Long-term follow-up of patients with sacral anterior root stimulator implants.
The first 50 patients to receive a sacral anterior root stimulator for bladder control were reviewed by questionnaire in mid-1989. At that time, the follow-up period varied from 5 to 11 years, and 48 of the group were alive; 2 had died from unrelated causes. Forty-one used their implants regularly for micturition and of these, 37 were always or usually continent. Twenty-nine reported no symptomatic urinary infections in the previous year, and only 4 had 3 infections or more. Twenty-seven used their implant to assist defaecation, and 13 of 32 male users reported full implant-driven erections. Side effects are minor, except for stimulus evoked pain sensation, which prevents use of the implant in 3 of the 7 non-users. Two of the other non-users were awaiting repair of their implant faults.
Brindley
G S
GS
MRC Neurological Prostheses Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
Rushton
D N
DN
D003672:Defecation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000473:pathology; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology