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.

Prolonged electrical stimulation causes no damage to sacral nerve roots in rabbits

Previous studies have shown that, anode block electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve root can produce physiological urination and reconstruct urinary bladder function in rabbits. However, whether long-term anode block electrical stimulation causes damage to the sacral nerve root re- mains unclear, and needs further investigation. In this study, a complete spinal cord injury model was established in New Zealand white rabbits through T9_10 segment transection. Rabbits were given continuous electrical stimulation for a short period and then chronic stimulation for a longer period. Results showed that compared with normal rabbits, the structure of nerve cells in the anterior sacral nerve roots was unchanged in spinal cord injury rabbits after electrical stimu- lation. There was no significant difference in the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Experimental findings indicate that neurons in the rabbit sacral nerve roots tolerate electrical stimulation, even after long-term anode block electrical stimulation.

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.

Electrical stimulation with polypyrrole-coated polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffold promotes sacral nerve regeneration by modulating macrophage polarisation

Peripheral nerve injury poses a great threat to neurosurgery and limits the regenerative potential of sacral nerves in the neurogenic bladder.It remains unknown whether electrical stimulation can facilitate sacral nerve regeneration in addition to modulate bladder function.The objective of this study was to utilise electrical stimulation in sacra nerve crush injury with newly constructed electroconductive scaffold and explore the role of macrophages in electrical stimulation with crushed nerves.As a result,we generated a polypyrrole-coated polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffold through which we applied electrical stimulation.The electrical stimulation boosted nerve regeneration and polarised the macrophages towards the M2 phenotype.An in vitro test using bone marrow derived macrophages revealed that the pro-regenerative polarisation of M2 were significantly enhanced by electrical stimulation.Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcriptions(STATs)was differentially regulated in a way that promoted M2-related genes expression.Our work indicated the feasibility of electricals stimulation used for sacral nerve regeneration and provided a firm demonstration of a pivotal role which macrophages played in electrical stimulation.

Overall anatomical features and clinical value of the sacral nerve in high resolution computed tomography reconstruction

Background Sacral nerve injury is a common complication of pelvic or sacral fractures. As the sacral nerve courser within the sacrum and has a complex relationship with the surrounding tissues, different parts of the sacral plexus injury have similar clinical symptoms and signs. Since lack of specific imaging technique in the diagnosis of sacral nerve injury,especially on multi-segment, multi-site, how to determine the preoperative location and extent of the sacral nerve injury accurately becomes a concem of the general orthopaedic and images practitioners. This study was conducted to gain an insight into the overall anatomical features of the sacral nerve （SN） on the same slice in high resolution computed tomography （HRCT） reconstruction and to determine the value of this information for the clinical diagnosis of related diseases.Methods Fifty healthy volunteers and 30 patients （40 sides） with SN lesions confirmed by surgery were scanned using a 16-slice helical CT scanner （Light Speed, GE, USA）. Among the patients, 6 with intervertebral disk hernia （6 sides）, 8with spinal stenosis （12 sides）, 11 with pelvic trauma （14 sides）, 4 with pelvic malignancies （6 sides）, and 1 with sacral vertebral tuberculosis （2 sides）. The SN multiplanar reconstruction was performed using a UNIX-based SCD4.1workstation where the image was set on the same slice. All images were stored in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format. The display of nerves in different sections was analyzed using a five-graded scale with coordinate curves of each individual score. The overall anatomic features visible on the slice were analyzed and the abnormalities of the lesions were studied.Results The image of the same slice clearly revealed the shape, running direction, thickness, tension and adjacent anatomy of the S1-S4 nerves. The rank of display rates in different sections was： outward-rotated oblique sagittal 〉outward-rotated oblique coronal 〉 oblique coronal plane 〉 coronal 〉 sagittal 〉 transverse section. The S5 nerve was partially displayed from the starting point to the segment around the posterior sacral foramen. The overall anatomy of the triangular sacral plexus was only revealed in the oblique outward-rotated sagittal section, while 100% of its individual rami,as well as two or three of the adjacent rami, were displayed from their starting points to the anterior border of the piriformis. The abnormalities included 39 sides of morphological change （97.5%）, 38 sides of compression （95.0%）, 35sides of adhesion （87.5%）, 32 sides of displacement （80.0%）, 34 sides of shrinkage （85.0%）, 6 sides of thickening （15.0%）, and 2 sides of abruption （5.0%）.Conclusions The 16-slice CT multiplanar reconstruction was able to reveal the overall anatomic features of the SN on the same slice. The section of reconstruction was a crucial factor in determining the display capability of various sacral nerves. This technology was valuable in the diagnosis and management of related diseases.

Acupotomy combined with fire needle for sacral nerve dysfunction syndrome:A randomized,single-blind clinical trial

Objective： To provide the clinical evidence to evaluate the feasibility and refine the protocol for acupotomy combined with fire needle and pudendal nerve block therapy in treatment of sacral nerve dysfunction syndrome（SNDS）. Methods： Seventy-five patients with SNDS were randomized into the treatment group（acupotomy and fire needle and pudendal nerve block therapy） and the control group（pudendal nerve block therapy）. After a course of treatment, Visual Analogue Scales（VAS） of anorectal pain, defecation disorders, anal incontinence, VAS of lumbar pain or soreness, VAS of abdominal distension and pain were compared before and after the treatment. Result： Scores of defecation disorders, including defecation interval time index, defecation time index, fecal property index and defecation difficulty index, of patients with SNDS in the two groups were statistically different before and after the treatment in the same group（all P〈0.05）, but the differences of those indexes between two groups were not statistically significant（all P〈0.05） after the treatment,. Scores of anal incontinence, VAS scores of lumbar pain or soreness, VAS scores of abdominal pain and distension in the two groups were statistically different before and after the treatment（all P〈0.05）. However, after treatment, the differences between two groups were not statistically significant（all P〈0.05）. VAS scores of anorectal pain in the two groups were statistically different before and after the treatment（both P〈0.05）, and that of the treatment group was statistically lower than control group after the treatment（1.61 ± 0.95 vs. 3.04 ± 1.81, P〈0.01）, the total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant（94.74% vs. 81.08%, P〈0.01）, there was no difference in self-evaluation between the two groups（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： In treating SNDS, acupotomy combined with fire needle and pudendal nerve block therapy can more effectively alleviate anorectal pain and improve the total effective rate.

Fecal incontinence - Challenges and solutions

Fecal incontinence is not a diagnosis but a frequent and debilitating common final pathway symptom resulting from numerous different causes. Incontinence not only impacts the patient’s self-esteem and quality of life but may result in significant secondary morbidity, disability, and cost. Treatment is difficult without any panacea and an individualized approach should be chosen that frequently combines different modalities. Several new technologies have been developed and their specific roles will have to be defined. The scope of this review is outline the evaluation and treatment of patients with fecal incontinence.

Treating Urinary Incontinence with Electrical Stimulus: A Review

Urinary incontinence markedly affects women’s quality of life. There are several methods to mitigate or reduce this problem such as medication, surgery, or exercises. Of various types of urinary incontinence, overactive bladder consists of one category, which is often resistant to various treatments. Electrical stimulation methods have been considered a treatment option of overactive bladder. We here briefly summarize various treatment options for urinary incontinence, with special reference to the role of electrical stimulation methods for this disease. Electrical stimulation methods include vaginal electrical stimulation (VES), posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). The three methods have shown good results, and these findings will contribute to achieving a better quality of life for patients.

The Role of Acupuncture Treatment in Obstructed Defecation Syndrome

Background:Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)is a group of symptoms that are mainly caused by pelvic floor dysfunction concerning bowel symptoms.It is challenging in clinical practice.Acupuncture has advantages in the treatment of complex symptoms because of its multi-target and bi-directional regulation of the human body.Since 2500 years ago,acupuncture has been applied empirically to the treatment of constipation.Does acupuncture have any effect on ODS?Objectives:By showing the clinical thoughts,methods,and achievements of acupuncture series in ODS in recent ten years by the author’s team,and two scientific papers published in English on acupuncture treatment of chronic intractable constipation and stress urinary incontinence,it is proved that the core scheme of acupuncture treatment of defecation disorder syndrome(ODS)is flexible.In order to raise awareness of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in ODS,it can be integrated into existing practice to get opportunities for multidisciplinary cooperation and further research and development.Materials and Methods:By summarizing the diagnosis and treatment of ODS,the first-line selection of pelvic floor rehabilitation and the minimally invasive sacral neuromodulation were reviewed,and it was pointed out that there was a gap between the high demand of patients and the expectation of cost-effectiveness.Then,on the basis of modern eastern and western medical achievements,the holistic concept was introduced into the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction,and an acupuncture scheme suitable for ODS was proposed.Results:Acupuncture is based on the idea of improving the patients’central nervous system,autonomic nervous system and intestinal nervous system,and is effective in treating ODS.The acupoints were set two groups when patient in supine position,which includes ST 25(Tianshu),SP 15(Daheng),SP 14(Fujie),CV 6(Qihai),CV 4(Guanyuan),ST 36(Zusanli),ST 37(Shangjuxu);When patient is in prone position,it includes BL 20(Pishu),BL 23(Shenshu),BL 25(Dachangshu),BL 33(Zhongliao),BL 34(Xialiao),and GV 20(Baihui).The key was the technique of deep needling of the ST 25(Tianshu)and deep needling of the BL 33(Zhongliao)&BL 34(Xialiao).It needs 2-15 Hz sparse-dense wave electrical stimulation,30 minutes each time,a total of 20 times,which was a scheme that could achieve satisfactory short-term and long-term effects.Conclusion:At present,clinical and basic experimental studies have proved that acupuncture plays a role in treating ODS in a multi-target way.This is a very promising research direction of pelvic floor integrated medicine.In the future,further study on optimizing the protocol and meeting the patient’s gap individually and cost-effectively.

Electrical neuromodulation therapy for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal(GI)tract.It has financial and quality of life impact on patients.Although there has been a significant advancement in treatments,a considerable number of patients do not respond to it or have severe side effects.Therapeutic approaches such as electrical neuromodulation are being investigated to provide alternate options.Although bioelectric neuromodulation technology has evolved significantly in the last decade,sacral nerve stimulation(SNS)for fecal incontinence remains the only neuromodulation protocol commonly utilized use for GI disease.For IBD treatment,several electrical neuromodulation techniques have been studied,such as vagus NS,SNS,and tibial NS.Several animal and clinical experiments were conducted to study the effectiveness,with encouraging results.The precise underlying mechanisms of action for electrical neuromodulation are unclear,but this modality appears to be promising.Randomized control trials are required to investigate the efficacy of intrinsic processes.In this review,we will discuss the electrical modulation therapy for the IBD and the data pertaining to it.

Influence of S3 electrical stimulation on gastrointestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury in rabbits

Objective：To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation to sacral spinal nerve 3 （S3 stimulation） on gastrointestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury （SCI）.Methods：Six rabbits were taken as normal controls to record their gastrointestinal multipoint biological discharge,colon pressure and rectoanal inhibitory reflex.Electrodes were implanted into S3 in another 18 rabbits.Then the model of SCI was conducted following Fehling＇s method：the rabbit S3 was clamped to induce transverse injury,which was claimed by both somatosensory evoked potential and motion evoked potential.Two hours after SCI,S3 stimulation was conducted.The 18 rabbits were subdivided into 3 groups to respectively record their gastrointestinal electric activities （n=6）,colon pressure （n=6）,and rectum pressure （n=6）.Firstly the wave frequency was fixed at 15 Hz and pulse width at 400 μs and three stimulus intensities （6 V,8 V,10 V） were tested.Then the voltage was fixed at 6 V and the pulse width changed from 200 μs,400 μs to 600 μs.The response was recorded and analyzed.The condition of defecation was also investigated.Results：After SCI,the mainly demonstrated change was dyskinesia of the single haustrum and distal colon.The rectoanal inhibitory reflex almost disappeared.S3 stimulation partly recovered the intestinal movement after denervation,promoting defecation.The proper stimulus parameters were 15 Hz,400 μs,6 V,10 s with 20 s intervals and 10 min with 10 min intervals,total 2 h.Conclusion：S3 stimulation is able to restore the intestinal movement after denervation （especially single haustrum and distal colon）,which promotes defecation.