A prospective multicentre study to investigate percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence.

Aim Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimal invasive treatment that can be performed in the outpatient clinic. This is a pilot study to investigate PTNS in the treatment of faecal incontinence.

Method Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation was performed by insertion of a needle electrode near the posterior tibial nerve. Patients were treated twice a week. Evaluation of faecal incontinence and quality of life was performed at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Quality of life was estimated using SF-36 and FIQL questionnaires.

Results A total of 22 patients were included. The mean age was 60.4 +/- 11.7 years. After 6 weeks, 18 continued the treatment; 13 patients had a > 50% decrease in incontinence episodes. Overall incontinence episodes fell from 19.6 +/- 21.0 at baseline to 9.9 +/- 15.5 (P = 0.082) at 6 weeks and to 3.6 +/- 4.8 (P = 0.029) at 1 year. Postponement time and quality of life increased significantly during follow up.

Conclusion Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is simple and can be used in the outpatient setting. Good results can be obtained and sustained during maintenance treatment.