A New Implantation Method for Sacral Neuromodulation Electrodes in the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence. Concept and Practice

摘要

Sacral neuromodulation is a therapy technique used in the treatment of bowel function disorders. The correct positioning of the stimulation electrode in contact with the nerve of interest is essential to therapeutic success, not only during the testing, but also in the long term. The benefit of using a specific curved electrode (Interstim 3889?) using a specific guidewire has been recently demonstrated. This change in device and implantation technique has enabled functional and electrophysiological results to be obtained that are superior to those achieved with the procedure used previously with the Interstim 3093? electrode, with a more frequently positive response to the test phase, a wider choice of stimulation parameters at lower voltages, thus extending the potential life expectancy of the neurostimulator. The surgical implantation technique itself has changed and requires specific precautions to be taken and very precise radiological controls to be carried out that will be described in this paper.