Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Constipation?

The sacral nerves, labeled S-1 through S-5, emerge low down from the backbone just above the coccyx, or tail bone. They supply the bladder, rectum, and genitalia. Sacral nerve stimulation, which involves surgical placement of a small electrode in the sacral area, is used to control urinary incontinence; a device similar to a pacemaker sends small continuous impulses to the selected nerve. This treatment is approved by the FDA.

Dr T Dudding of St Mark’s Hospital, London , presented results of a study of sacral nerve stimulation in refractory constipation at a scientific meeting in UK . 65 patients (58 of them were women) who had failed treatment with laxatives and biofeedback were treated for 21 days. Using a temporary device worn on a belt, 2/3 of them had a 50% or greater improvement in symptoms. Those who responded with a positive result were given a permanent device implanted under the skin. After 12 months, the frequency of bowel movements almost doubled, the time spent on the toilet was halved, and pain decreased by half. On the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score, the average fell from 18 at baseline to 10.2 at follow-up.

These results are impressive, and offer hope to many sufferers. However, it may take some time for the method to be approved by the FDA for use in the USA .