Adverse events of sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence reported to the federal drug administration

Core Tip

Core tip: Sacral neuromodulation can improve fecal incontinence refractory to other treatments. However, adverse events are very common and often require additional operations. Many of the reported patient concerns surface early after stimulator implantation, respond to changes in stimulation parameters and may thus be considered a part of the routine maintenance of this treatment modality. Nonetheless, rates of surgical re-interventions are high and increase over time. Physicians counseling patients about this treatment for fecal incontinence should emphasize the likely need for such secondary surgeries and consider emerging non-invasive treatment options. In addition, prospective studies should compare less invasive paradigms, such as transcutaneous stimulation, with permanently implanted devices to more clearly define their differential impact.