Assessment of Dorsal Genital Nerve Stimulation for Fecal Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to summarize the current evidence regarding the role of dorsal genital nerve stimulation (DGNS) in the management of fecal incontinence (FI).

Patients and Methods

This study was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was performed (Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CORE, medRxiv Repository, SciELO, AJOL, and Google Scholar) to identify and retrieve the eligible studies. The last search date was 13/12/2025. The primary endpoint was the pooled complication rate of DGNS in patients with FI. Both prospective and retrospective studies were considered. Quality evaluation was performed via the ROBINS-I tool.

Results

Overall, 6 non-randomized studies and 90 patients were included. The overall complication rate was 1.9% (95% CI: −1.1%, 4.9%; I² = 0%; P = .213). Α post-interventional improvement of the anal resting pressure (MD: 11.6; 95% CI: 6.5, 16.79; I² = 0%; P < .001) and anal squeeze pressure (MD: 35.3; 95% CI: 17.24, 53.33; I² = 0%; P < .001) was confirmed. The application of ROBINS-I tool resulted in all studies being graded as high-risk of bias.

Conclusions

We emphasize the need for prospective randomized controlled trials to determine the exact role of DGNS in the management of FI.