Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) for one to two months has produced some improvement in treatment-resistant slow-transit constipation (STC) in children. Optimal parameters for treatment are not known. It is possible that more improvement would occur with stimulation for longer. This study examined the effectiveness of stimulation for six months. ⋯ Treatment-resistant STC responds to TES using interferential current across the abdomen when given daily for many months. Battery operated stimulators allowed stimulation at home for an hour each day. Stimulation for six months produced clinically significant improvement in defecation frequency, soiling, abdominal pain, urge to defecate, and quality of life in half of these chronic patients.
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Implanted intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) are increasingly used in the treatment of spasticity and in patients with refractory pain. Literature discussing complications associated with intrathecal pump placement is widely available. However, reports of complications following the removal of chronically placed catheters are scarce. We reviewed our series of patients who had surgery to remove the intrathecal catheter. ⋯ Removal of an intrathecal catheter from IDDS systems may cause complications that in some cases require additional surgery.
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Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) are a major risk factor for fecal incontinence (FI). Neuromodulation is often used as second-line therapy for FI, but evidence for its efficacy is conflicting. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and predictive factors of posterior tibial nerve stimulation for obstetric anal sphincter injury-induced FI. ⋯ Of a well-defined cohort of females with FI secondary to OASI, 38% responded to posterior tibial nerve stimulation. Much of this improvement may relate to improvement in stool consistency.