The InterStim™ System
Overactive bladder and fecal incontinence can affect both women and men, but the good news is that these conditions are treatable. If conservative treatments such as lifestyle changes and medications have not provided relief, the InterStim System may offer an effective solution.
They offer a reversible, long-term solution (with rechargeable or non-rechargeable options) and allow for a trial evaluation period before permanent implantation.
The InterStim™ System by Medtronic
The InterStim™ System targets the nerves that control your bladder or bowel to help it function normally again.
The Medtronic’s InterStim® Therapy involves the surgical implantation of a small device that improves communication between the brain and the nerves that control bladder or bowel functions.
The device essentially delivers low amplitude electrical stimulation to the sacral nerve (located in the lower back), which controls bladder, bowel, pelvic floor, and urethral sphincter functions.
InterStim is available to women and men.
According to The National Association for Continence (www.nafc.org), more than 25 million people in the USA experience bladder leakage every day.
1. Stewart WF, et al. Prevalence and burden of overactive bladder in the United States. World J Urol. 2003 May;20(6):327-336.
2. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2011). World Population Prospects: The 2010 Revision, CD-ROM Edition.
3. National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), http://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basic_information/vision_loss_burden.htm. Accessed July 1, 2020.
4. National diabetes statistics, 2011. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse website. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes. Accessed July 1, 2020.
5. Leede Research, “Views on OAB: A Study for the National Association of Continence.” December 16, 2015.
What is bowel incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stool, often caused by anal sphincter damage, nerve damage, constipation, or diarrhea. It ranges from occasional leakage to full loss of bowel control. You may be suffering from bowel incontinence if you have:
- Fecal urgency: You experience sudden urges to pass stool.
- Urgency fecal incontinence: You experience an inability to stop the urge to pass stool.
- Passive bowel incontinence: You experience leakage of stool with activity or without awareness.
InterStim™ Patient Resources
Bladder Symptom Diary
Doctor Discussion Guide
Bladder Control Therapies
Perhaps it’s time to see if the InterStim™ System is your answer.
To learn more, contact a provider or one of our locations — or schedule an appointment.