Rosaria Sacco1, Andrea Braga2, Giulio Disanto1, Giuseppe Alessandro Digesu3, Paolo Maino4, Eva Koetsier5, Giorgio Caccia2, Maurizio Serati2, Julien Renard6, Claudio Gobbi7, Chiara Zecca7. 1. Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, EOC-Beata Vergine Hospital, Mendrisio, Switzerland. 3. Department of Urogynaecology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK. 4. Anestesiologia, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland/Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland. 5. Anestesiologia, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland. 6. Urology, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli-San Giovanni Bellinzona, Bellinzona, Switzerland. 7. Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland/Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bowel dysfunctions (NBDs) in the form of both fecal incontinence (FI) and functional constipation (FC) are frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and significantly affect their quality of life. Therapeutic options are limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in MS patients suffering from FI and FC. METHODS: Prevalence and severity of FI and FC were prospectively collected among MS patients undergoing 12 weeks of PTNS for neurogenic bladder. The Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS) and the Rome III criteria were used to define FI and FC, respectively. Subjective treatment satisfaction was estimated using the Benefit Satisfaction and Willingness to Continue (BSWC) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients undergoing PTNS suffered from NBDs (25 FI+/FC+, 5 FI+/FC-, 30 FI-/FC+). Median CCFIS decreased after PTNS from 12.0 (11.0-13.0) to 8.5 (7.0-11.0, p < 0.001), with particular improvements in liquid and flatal incontinence, pads' need, and lifestyle restrictions. Seven patients became FC free after PTNS and no patients developed FC during the study (p = 0.023). More than 50% of the patients were satisfied and willing to continue PTNS at study end. CONCLUSION: PTNS represents a valid minimally invasive alternative treatment for MS patients suffering from NBDs.
BACKGROUND:Neurogenic bowel dysfunctions (NBDs) in the form of both fecal incontinence (FI) and functional constipation (FC) are frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and significantly affect their quality of life. Therapeutic options are limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in MS patients suffering from FI and FC. METHODS: Prevalence and severity of FI and FC were prospectively collected among MS patients undergoing 12 weeks of PTNS for neurogenic bladder. The Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS) and the Rome III criteria were used to define FI and FC, respectively. Subjective treatment satisfaction was estimated using the Benefit Satisfaction and Willingness to Continue (BSWC) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients undergoing PTNS suffered from NBDs (25 FI+/FC+, 5 FI+/FC-, 30 FI-/FC+). Median CCFIS decreased after PTNS from 12.0 (11.0-13.0) to 8.5 (7.0-11.0, p < 0.001), with particular improvements in liquid and flatal incontinence, pads' need, and lifestyle restrictions. Seven patients became FC free after PTNS and no patients developed FC during the study (p = 0.023). More than 50% of the patients were satisfied and willing to continue PTNS at study end. CONCLUSION:PTNS represents a valid minimally invasive alternative treatment for MS patients suffering from NBDs.