Short-term clinical and manometric outcomes of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: a large single-centre series

Background Faecal incontinence (FI) is common, with a significant impact on quality of life. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a therapy for FI; however, its role has recently been questioned. Here we report the short-term clinical and manometric outcomes in a large tertiary centre. Methods A retrospective review of a prospective PTNS database was performed, extracting patient-reported FI outcome measures including bowel diary, the St Marks’s Incontinence Score (SMIS) and Manchester Health Questionnaire (MHQ). Successful treatment was > 50% improvement in symptoms, whilst a partial response was 25–50% improvement. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) results before and after PTNS were recorded. Results Data were available from 135 patients [119 (88%) females; median age: 60 years (range: 27–82years)]. Overall, patients reported a reduction in urge FI (2.5–1) and passive FI episodes (2–1.5; p