✦ NERVE STIMULATION IMPLANT

Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)

Q: How does SNM improve bowel control?

SNM modulates the neural circuits between the sacral nerves, the anal sphincter, and the rectum - improving both sphincter resting tone and the conscious ability to defer defecation. It works at the nerve level rather than mechanically repairing the sphincter.

Q: Am I a candidate for SNM for faecal incontinence in Hyderabad?

SNM is indicated for faecal incontinence due to neurogenic or idiopathic causes with intact or moderately damaged sphincter anatomy. Dr. Samhitha assesses candidacy with anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Q: What happens if SNM does not work enough?

If the trial phase does not achieve >50% improvement, the temporary lead is removed and alternative treatments are discussed. Less than 5% of patients experience complications from the temporary trial.

Q: Is SNM for faecal incontinence available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad?

Yes - Dr. Samhitha Reddy offers the complete SNM programme including trial stimulation and permanent implant at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

An implanted device delivers gentle electrical pulses to sacral nerves controlling the bowel and sphincter - achieving 60-80% significant improvement in faecal incontinence. Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

60-80% SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT

Reversible DEVICE REMOVABLE

Trial Phase BEFORE PERMANENT

Refractory CASES

What is Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)?

Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) involves implanting a small device that delivers mild, controlled electrical stimulation to the S3 sacral nerve root via a percutaneous electrode - modulating neural signalling between the sacral nerves, the bowel, and the sphincter complex. This improves sphincter tone, rectal sensation, and coordinated muscle function. Dr. Samhitha Reddy offers SNM at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for patients with faecal incontinence that has not responded to conservative measures. As part of the fecal incontinence treatment in Hyderabad programme, it is performed in two stages - a test stimulation phase followed by permanent implant placement if >50% improvement is demonstrated.

SNM is a staged procedure - a percutaneous nerve evaluation trial is performed first to confirm efficacy before permanent implant placement. Patients who do not achieve >50% improvement in the trial phase do not proceed to permanent implantation.

How the Procedure Works

Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation (Trial Phase)

A temporary lead is placed at S3 foramen under local anaesthesia. The patient wears a small external stimulator for 2-4 weeks. Bowel diary and incontinence episodes are recorded.

Response Assessment

If >50% improvement is documented during the trial, the patient proceeds to permanent implant placement.

Permanent Lead Placement

Under brief general or spinal anaesthesia, a permanent tined lead is placed at S3 foramen under fluoroscopic guidance - confirming optimal stimulation response.

Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG)

The IPG (battery device) is implanted subcutaneously in the upper buttock and connected to the lead. Programming is adjusted to optimal stimulation parameters.

Post-operative Programming

The device is programmed in the outpatient setting. Parameters are adjusted at follow-up visits to optimise continence improvement. Battery lasts 5-10 years.

Outcomes

60-80%SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT

ReversibleDEVICE REMOVABLE

Trial PhaseBEFORE PERMANENT

RefractoryCASES

Who Needs This Treatment?

→60-80% of patients achieve significant reduction in faecal incontinence episodes
→Reversible - device can be reprogrammed or removed if needed
→Minimally invasive - no muscle repair or rectal manipulation
→Test phase before permanent implant - proceeds only if proven to work
→Effective for neurogenic and idiopathic incontinence with intact sphincter anatomy
→Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad with specialist programming support

Sacral neuromodulation is a transformative treatment for faecal incontinence. The ability to test the device before committing to permanent implantation - and the remarkable quality-of-life improvement that follows successful stimulation - makes it one of the most patient-centred interventions in colorectal surgery.

— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

How does SNM improve bowel control?+

Am I a candidate for SNM for faecal incontinence in Hyderabad?+

What happens if SNM does not work enough?+

Is SNM for faecal incontinence available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Samhitha Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

WhatsApp Us ← Back to Treatments