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Department of Urology
University of Washington | School of Medicine
Department of Urology

Treatments & Procedures - Surgical

Interstim Sacral Neuromodulation

Authored by: Jane L. Miller
Last updated: March 22, 2006

Overview

Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment for Urinary Urge Incontinence, Urinary Frequency, and Urinary Retention. It is an implantable, programmable device that delivers a pulse low amplitude stimulation to one of the nerves that innervates the bladder. The procedure is done in two stages, each outpatient. During the first stage, a small fiber is placed next to the nerve. This is done percutaneously, or without incisions. Xray is used to localized the exact position of the nerve. The patient will feel a tapping or vibration in the bladder, urethra, vagina, scrotum, penis, or rectum when the fiber is implanted properly.

InterstimThe second stage is done 1-3 weeks after the first. During this 1-3 week trial, the fiber is connected to an external generator that looks like a pager or cellphone. The patient keeps a record of the number of voids, incontinent episodes, voided volumes, and catheterized volumes. If, based on the results of the bladder diary, the fiber has improved symptoms by 50% or better, a permanent generator is connected to the fiber and implanted beneath the skin in the buttock or abdomen.

Related video available at UWTV: Female Urinary Incontinence

Medications

Detrol, Ditropan, Botox Bladder Injection

Considerations

Any patient who has used several medications to treat urinary urge incontinence without success is a candidate for this procedure. Any person who needs to catheterize to empty their bladder is a candidate.

Effectiveness

85% of patient who have Urgency, Frequency, or Urge Incontinence and 77% of patient who have urinary retention will have a 50% or better improvement in their symptoms.

Risk

Infection, bleeding, pain, failure to correct symptoms.

Urgency

No

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At HMC

Call (206) 731-3241

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