Outcomes and efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging-compatible sacral nerve stimulator for management of fecal incontinence: A multi-institutional study

Authors

Binit Katuwal, Department of Surgery, Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Southfield, MI 48075, United States.
Amy Thorsen, Department of Colon and Rectal surgery, Alina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN 55407, United States.
Kunal Kochar, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow
Ryba Bhullar, Volunteer Student, Department of Research, Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI 48075, United States.
Ray King, Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, United States.
Ernesto Raul Drelichman, General and Colorectal Surgery, Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Southfield, MI 48075, United States.
Vijay K. Mittal, Department of Surgery, Department of Medical Education, Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Southfield, MI 48075, United States.
Jasneet Singh Bhullar, General and Colorectal Surgery, Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Southfield, MI 48075, United States. drjsbhullar@gmail.com.

Recommended Citation

Katuwal B, Thorsen A, Kochar K, et al. Outcomes and efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging-compatible sacral nerve stimulator for management of fecal incontinence: A multi-institutional study. World J Radiol. 2024;16(2):32-39. doi:10.4329/wjr.v16.i2.32

Abstract

Background:Fecal incontinence (FI) is an involuntary passage of fecal matter which can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Many modalities of treatment exist for FI. Sacral nerve stimulation is a well-established treatment for FI. Given the increased need of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnostics, the InterStim which was previously used in sacral nerve stimulation was limited by MRI incompatibility. Medtronic MRI-compatible InterStim was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in August 2020 and has been widely used.

Aim:To evaluate the efficacy, outcomes and complications of the MRI-compatible InterStim.

Methods:Data of patients who underwent MRI-compatible Medtronic InterStim placement at UPMC Williamsport, University of Minnesota, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and University of Wisconsin-Madison was pooled and analyzed. Patient demographics, clinical features, surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology(STROBE) cross-sectional reporting guidelines were used.

Results:Seventy-three patients had the InterStim implanted. The mean age was 63.29 ± 12.2 years. Fifty-seven (78.1%) patients were females and forty-two (57.5%) patients had diabetes. In addition to incontinence, overlapping symptoms included diarrhea (23.3%), fecal urgency (58.9%), and urinary incontinence (28.8%). Fifteen (20.5%) patients underwent Peripheral Nerve Evaluation before proceeding to definite implant placement. Thirty-two (43.8%) patients underwent rechargeable InterStim placement. Three (4.1%) patients needed removal of the implant. Migration of the external lead connection was observed in 7 (9.6%) patients after the stage I procedure. The explanation for one patient was due to infection. Seven (9.6%) patients had other complications like nerve pain, hematoma, infection, lead fracture, and bleeding. The mean follow-up was 6.62 ± 3.5 mo. Sixty-eight (93.2%) patients reported significant improvement of symptoms on follow-up evaluation.

Conclusion:This study shows promising results with significant symptom improvement, good efficacy and good patient outcomes with low complication rates while using MRI compatible InterStim for FI. Further long-term follow-up and future studies with a larger patient population is recommended.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

38455883