Minimally invasive electrical stimulation for treatment of fecal and urinary incontinence: scientific background and clinical applications

Lower urinary tract disorders and colorectal diseases like faecal incontinence often are caused by neurological disorders. One solution is functional restoration via the pathways of the nervous system by electrical stimulation of the involved nervous tracts. New basic and clinical research suggest that peripheral and more superficial techniques can successfully applied to correct functional urogenital and anorectal disorders. These new techniques allow more general applicability. This workshop provide the basic science that creates the foundation for electrical stimulation. Latest non-invasive and minimal invasive techniques and results are presented. The aim is to provide insight in basic and clinical electrophysiological mechanisms of electrical stimulation. The objectives are: to understand the basics of electrical stimulation with emphasis on neuroplasticity and therapeutic stimulation; to realise that electrical stimulation can be applied in various forms; to have knowledge about different types of stimulation in clinical practice and be able to appreciate the efficacy.