Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society
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Neurogastroenterol. Motil. · Nov 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialSacral nerve stimulation changes rectal sensitivity and biomechanical properties in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in selected patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The mechanisms of action, however, remain unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of SNS on rectal sensitivity and biomechanical properties in patients with IBS. ⋯ SNS for diarrhea-predominant and mixed IBS relaxes the rectal wall, while making it more sensitive to stretch and less sensitive to cold. Reduced wall stiffness and increased sensitivity to stretch are associated with improved GSRS-IBS symptom score.