Aim: This report summarizes the current evidence on the effectiveness and safety of sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence.

Method: Seven publications were identified and analyzed: five reviews, a meta-analysis und a study with randomized and controlled design.

Result: The analyzed literature concludes that sacral nerve stimulation seems to be effective and safe for a selected group of patients. However, the poor study design means that results are subject to considerable uncertainty and new studies could have an impact on the estimated effect.