Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Anal Incontinence and Bowel Control

140 patients (7 study groups, up to 20 implanted patients per study group)

Fecal Incontinence groups:

Main Inclusion Criteria:

• Fecal incontinence (defined as incontinence to solid or liquid stool > 1 / week);
• Failed biofeedback or medical therapy;

Groups 1 - 5 patients with:

• Group 1) Circumferentially intact external anal sphincter, no previous surgery;
• Group 2) Circumferentially intact external anal sphincter after surgical repair;
• Group 3) Rectal prolapse repaired with a rectopexy;
• Group 4) Spinal injury including disc prolapse;
• Group 5) Sigmoid or partial rectal resection with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis

Constipation groups:

Main Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic constipation (defined as </= 2 weekly bowel movements; and/or >25% of bowel movements required straining; and/or >25% of bowel movements patient did not feel empty afterwards) with symptoms more than 1 year
• Failed biofeedback or medical therapy;

Groups 6 - 7 patients with:

• Group 6) Idiopathic slow transit constipation as proven on colonic transit studies;
• Group 7) Normal colonic transit studies but chronic constipation due to either pelvic floor dysfunction or disordered defecation.