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The sacral nerve neurosimulator is a modern method of treating fecal incontinence. The first in Poland implantation of such a pacemaker was carried out in February 2016 at the Brzeziny Specialist Hospital. What does the implantation of a sacral nerve neurosimulator look like? Who is eligible for the procedure?
On February 4, 2016, the first in Polandsacral nerve stimulator implantationin the treatment ofstool incontinencewas performed at the Brzeziny Specialist Hospital. Two demonstration treatments were conducted by Dr. Jacopo Martellucci from Florence and professor Adam Dziki from the hospital in Brzeziny. Two patients underwent the treatment.
Sacral nerve neurosimulator implantation - what is it about?
A thin electrode is implanted near the sacral nerves. It is linked to a small neurostimulator that sends out electrical impulses that regulate the nervous system that controls bowel and pelvic floor functions. Using an external remote control, the patient can set the stimulation level and turn the device on and off. The electrodes are implanted for a 2-3 week test period, so that the patient can assess the effectiveness of neurostimulation in everyday life. If, after the tests, the reduction of the symptoms of faecal incontinence is satisfactory and the patient is satisfied with the therapy, a small stimulator is implanted under the skin in the upper part of the buttock in the second stage of treatment. The patient can still control it with a special remote control.
Worth knowingUntil now, sacral nerve stimulators have been used very rarely in our country, only for the treatment of diseases related to urinary incontinence or retention. Treatments are not reimbursed by the National He alth Fund. In the world, neurostimulators have been used successfully for over 25 years, and for over a dozen also in the treatment of faecal incontinence.
Sacral nerve neurosimulator - effects
- Fecal incontinence disappears completely in more than 40 percent of patients after neurostimulator implantation, and in almost all of them the number of other ailments related to this disease is reduced by half - says professor Adam Dziki.
Symptoms can be eliminated or significantly reduced by implanting a sacral nerve neurosimulatorrelated to faecal incontinence.
- This method of treatment is safe, minimally invasive and - importantly - reversible. It is a good solution in a situation where conservative or pharmacological treatment fails, because it usually eliminates the need for a more serious operation. Unfortunately, in Poland, this therapy is not used in the treatment of fecal incontinence.
- Our hospital paid attention to neurostimulation, because we specialize in the comprehensive treatment of patients with colon diseases: from consultations in specialist clinics, through advanced diagnostics, to oncological surgery and chemotherapy - says Anna Janicka, vice president of the Brzeziny Specialist Hospital . - We employ high-class surgeons, we have a new operating suite, an Interoperative and Bariatric Endoscopy Center and a Day Chemotherapy Department.
Worth knowingStool incontinence problems affect 3-5 percent of adults. The common causes of this disease, which excludes patients from social life, are, among others, perinatal damage to the sphincters affecting young women, intestinal diseases, including complications after proctological procedures or cancer.