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Clinical
Trials
The USC Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders offers patients who suffer from fecal incontinence, the opportunity to participate in a research study. The following study is currently taking place:
Interstim Sacral Nerve Stimulation
Clinical
Protocol - The Interstim Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy by Medtronic, Inc. is offered as a multi-center research study looking at the possibility of improving or restoring appropriate bowel function by using electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves.
Patients who have a diagnosis of chronic fecal incontinence that has required treatment for at least six months, and have tried medications and other more conservative treatments that have not helped symptoms of fecal incontinence, may be included in this study.
Medtronic, Inc. has a similar therapy in use in the United States for urinary incontinence. This therapy has demonstrated positive results.
Interstim - Sacral
Nerve Stimulation - The sacral nerves are located in the lower part of the back, and are believed to control bowel function. With this study, researchers hope to learn that stimulating the sacral nerves in the pelvic area will improve or restore appropriate bowel function. To ascertain if a patient
qualifies for participation in this study, patients will complete
"Quality of Life" questionnaires, undergo various tests, and document
bowel function in a "bowel diary." Once it has been determined
that a patient may participate in this clinical trial, a test
stimulation procedure will be applied in two phases. If the patient's condition significantly improved with the test stimulation, surgical implant of a permanent neurostimulator and extension, will take place.
If you are interested in participating in a clinical study, please call our Clinical Assistant at (323) 442-6860.
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