Sometimes colorectal cancer surgery results in fecal incontinence, the inability to fully control defecation. An article in the Archives of Surgery this week discussed an emerging treatment for the condition: sacral nerve stimulation. (The sacral nerves are at the base of your spine.)
The researchers' conclusion was that sacral nerve stimulation is a safe and effective treatment that significantly improves patients' quality of life. So, if fecal incontinence is an issue for you, you might want to discuss this treatment option with your doctor.
Source: Hetzer, F. and Hahnloser, D. "Quality of Life and Morbidity After Permanent Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Fecal Incontinence." Archives of Surgery 142.1 (Jan. 2007): 8-13. Accessed 18 Jan. 2007 [http://archsurg.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/142/1/8?etoc].
