Patient selection and preoperative evaluation for fecal incontinence

Patient selection and preoperative evaluation play a vital role in the application of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) to fecal incontinence (FI). The history and physical should elucidate the nature of the incontinence, including duration, severity, type of leakage, as well as associated pathology (e.g. urinary incontinence, prolapse, etc.). Additionally, the use of a validated incontinence scoring system in obtaining an objective measure is recommended as a way to monitor an individual patient ′s response to treatment over time.
Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research