SynthesisPhysiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy2026
Effects of Tibial Nerve Electrostimulation in Patients With Fecal Incontinence: A Systematic Review.
Synthesis in Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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7 authors.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND
objectiveFecal incontinence (FI) is a condition characterized by the involuntary loss of stool, resulting from the inability to control the sphincter and neuromuscular mechanisms responsible for continence. Percutaneous electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve (posterior tibial nerve stimulation-PTNS) has been used as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of FI. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy.
methodsA systematic review was conducted according to the recommendations and criteria described in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Guide to Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) items and in the Cochrane Manual. Experimental studies that evaluated the effects of posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation in adult patients with fecal incontinence were included. Case reports, literature reviews, and gray literature were excluded. The search was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Regional Portal of the VHL, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases.
resultsSeventeen studies were included, totaling 1248 participants. The average duration of treatment protocols was 12 weeks, with predominantly weekly interventions. The most frequently used stimulation parameters included frequencies between 10 and 20 Hz and pulse widths of 200 μs. DISCUSSION: Most studies demonstrated a reduction of 50% or more in fecal incontinence episodes, as well as significant improvement in severity scores and quality of life. Randomized clinical trials presented a low risk of bias, while some observational studies demonstrated methodological limitations. PTNS is a minimally invasive intervention with a favorable safety profile and potential clinical applicability.
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