The short-term efficacy of Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) in patients with neurological constipation.
Durham University, Award: £31,750, Date of Award: 13 Feb 08
Introduction: Patients with spinal disease often suffer from constipation. Routine treatments are usually ineffective leading to a reduced quality of life. SNS offers a minimally invasive and safe alternative in such situations but there have been no studies on its efficacy yet.
Hypothesis: Patients suffering from refractory neuro-constipation will benefit from SNS.
Methods: 30 patients with refractory neuro-constipation recruited to twelve week within-group study. The study will include data collection during three phases of study using diary cards, self-administered questionnaires, transit times and laser doppler flowcytometry. As the study is uncontrolled and unblinded, transit time and laser doppler flowcytometry will provide important physiological evidence about the efficacy.
Conclusion: This study will provide valuable information regarding the role of SNS in these patients and its application in clinical practice. As a proof of concept study it will award impetus for future research projects involving the use of SNS in neurological constipation.