Abstract
[Objective] We report a case of acupuncture treatment for a patient with fecal incontinence and perianal sensory disturbance after a pelvic fracture. Stool leakage and perianal numbness were successfully improved after the electroacupuncture in the sacral region.
[Patient] A man in his 60s was injured in a traffic accident in May, the X-1 year. He was diagnosed with a pelvic fracture and underwent surgery; however, stool leakage, numbness, and hypesthesia around his anus remained. In April, the X year, he visited our center. He received electroacupuncture treatment once a week, at acupoints BL32, BL33, BL34, and BL35 bilaterally. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Japanese version of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL) were used for evaluation of fecal incontinence. Also, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure numbness.
[Result] The NRS score gradually decreased from 8 to 2 by the 7th treatment. The FIQL also improved from 2.9 to 3.2. The numbness disappeared by the 9th treatment, with improvement of the VAS score from 69 to 0 mm.
[Discussion] Fecal incontinence occurs with dysfunction of the external anal sphincter caused by pudendal nerve disturbance. Electro-acupuncture around the posterior sacral foramen stimulated the posterior branch of the sacral nerve, which might affect the function of the pudendal nerve. Recently, Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy (SNM) has become common for the treatment of fecal incontinence.
[Conclusion] Electroacupuncture therapy is a favorable option for the treatment of fecal incontinence. It can be performed safely and less invasively compared to SNM.
