What is InterStim Neuromodulation?
For some patients experiencing overactive bladder symptoms resistant to traditional medical management, InterStim may offer benefits.
This procedure involves placing a small electrical device just under the skin, with a wire extending from it into the pelvic bone (sacrum). The device delivers a minute electrical charge to the bladder nerve, often reducing overactivity.
The process typically involves two steps. The first, a nerve evaluation, can be done in the office. If successful, the second step, a more permanent implantation, is performed in a hospital outpatient setting, resembling a pacemaker placement for cardiac patients.
What is the purpose of InterStim Neuromodulation?
While overactive bladder symptoms can often be treated successfully with medical therapy, approximately 20% of patients fail to respond to medical therapy. Additionally, some patients developed significant side effects from their medicine, and therefore cannot maintain medical therapy chronically. By providing a low-level stimulation to the nerve that comes from the bladder to the spinal cords, the overactive nature of the bladder can be decreased significantly. Approximately 70% of patients find a significant improvement in their symptoms after InterStim placement.
What are common symptoms following my InterStim implant?
Most patients do very well following InterStim placement with minimal side effects and symptoms. Common symptoms may include bruising in the skin where the implant wire is placed or where the generator is placed in the hip region. A small amount of bloody or clear discharge from either one of these sites is also very common in the first week following the procedure. Depending on the power level that is programmed for the stimulator, the patient may feel a fluttering sensation or dull ache in the perineal region (this is the area of the skin that would in contact with a bicycle seat).
With over 20 urologist and oncologist office locations in Kansas and Missouri, KCUC proudly offers InterStim Neuromodulation treatment in Kansas City, Overland Park, Emporia, Leavenworth, Olathe, Harrisonville, Independence, MO, and the entire KC metro area.
When should I seek advice from my physician?
Anytime a patient runs a fever greater than 101 degrees, he or she should call their physician. Excessive bruising or bleeding from all the implants would also be a concern.
Finally, you will be scheduled for routine follow-ups to review how the device is working and to reprogram the device if appropriate. Medtronic, who has developed the InterStim device, also has an 800 number that allows further counseling regarding the programming of the device.