Posterior tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence after partial spinal injury: Preliminary report

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the possible effects of posterior tibial nerve stimulation in two patients with faecal incontinence due to partial spinal cord injury. Methods: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation was performed for 30 min, every other day for 4 weeks, and was then repeated every 2 months for three months. Clinical examination, anorectal physiological work-up, faecal incontinence severity index, and quality of life assessments were performed before and after the treatment. Results: After posterior tibial nerve stimulation, patients showed improvement in rectal sensory threshold, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, Wexner faecal incontinence score, faecal incontinence severity index, faecal incontinence quality of life scales, resting pressure, and maximum squeeze pressure measurements. Conclusions: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation can be an effective method for the treatment of faecal incontinence caused by partial spinal cord injury. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.