The articles in this article are not written for diagnosis, diagnosis or treatment purposes. All medical interventions should be performed in a suitable environment under the supervision of a doctor.
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Dorsal Column Stimulation:
Dorsal colon stimulation (DCS) is a treatment method used to treat chronic constipation. In this treatment, the nerves in the dorsal column located at the bottom of the spinal cord are electrically stimulated. These stimulations cause the colon muscles to contract and increase bowel movements. DCS may be an effective treatment option for chronic constipation patients who do not respond to medication or suffer from side effects of medication.
Indications of DCS:
- chronic constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Hirschsprung disease
- spinal cord injury
Contraindications of DCS:
- active infection
- Bleeding clotting disorders
- Pregnancy
- Implants or metallic devices in the spine
- Psychosocial contraindications
DCS Process:
The DCS process is carried out in two stages:
Stage 1: Temporary stimulation: In this stage, stimulation is applied through electrodes temporarily placed under the skin. If the patient’s symptoms improve, he or she is considered a suitable candidate for a permanent implant.
Stage 2: Permanent implant: In the permanent implantation process, a small battery and stimulator are placed under the skin. The cables coming out of the stimulator are connected to electrodes placed on the spinal cord. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1 hour.
Advantages of DCS:
- It is a drug-free treatment method.
- It effectively treats chronic constipation.
- It regulates bowel movements.
- It reduces abdominal pain and bloating.
- It improves the quality of life.
Complications of DCS:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- wound healing problems
- Electrode displacement
- Stimulator malfunction
Post DCS:
After the DCS procedure, patients usually rest for a few hours and can return home the same day. Patients need to keep the wound area clean and watch for signs of infection for several weeks. The doctor may prescribe painkillers and antibiotic medications to patients.
For more information on DCS:
- Turkish Gastroenterology Association
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor for any health problems you have.
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