Background and Aims Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established therapy for faecal incontinence (FI). Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a newer, less-invasive treatment. The effectiveness, cost and acceptability of these treatments have not been systematically compared. Methods A systematic review of neuromodulation interventions for FI and an investigator-blinded, randomised pilot trial of PTNS vs. SNS including parallel quantitative (clinical outcomes and cost) and qualitative studies. Results The systematic review determined on intention-to-treat, the median success rates for SNS were 63% (range 33-66%), 58% (range 52-81%) and 54% (range 50-58%) in the short, medium and long terms respectively. The success rate for PTNS was 59% at 12 months. In the pilot trial: 40 patients (39 female; mean age 59 years) met eligibility criteria. As designed, 23 were randomised to receive SNS and 17 PTNS. 15 patients progressed to permanent SNS implantation and 16 patients received a full course of PTNS. Within group effect sizes were marginally greater for SNS than PTNS on available case analysis. FI episodes per week at baseline, 3 months and 6 months follow-up: SNS median 5.75 (IQR 5.75-15.5 ) [mean 11.4 (SD 12.0)], 2.5 (2-4.5) [4.0 (4.0)], 1.75 (1.5-5) [4.9 (6.9)], vs. PTNS median 6.5 (IQR 2.5- 16.5) [mean 10.6 (SD 11.2)], 3.5 (0.75-7.25) [5.8 (6.9)], 2.5 (0.75-10.75) [6.3 (6.9)]. At least 50% improvement in FI episodes per week at 6 months: SNS 61% vs. PTNS 47%. Effect estimates for SNS with chronic implanted stimulation were larger (67% at 6 months). Clinical FI scores and quality of life improvements complemented these results. Qualitative analysis demonstrated a very high acceptability and safety profile for both treatments. Total costs were £2,906 (SD £122) per patient for PTNS and £12,748 (SD £4,175) for SNS. Conclusions Definitive trial data between SNS or PTNS is lacking. This RCT pilot study determined that in the short-term, SNS confers a small clinical benefit over PTNS for FI but is much more expensive.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:765835 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Thin, Noel N. K. S. |
| Publisher | Queen Mary, University of London |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/24248 |
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