title: [Sacral neuromodulation in fecal incontinence. A pilot prospective experience in Argentina].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anal incontinence is a severe physical and emotional condition that affects quality of life. Its treatment with neuromodulation, that consists in sacral roots electrical stimulation, has became a therapeutic option.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to present the surgical technique and the first prospective experience in neuromodulation for fecal incontinence in Argentina.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four females with severe fecal incontinence (mean score 17/20) were included. Anorectal physiology testing and anal ultrasound were performed before surgery. Due to failed medical treatment and the presence of an intact anal sphincter, sacral neuromodulation was indicated. After temporary sacral nerve evaluation, definitive neuromodulator was implanted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 13 months the incontinence score and the number of weekly escapes decrese from 17/20 to 1.7/20 (p = 0.059) and from 62 to 0.2 (p = 0.059). Quality of life scores also improves but not statiscally significative.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sacral neuromodulation in fecal incontinence is useful. It is effective in patients who had failed maximum conservative therapies with the advantage of testing before definitive.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Coloproctología, Departamento de Cirugía, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Av. Caseros 2061 (1264) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. miguelumi@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Carlos M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lumi
authors.forename: Juan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.forename: Luciana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: La Rosa
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome