Using sacral nerve modulation to improve continence and quality of life in patients suffering from low anterior resection syndrome

Background Sphincter preserving surgery for the treatment of rectal cancer is very often feasible, avoiding a permanent colostomy. It is well recognized that a large proportion of patients will experience altered bowel habit following low anterior resection (LAR). Faecal incontinence is a common symptom associated with LAR syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long‐term improvement in continence and quality of life (QoL) in LAR patients treated with sacral nerve modulation. Methods Patients with ongoing faecal incontinence for >1 year after reversal of diverting ileostomy post ultra‐LAR were selected for the study. Eligible patients underwent sacral nerve modulator implantation as a two‐stage procedure. Bowel diaries and the Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score were used to measure faecal incontinence and QoL. Results Twelve patients underwent permanent implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator. Median follow‐up was 34 months (interquartile range (IQR) 20.25–62.5 months). The median improvement in faecal incontinence was 90% (IQR 76.25–98.75%) and the median improvement in patient QoL was 80% (IQR 71.25–93.75%). Patients who had previously been treated with biofeedback showed a median improvement in incontinence of 75% compared to 90% which was found in patients who had not had prior biofeedback treatment. The mean percentage improvement in patients with an internal anal sphincter defect was 80% compared to 90% seen in patients with an intact sphincter. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that sacral nerve modulation should be more widely considered as an effective treatment strategy for patients with faecal incontinence following LAR.