Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
-
Review Meta Analysis
Placebo Response Rates in Electrical Nerve Stimulation Trials for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Successful treatments following electrical nerve stimulation have been commonly reported in patients with fecal incontinence and constipation. However, many of these nerve stimulation trials have not implemented sham controls, and are, therefore, unable to differentiate overall treatment responses from placebo. This systematic review aimed to quantify placebo effects and responses following sham electrical nerve stimulation in patients with fecal incontinence and constipation. ⋯ Sham stimulation is associated with clinical and statistically meaningful improvements in symptoms of fecal incontinence and constipation, as well as quality of life scores, highlighting the importance of sham controls in nerve stimulation trials. Noncontrolled studies should be interpreted with caution.