Factors Your Doctor May Consider – Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Your doctor will help you to determine if sacral nerve stimulation is right for you. This treatment is designed to reduce bowel control problems for people who suffer faecal incontinence, including the leakage of gas, liquid or solid stools.

Sacral nerve stimulation may be an option for people who have failed or could not tolerate other treatments.

Trial Assessment

The potential benefit of sacral nerve stimulation for you can be demonstrated with a trial assessment. This procedure uses an external stimulator and test lead system that can be placed during a procedure in theatre.

Throughout the trial assessment period, you will keep track of your faecal symptoms in a special diary. If your symptoms are significantly reduced or eliminated during the testing period, you may benefit from long-term use of sacral nerve stimulation.

Will It Eliminate Your Symptoms?

The results of sacral nerve stimulation vary from person to person. This treatment option is not a cure for bowel control problems but it may help relieve your symptoms.

Next: Your Healthcare Team

Your Healthcare Team

As you begin the diagnosis and treatment of your bowel control problem, you will meet a variety of medical professionals who are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care to relieve your symptoms. Be sure to talk candidly with your health care provider about your symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment concerns.

Colorectal Surgeon

This doctor is a surgeon specialising in diseases of the male and female bowel, including the small and large colon and anal canal.

Gynaecologist

This doctor specialises in women's general health, including care of reproductive organs, breasts, sexual function, and hormonal disorders. Gynaecologists also treat pelvic organ and bowel problems.

Urogynaecologist

This doctor is a gynaecologist specialising in diseases of the female urinary tract and pelvic reconstructive surgery. These doctors will also treat prolapse and incontinence.

Stomal Therapy Nurse/Continence Nurse

Bowel tests are usually conducted by nurses specialising in stomal therapy or incontinence. These tests are diagnostic procedures used to evaluate your bowel function. The results of these tests will help your doctor decide which treatment is most appropriate for you.

Nurse

The nurse works closely with your doctor. This expert may work with you on treatments such as Kegel exercises, diet modification, or biofeedback. This nurse will be a key contact for many of your initial questions.

Physiotherapist

Your doctor may prescribe physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor rehabilitation may include pelvic floor stimulation and biofeedback-guided pelvic floor exercises, used alone or in combination.

Next: Surgery: What to Expect

Surgery: What to Expect – Implanting the Neurostimulator

Before the Procedure

Patient instructions differ among doctors. It’s important to follow all your doctor's instructions carefully.

Next: Daily Living