title: The influence of sacral nerve stimulation on anorectal dysfunction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has become an established option in the management of defaecatory disorders. There are many data on the end-organ effects of SNS, but limited consensus on its mechanism of action. The objective of this review was to determine the effect of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on anorectal function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic literature review of the effect of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on anorectal function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was significant heterogeneity of data pertaining to the effects of SNS on anorectal function, with no consistent change in physiological measures identified. Most data supported a mixed mechanism of action on anal motor and rectal sensory functioning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To date, conflicting data exist on the mechanism of action of SNS as determined by end-organ changes in anorectal physiology. Nevertheless, the data as they stand best support a mixed mechanism of action on anal motor and rectal sensory functions.
authors.affiliation: Academic Surgical Unit, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Blizard Institute of Cellular and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University London, London, UK.
authors.forename: E V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Carrington
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Knowles
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus; D012007:Rectum / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*