What Does the Interstim Device Treat?
InterStim is an effective, long-term solution for women who suffer from overactive bladder, urge incontinence (involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden, strong desire to void), urgency-frequency (frequent, uncontrollable urges to urinate), fecal incontinence (the inability to control the bowels), and urinary retention (the inability to empty the bladder). This procedure is typically performed after exercises, behavioral modifications and medication do not show signs of treating symptoms noticeably.
This procedure works to reduce how often women have incontinence and lessen the urge to make frequent trips to the bathroom. This procedure installs a device that is discretely attached underneath the skin. Side effects are uncommon post-treatment.
Benefits of Interstim
- The device is designed to provide therapy for at least 15 years
- The device is wireless! No direct contact is required, even for clinician programming
- Safely delivers therapy with a miniaturized implant
- MRI-compatible (allows you to undergo a full body MRI without problems)
- First rechargeable system with a simple remote that is easy to use for all age groups
- Clinically proven to provide symptom relief
How Interstim Works
The InterStim procedure helps correct the miscommunication between the brain and the bladder and/or bowels. First, tests are conducted to determine if this therapy will be effective for the patient.
If the test results indicate good candidacy for this therapy, a small device will be permanently attached underneath the skin in the buttocks area. This is a device that will deliver mild electrical pulses to the bladder via a wire attached to the sacral nerve to stimulate it as necessary. The sacral nerve is what allows the brain and the bladder to communicate with each other. It helps regulate certain bladder control functions, such as how much urine is stored in the bladder or the frequency of bathroom urges.
Is Interstim Right For Me?
InterStim therapy is performed in two parts. First, there is an evaluation period, during which we will determine if this is an effective form of treatment for the patient’s symptoms. Instead of undergoing surgery to place the neurostimulator under the skin, the temporary device and will attach to your waistband. If symptoms show improvement after a pre-designated amount of time, long-term treatment will be recommended.
The second step is long-term treatment. Once the doctor and patient confirm that this form of treatment is effective and comfortable, a minimally invasive procedure will be performed to put the device underneath the skin. InterStim is covered by Medicare as well as many other major insurance companies. Take control of your bladder today by scheduling an appointment with us!
Great candidates for Interstim therapy include patients with:
- Overactive bladder (OAB) – The urgent need to urinate, resulting in frequent urinary leakage
- Urinary urgency frequency – the need to urinate 8+ times daily
- Urinary urgency incontinence (UUI) – the urgent need to urinate before making it to the restroom
- Fecal (bowel) incontinence – sudden urges to pass stool and experience stool leakage before making it to the restroom
- Nonobstructive urinary retention (UR) – the inability to empty the bladder, resulting in symptoms of frequent urination or trouble urinating
Those who are not candidates for Interstim therapy include those who:
- Suffer from stress incontinence– People with stress incontinence lose urine when they exercise, sneeze, cough, or laugh
- Have mechanical obstructions – Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), cancer or narrowing of the urethra (urethral strictures)
- Have pacemakers
- Are Pregnant women
- Are Diabetic patients
- Have neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis
- Are under 16 years of age
Schedule an appointment today with one our healthcare providers to discuss if Interstim is the right treatment option for you!