Treatment Outcome of Acute Sacral Nerve Stimulation in Functional Anorectal Pain

AbstractBackgroundSacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has revolutionized the management of certain intractable cases of fecal and urinary incontinence; however, the management of functional anorectal pain (FAP) has been addressed in only a few studies.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment effect of SNS in improving FAP symptoms.MethodsA total of 120 patients with FAP who had undergone temporary SNS probe placement were investigated at Qianfoshan Hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. Pre‐ and post‐SNS treatment outcomes were assessed using the VAS, anorectal manometry, and the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36) medical outcomes study instrument.ResultsA total of 120 patients proceeded to insertion of an SNS probe at the S3 nerve root (2 Hz, 1.50 mA, 0.10 milliseconds). Of these, 75 patients were cured, 41 improved, and 4 had an ineffective outcome. The total effectiveness rate was 96.7% 1 year after treatment. There was a significant reduction in the median VAS score pre‐SNS and post‐SNS, from 8 to 3, respectively. Patients post‐SNS had lower anal maximum contraction pressure and anal rest pressure than did patients pre‐SNS. Compared with the pretreatment group, there were no substantial differences between anal longest contraction time and rectal rest pressure. In addition to general health, there was a substantial improvement in the remaining dimension scores of the SF‐36.ConclusionThe effect of SNS in treating FAP was positive, and the improvement of symptoms was substantial and worthy of clinical promotion.