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Improving the Efficacy of Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Fecal Incontinence by Alteration of Stimulation Parameters

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Fecal Incontinence
Interventions
Device: Medtronic InterStim / InterStim II
Registration Number
NCT01254695
Lead Sponsor
University of Aarhus
Brief Summary

Faecal incontinence is a devastating condition affecting 2,2 to 5 % of the adult population. The magnitude of the problem is probably underestimated. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), has over the last decade given hope to patient failing conservative treatment. Some patient do not have optimal continence after SNS-therapy. This study aims to identify optimal stimulation parameters - that will improve the functional outcome of SNS-therapy thru a double blinded randomized cross-over study.

Detailed Description

Faecal incontinence is a devastating condition affecting daily living and has major influences on quality of life. Faecal incontinence affects 2,2 to 5 % of the adult population. The magnitude of the problem is probably underestimated, because most patients don't discuss this affliction with their general practitioner. A new treatment, SNS has over the last decade given new hope to these patients. But a group of these patients has minor effect of the treatment - despite a satisfactory test-stimulation period. This study aims to identify optimal stimulation parameters that will improve patient continence and quality of life. Four different stimulation parameters will be tested through a double blind, randomized crossover study - standard stimulation parameters (frequency: 14 Hz, pulse width 210 microsec.) will serve as control stimulation.

The study includes five arms that will be tested in a randomized order. Each arm will be tested for four weeks in which the patient fill in bowel habit diaries and standardized questionnaires. The first week in each period will not be evaluated - is serves as a wash-out period.

Before any pacemaker changes anorectal manometry and rectal filling tests will be performed.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
15
Inclusion Criteria
  • Informed Consent
  • Diagnosed with idiopathic faecal incontinence,incontinence with minor (≤60 degrees) sphincteric defects or incontinence following sphincter repair.
  • Medtronic Interstim IPG(pacemaker)implanted for more than 6 months
  • minimum one incontinence episodes pr. week during ongoing SNS-therapy
Exclusion Criteria
  • Colorectal surgery after IPG-implantation
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Anal/perianal pain or discomfort
  • Patients who are not deemed able to follow the planned testing program, including mental illness or mentally unstable patients
  • Medication with known effects on gastrointestinal motility, thyroid disease, diabetes, coeliac, neurological disorders.
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Standard settingsMedtronic InterStim / InterStim IIAmplitude: Sensory threshold Frequency:14 Hz Pulse width 210 μsec
Experimental Setting 1Medtronic InterStim / InterStim IIAmplitude: Sensory threshold Frequency:6.9 Hz Pulse width 210 μsec
Experimental setting 2Medtronic InterStim / InterStim IIAmplitude: Sensory threshold Frequency:31 Hz Pulse width 210 μsec
Experimental setting 3Medtronic InterStim / InterStim IIAmplitude: Sensory threshold Frequency:14 Hz Pulse width 330 μsec
Experimental setting 4Medtronic InterStim / InterStim IIAmplitude: Sensory threshold Frequency:14 Hz Pulse width 90 μsec
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Quality of life changesWill be assessed every four weeks during a twenty-week period

Quality of life will be recorded by means of Rockwood faecal incontinence quality of life score. A total of five evaluations will be made every fourth week in the twenty week protocol perioed.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of incontinence episodesWill be assessed every four weeks durring a twenty-week period

Assess number of incontinence episodes, by means of bowel habit diary. Four week bowel habit diary will be evaluated five times during the twenty-week protocol perioed.

Days with faecal soilingWill be assessed every four weeks during a twenty-week period

By means of a four week bowel habit diary

Days with faecal urgency.Will be assessed every four weeks during a twelve-week period

By means of a four week bowel habit diary

Wexner incontinence scoreWill be assessed every four weeks during a twenty-week period
St. Marks Incontinence scoreWill be assessed every four weeks during a twenty-week period
Assess changes in anorectal volume and pressure with different pacemaker settingsWill be assessed every four weeks during a twenty-week period

Resting, maximal anal sphincter pressure and rectal filling(first sensation, urge to defacate and maximal tolerabel volume(Air))pressure will be measured with different pacemaker settings. In total five evaluations will be made in the twenty week protocol perioed.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

St. Marks Hospital

🇬🇧

London, Harrow - Middlesex, United Kingdom

Anal Physiology Laboratory, Surgical Research Section 900, Aarhus University Hospital

🇩🇰

Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark

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