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

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 15 Dec 2008