Long-Term Outcome of Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Functional Non-Retentive Fecal Incontinence in Children.

Abstract

Background: Functional non-retentive fecal incontinence (FNRFI) is a psychologically upsetting and embarrassing issue and affects children's quality of life negatively.

Aim of this study: Evaluation of the short and long-term effect of Bilateral transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (BTPTNS) in the treatment of FNRFI in children and its impact on the quality of life (QoL). Methodology: The current randomized controlled study included 94 Children with FNRFI who were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received BTPTNS and Group B Received Sham BTPTNS. Follow-up was planned for 24 months for manometric findings, incontinence score, Incontinence episodes, and the QoL.

Results: The incontinence score was significantly decreases in Group A more than what was reported in Group B at 6, 12, 24 months follow up . In group A 53.2% of the included children who received BTPTNS showed a decrease in the incontinence episodes more than 75% and among them, 23.4% were fully continent. All the QoL domains were significantly improved in Group A after 6, 12, and 24 months when compared with Group B.

Conclusion: BTPTNS can be a good modality in the treatment of FNRFI with favorable long-term maintenance of its effect together with a remarkable positive impact on all domains of QoL.