Interstim Implants

Interstim therapy is a form of neuromodulation for treating an overactive bladder or fecal incontinence or non obstructed urinary retention.

This treatment is very effective in reducing sudden urge to urinate and the incontinence that may accompany that urge. It also greatly decreases urinary frequency and nighttime voiding episodes. Neuromodulation for these problems has been FDA approved since 1997. Typically, the procedure consists of 2 phases.

The first is a test phase usually done in the office. This step is to ensure the success of the procedure. Assuming the test is successful the 2nd step is a system implant. This is typically done as an outpatient at a surgery center. It is basically the same as the first step with the addition of implanting a stimulator similar to a pacemaker. These implants are MRI friendly, & rechargeable.

People with an overactive bladder may experience:

  • A sudden urge to urinate that is challenging to control
  • Unintentional leakage of urine immediately after the urgent need to urinate
  • Urinary frequency (more than 8 times in 24 hours)
  • Nocturnal polyuria (waking up more than two times a night to urinate)

The causes of overactive bladder

When the kidneys produce urine, it drains into your bladder. The process of micturition describes the passage of urine through the urethra, which is mediated by the contraction of the bladder muscle and the relaxation of the sphincter muscle.

In women, the urethral opening is located just above the vaginal opening, which predisposes them to several structural abnormalities.

Involuntary Bladder Contractions

This occurs when the muscles in the bladder start to contract involuntarily despite the low volume of urine inside the bladder.

Several conditions may precipitate overactive bladder, including:

  • Neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
  • Diabetes
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Hormonal changes during menopause in women
  • Abnormalities in the bladder (e.g., tumors, bladder stones)
  • Surgeries around the bladder or urethra

When to see Doctor?

Many people categorize overactive bladder as part of the normal process of aging. However, this condition is pathological and requires the special attention of your doctor.

The Treatment Of Overactive Bladder

The procedure of Interstim Implants consists of two phases:

Phase One

The first phase includes a test that ensures the effectiveness of the device before implanting it. This step does not require a complex procedure, as your doctor will place a tiny wire near your tailbone to stimulate the nerve responsible for bladder muscle contraction. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic, along with X-ray guidance.

This step carries/causes minimal discomfort associated with the injection of the local anesthesia.

Phase Two

The second phase assumes the success of the test. Your doctor will place a permanent implant, where the first procedure is repeated with the additional step of placing a stimulator (it looks like a pacemaker) to get permanent bladder control.

Takeaway

Interstim Implants are a great way to treat overactive bladder and restore the normal function of the muscles around your urinary tract.

Fortunately, Women’s Health Specialists offer this procedure in our clinics to ensure that
our patients get the best quality of care and regain control over their lives.

To see whether you are a candidate for this condition, don’t hesitate to contact us by clicking on this link.