Sacral neuromodulation for constipation and fecal incontinence in children

Sacral neuromodulation has become an established treatment option for adults with fecal incontinence, but has only been applied to children with defecatory disorders over the past decade. Unlike in adults, the primary cause of fecal incontinence in children is poorly controlled constipation. There is growing evidence that sacral neuromodulation can be effective in the treatment of children with both constipation and fecal incontinence refractory to conventional treatment, and sacral nerve stimulation appears to be a promising treatment for a population of children with limited treatment options and debilitating symptoms. However, both experience with this treatment modality and the quality of evidence for its use remain limited. Given the relatively high complication rate associated with sacral nerve stimulation, further research is needed before more widespread acceptance of this treatment in the management of children with refractory constipation and fecal incontinence.