Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) – faecal retention (not routinely commissioned)

For the treatment of

Chronic constipation 

Commissioning position

This intervention is not commissioned and therefore should not be routinely offered to patients. Application for funding approval can be made, using the IFR process, by the clinician recommending the intervention, if their assessment is that there are exceptional reasons why their patient could benefit from it. 

Summary of rationale

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is well established for pelvic urinary indications and for the treatment of faecal incontinence when conservative measures have failed. Its role in the management of chronic constipation (CC) has been studied since 2001. 

 

Evidence supporting sacral nerve stimulation for constipation is either derived from poor quality studies or when methodologically robust trials have reported they have all urged caution about its use. 

References

Sacral nerve stimulation for treating faecal incontinence and constipation in adults | Cochrane

AGEB - AGEB Article

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations

Associated Pathways

There are no associated pathways.

Specialties

Gastroenterology Hull Gastroenterology East Riding Gastroenterology North Lincolnshire Gastroenterology North East Lincolnshire Gastroenterology & Hepatology York Gastroenterology & Hepatology North Yorkshire

Places covered by

  • east-riding
  • hull
  • north-east-lincolnshire
  • north-lincolnshire
  • north-yorkshire
  • vale-of-york
Author:
Date created: 12/06/2025, 10:21
Last modified: 15/07/2025, 15:14
Date of review: 2027. 10. 31.