Long-term follow-up of patients with sacral anterior root stimulator implants

Abstract

SummaryThe first 50 patients to receive a sacral anterior root stimulator for bladder control were reviewed by questionnaire in mid-1989. At that time, the follow-up period varied from 5 to 11 years, and 48 of the group were alive; 2 had died from unrelated causes. Forty-one used their implants regularly for micturition and of these, 37 were always or usually continent. Twenty-nine reported no symptomatic urinary infections in the previous year, and only 4 had 3 infections or more. Twenty-seven used their implant to assist defaeca tion, and 13 of 32 male users reported full implant-driven erections.Side effects are minor, except for stimulus evoked pain sensation, which prevents use of the implant in 3 of the 7 non-users. Two of the other non-users were awaiting repair of their implant faults.

Interface pressure and cutaneous hemoglobin and oxygenation changes under ischial tuberosities during sacral nerve root stimulation in spinal cord injury

“…Although all implantable devices have potential risks, the SARS implant has the advantages of providing bladder management. Our experience, and that of others who have used implantable devices such as the Finetech-Brindley SARS, is that the SARS implant can offer many years of bladder and bowel management [26][27][41][42]. The SARS implant has also proven to be very cost-effective.…”

“…Sacral electrical stimulation was applied bilaterally in the subjects through an implanted Finetech-Brindley (Finetech Medical Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom) SARS implant (currently used for bladder emptying [25][26][27]). Before the experiment, subjects were asked to empty their bladders and bowels.…”

Sacral Nerve Stimulation: Neuromodulation for Voiding Dysfunction and Pain

“…In a study of 50 patients followed for 5-11 years, 41 continued to use the implant and 37 were generally continent; some benefit in regards to bowel and sexual function was noted, as well. 49,50 Pain The device currently marketed for transforaminal sacral nerve root stimulation to treat voiding dysfunction (InterStim; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) is not specifically indicated for treatment of pelvic pain. Although Hohenfellner et al 51 reported that pain is less likely to respond to sacral nerve root modulation, a number of publications attest to the ability of such stimulation to relieve pain, as well as relieving voiding symptoms in pelvic pain patients treated for coincident voiding dysfunction.…”

Results of the Treatment of Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury by Sacral Posterior Root Rhizotomy and Anterior Sacral Root Stimulation

“…Based on the long-term results of this initial series we may expect favorable long term results after activation of the bladder succeeds. 25 The perm anent loss of activation of the bladder after 5 days in a 57-year-old patient m ay indicate that the sacral nerves in older patients may be more prone to intraoperative damage and have a more limited recovery. Further experience in older patients will allow the evaluation of whether patient age is im portant in the selection of candidates for this form of treatm ent.…”