Abstract

Bowel incontinence has a profound negative effect on the quality of life, regardless of the severity of symptoms. It is not uncommon that patients suffering from BI are unable to leave their homes or work. A large part of patients suffering from BI are women with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury. Since its 2010 sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has become the method of choice for treating patients with bowel incontinence refractory to conservative treatment. SNM is a relatively small risk procedure. The procedure entails implantation of an electrode adjacent to the sacral
nerve root, which is followed by a test period. If patients experience 50% reduction in BI episodes, a permanent SNM may be implanted. Preliminary results in Estonia, with a limited patient population have been successful, with patients having returned to normal daily activities.