SNS does this by inserting electrodes in the lower back just above the tailbone and connecting them to an implanted electrical stimulator which is buried in the buttock and acts a bit like a heart pacemaker. SNS is a relatively well-established treatment in specialist centres, which has been used for over 10 years. It has been shown in studies to be successful for faecal incontinence achieving some improvement in at least three quarters of patients. In Europe, this procedure is fast becoming first treatment offered when non-surgical treatments fail. Nevertheless, SNS is not a miracle cure for all, requiring 2 operations, with potential complications and expensive equipment (> £10,000 approx).