Transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: effects on symptoms and quality of life

Faecal incontinence is a disabling symptom which may be particularly difficult to treat. Recent studies showed that transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation may improve faecal continence. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique and tried to individualize predictive factors of success. Twenty-four patients suffering from faecal incontinence were treated 20 min per day by applying transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation for 3 months. A clinical evaluation was performed at the end of treatment, with Wexner's score and analogical scales for symptoms. After 3 months, if the treatment was successful, patients were proposed to continue on the treatment. Predictive factors such as age, symptom duration, proctologic history, obstetrical history, ano-rectal manometric data and quality-of-life score were also analysed. At 3 months, 13 patients (54%) reported a significant symptomatic improvement with a significant modification in the Wexner's score (14 vs 12, p < 0.025). At a median follow-up of 15 months, there were still 11 patients whose condition was improved. This study shows encouraging mid-term results, and even if further randomized studies are necessary, transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation may be a new and easy-to-use therapeutic option to treat faecal incontinence.