Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Bladder control problems such as urinary incontinence and the frequent urge to urinate are common symptoms of an overactive bladder. These symptoms can disrupt normal social, sexual, interpersonal and professional situations.

Changes to diet, Kegel exercises, physical therapy or medications are potential solutions to these problems. While these solutions may help, some women don’t receive the results they want. Also, some medications may have unpleasant side effects.

When conventional treatments are ineffective, sacral nerve stimulation may be the ticket to relief and a normal life. Bladder control therapy delivered by the InterStim® system uses gentle nerve stimulation to correct the bladder-brain communication pathway and restore bladder function.

RESTORING BLADDER FUNCTION

The InterStim® bladder control therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that restores bladder function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves. With this therapy, women may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, and more confidence to get back to the activities they enjoy.

EVALUATION FIRST

Unique to the bladder control therapy, patients are able to try the therapy first to see if it works in their individual and unique situation. The evaluation period is a “test-run” without any long-term commitment.

Here is how it works:

• A Rosemark obgyn physician will perform a simple evaluation.
• A lead (thin wire) is inserted in the upper part of your buttock.
• The lead attaches to a small external device worn discreetly under your clothes.
• Stop, start, or adjust the therapy with an easy-to-use controller.
• Go about most of your regular activities for 3-14 days.
• Track your symptoms to see if they improve.

During the evaluation period, complications may occur, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Your Rosemark obgyn doctor or nurse will show you how to use the system and inform you of any activity restrictions or precautions related to the evaluation.

DECIDE TOGETHER

After your evaluation, you will talk to your obgyn doctor about the results and decide together if long-term therapy is the right choice. If it is, your evaluation device can be replaced with an implantable device called a neurostimulator during a short, out-patient procedure.

Bladder control therapy has risks similar to any surgical procedure so the benefits and potential risks will be discussed with your doctor.

InterStim targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again.  We have found:

• 85% of people using it achieved success in the first year
• 3X greater improvements in quality of life compared to medications
• More than 225,000 patient worldwide have received relief as a safe, FDA-approved and minimally invasive bladder or bowel-control therapy