the most widely reported, yet ignored, Tibetan folk rituals concerns labtse. In westernliterature, the longest discussion of labtse is S. Hummel’s, which appeared in Anthropos some 30years ago. There Hummel discussed the symbolic significance of labtse from the perspective of Kul-turkreislehre. Most writings on the subject, both in China and the west, seem to have followed inthe same epistemological footsteps. Studies of labtse have been dominated by what we shall call

A Rare Case of Anterior Sacral Meningocele (ASM) in a Young Patient

We report a 24-year-old male who presented with abdominal distension, constipation and left sided groin pain. CT and MRI of the abdomen/spine were performed which showed a large anterior sacral meningocele occupying most of the pelvic and abdominal cavity and displacement of their respective contents. Initially a posterior approach with lumbosacral laminectomy (L5 - S4) was performed. The ostium of the meningocele was identified with several nerve roots identified passing through, adjacent and into the defect. As nerve roots traversed the ostium, watertight closure was not feasible without sacrificing nerve roots. Subsequent MRI demonstrated recurrence of approximately 60% of the anterior sacral meningocele. We therefore opted to approach the ASM anteriorly via an anterior approach with the help of colorectal surgical colleague. The ASM was completely embedded within the sigmoid and upper to mid rectal mesentry, with its own vascular supply to the thick walled capsule. This case highlights the need for a combined approach due to the incorporation of the pseudomeningocele into the omentum with the development of its own blood supply.

Cardiopulmonary Stability on a Patient with Hip Fracture and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension, Anesthetized with Lumbar-Sacral Plexus Block and Non-Invasive Ventilation: Case Report

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is defined as a mean arterial pressure in the pulmonary artery exceeding 20 mm Hg at rest, measured by means of right heart catheterization. Patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing surgical procedures such as hemiarthroplasty present a high risk of fatal complications. Nonetheless, there are no widely accepted protocols explaining their perioperative care in great detail. Case presentation: We present a case with an 89-years-old patient, with comorbidities such as GOLD 4D chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, as a consequence of this, severe pulmonary hypertension with signs of right ventricular dysfunction, thus requiring of pulmonary vasodilator, that has suffered a subcapital hip fracture requiring urgent surgery. Surgery is carried out successfully, under regional lumbar-sacral plexus block and sedation assisted by non-invasive ventilation. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary specialized treatment, preoperative optimization, as well as the careful selection of both the surgical and anesthetic techniques to be used, are among the strategies that improve the perioperative outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension with right ventricle systolic dysfunction. Regional lumbar-sacral plexus block plus sedation is a technique that maintains hemodynamic stability;however, these patients require advance measures and postoperative monitoring under intensive care.

Anterior sacral Meningocele Associated with Tethered Cord Syndrome Presenting with Constipation:US,CT,MRI and X-Ray Findings

Anterior sacral meningocele is characterized by the herniation of the thecal sac into the retroperitoneal space. A 33-year-old man was referred to our hospital with the complaints of a longlasting constipation and nonspecific lower abdominal pain. At ultrasound, a cystic mass was detected at the presacral space. Computed Tomography revealed a defect at the anterior aspect of the sacrum, together with a presacral cystic mass which showed a connection with the dural sac. At Magnetic Resonance Imaging, it was demonstrated that the cystic mass made an impression on the rectum, and did not possess any solid components. An anteroposterior pelvis radiogram demonstrated a sacral deformity and the scimitar sign. Upon these imaging findings, the patient got the diagnosis of an anterior sacral meningocele. The possibility of an anterior sacral meningocele must always be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic cystic mass.