To assess the clinical efficacy of sacral neuromodulation(SNM)in patients with intractable constipation.

A total of 12 patients with intractable constipation were treated with pereutaneous test stimulation of the sacral nerve root and were assessed by sacral nerve stimulation system, Then the clinical efficacy was assessed by the bowel habit diary, the clinic constipation scores, subjective questionnaire and clinical signs.

The symptoms of constipation were improved significantly in 11 patients.The frequency and volume of defecation per week increased obviously.Of these 10 patients, permanent implantation of the SNM system was implemented.After a median of 7.8 months(1~20 months)follow-up, defecation frequency increased from(0.80±0.42)to(8.10±2.47)evacuations per week(P<0.01). There was a decrease in time spent toileting from(21.10±10.06)to(3.70±0.67)mins(P<0.01). Cleveland clinic constipation score decreased from(21.10±4.99)to(8.90±0.88)(P<0.01). Visual analogue scale(VAS)score increased from(9.90±3.28)to(84.10±4.63)(P<0.01).

SNM is a clinically efficacious, reversible, minimal invasive and safe technique, and it offers an alternative treatment for the patients with intractable constipation resistant to conservative treatment.