What is PNE?
Fecal incontinence can bring urgency, unexpected accidents, and a significant emotional burden that has a negative effect on one’s quality of life. Sacral nerve stimulation can be life-changing for individuals struggling with fecal incontinence. To help determine whether sacral nerve stimulation can provide meaningful relief, most patients first undergo a peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) trial before receiving a permanent implant. This short, outpatient procedure allows you to “test-drive” the therapy in a simple and low-risk way. During the trial, two small, thin wires are gently placed near the nerves in your lower back that help control bowel function. The wire connects to a temporary external device that sends mild electrical signals to these nerves. Most patients find the process surprisingly easy. Over the next few days, you continue your normal activities while tracking your symptoms to see how much your control improves. If the PNE trial is successful, it provides reassurance that a permanent implant is likely to offer long-term improvement in both symptoms and quality of life. The PNE procedure is performed at our outpatient facility, Midwest Endoscopy Center, and patients can return home the same day. Sacral nerve stimulation can be life-changing for individuals struggling with incontinence. A PNE test is the first step in determining if this treatment is right for you.
Image courtesy of UMass Memorial Health
Reference: https://www.ummhealth.org/health-library/understanding-pne-testing-for-sacral-nerve-stimulation