Letter: non‐invasive transabdominal stimulation device for the treatment of chronic constipation—proof‐of‐principle study in adults. Authors’ reply

Abstract

Nearly half of patients with chronic constipation are dissatisfied with traditional treatment options. 1 Our review article on constipation disorders briefly mentioned sacral nerve stimulation(SNS). 2 We commend Talley et al on their efforts in expanding treatment options for constipation. 3 They describe their promising experience using a non-invasive TENS device in a proof-of-principle study by treating 20 patients with chronic constipation. They found significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life, using an 8-electrode belt that delivers high-frequency, low-intensity stimulation on the abdomen, daily for 16 weeks. Only 12/20 (60%) subjects completed the study and it is unclear whether subjects were lost to follow-up or had issues with device tolerability. Nonetheless, we are encouraged by their results and look forward to future sham-controlled, randomised studies that evaluate efficacy with the FDA-endpoint of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week.

Step on the accelerator: modern treatment of constipation

“…3). A proof-of-concept study using a tailored TENS device demonstrated improvements in symptoms and quality of life, although completion rates were low and device tolerability might be an issue [32,33]. Transabdominal interferential electrical stimulation, a varied form of TENS therapy, also demonstrated improved bowel pattern compared with sham stimulation in women with refractory constipation [34].…”