Effectiveness and Safety of Sacral Neuromodulation in Patients With Idiopathic Slow-transit Constipation

"SNM starts with a screening phase. In this phase a tined lead is inserted into the third sacral foramen and attached to an external stimulator, after which the patient enters a four-week stimulation test period.~If the screening phase is successful (defecation frequency (DF) ≥3 a week), the external stimulator is changed for a pacemaker that is implanted in the buttocks. If the screening phase is unsuccessful (DF \<3 a week), the lead is explanted. Patients are asked to limit the use of additional conservative treatments for constipation (such as laxatives and colonic irrigation) to what is necessary to relieve (the most severe) complaints. What is necessary to relieve complaints is determined by the patient."