InterStim® Therapy for Overactive Bladder

What is InterStim® Therapy?

InterStim® is a Medtronic bladder control therapy used to treat symptoms related to overactive bladder (OAB) for men and women, including:

Getting up and urinating at least two times per night (nocturia)
Inability to postpone the need to urinate (urinary urgency)
Leakage of urine when the urge to urinate occurs (urge incontinence)
Urinating at least eight times per day

InterStim® therapy may also be used to treat patients with an overactive bowel, constipation, or anal leakage. With the FDA-approved InterStim® therapy, a stimulation device similar to a pacemaker is used to correct the communication between the brain and the bladder (or bowel). The device sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves–a process known as sacral neuromodulation–that control the bladder, bowel, and associated muscles connected to urinary and gastrointestinal function.

How is the Procedure Performed?

InterStim® therapy begins with an evaluation to see if this type of treatment is right for the patient. The evaluation consists of a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that is usually done in the office but can also be performed in the ambulatory surgical center if an advanced evaluation is required. During the basic evaluation—which uses a temporary lead—Dr. Shah will numb a small area of the upper buttock and insert a thin wire near the sacral nerves, located near the tailbone. The advanced evaluation uses a fully-implanted, long-term lead, with one end inserted near the sacral nerves.

With both types of evaluations, the lead communicates via Bluetooth® to an external neurostimulator worn on the waistband like a pager. The neurostimulator generates mild electrical pulses that are carried to the sacral nerve by the lead. The evaluation period lasts two to seven days; if the long-term lead is used, the evaluation period may last up to 14 days.

If the evaluation is successful—i.e., symptoms have improved at least 50 percent or more— long-term InterStim® therapy may then be discussed. InterStim® Therapy is completely reversible and may be discontinued at any time by removing or turning off the stimulation device.

What are the Benefits of InterStim® Therapy?

InterStim® therapy is designed to alleviate symptoms in patients with OAB or fecal dysfunction when other treatment modalities (e.g., medication, behavioral therapy) have failed. With InterStim® Therapy, patients have reported:

An improved quality of life
An increase in the amount of urine produced during bathroom trips
Dramatic reduction or elimination of incontinence episodes
Fewer bathroom trips
Freedom from catheterization
Relief from abdominal pain (for bowel conditions)

What are the Risks and Side Effects Associated with InterStim® Therapy?

As with any surgical procedure, risks may include swelling, bleeding, and bruising at the surgical site. Infection at or near the site may also occur. Side effects of InterStim® therapy may include:

Adverse changes in urinary or bowel function
Complications with the device
Interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment
Pain at the implant site or new pain
Skin irritation
Uncomfortable stimulation, such as a jolting or shocking sensation
Wire movement/migration

It should be noted that issues with the procedure or implant may be resolved with surgery, reprogramming, or medication.

The Medical Staff

Our Board Certified Urologists

Katherine Shapiro, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

John Sheng, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urologic Oncology (Prostate, Kidney, Bladder, Testis, Adrenal)

Nitin Patel, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

General Urology, Robotic & Minimally Invasive Surgery, Oncology, Transgender Surgery

Neel P. Shah, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery, Bladder Problems, Overactive Bladder, Bladder Botox, Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Katherine Shapiro, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

John Sheng, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Urologic Oncology (Prostate, Kidney, Bladder, Testis, Adrenal)

Nitin Patel, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

General Urology, Robotic & Minimally Invasive Surgery, Oncology, Transgender Surgery

Neel P. Shah, MD

Board-Certified Urologist

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery, Bladder Problems, Overactive Bladder, Bladder Botox, Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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