Sacral Neuro-stimulation therapy utilizes electrical nerve stimulation to affect the nerves controlling bladder and/or bowel functions. The Sacral Neural Stimulator system is an implantable system designed to decrease, and sometimes even eliminate, the need for medications and other therapies for many people suffering with bladder and bowel incontinence issues. Sacral neuro-stimulation therapy is a simple outpatient procedure that is first done on a trial basis.
For Bladder Control Issues- During the trial a patient has electrodes surgically implanted into specific areas of the lower spinal column (sacrum) through small incisions in the skin. A small external computer battery pack is connected to the wires through the skin and electrical stimulation is applied to nerves controlling the muscles responsible for bladder functioning. The patient tries the device for seven days to determine if neuro-stimulation works for them. If the device is successful in improving bladder control, and if the patient chooses to continue the process, a permanent neuro-stimulator computer battery pack is implanted under the skin of the lower back. The Sacral Neural Stimulator system and can be removed surgically at any time the patient wishes.
For Bowel Control Issues- During the trial a patient has electrodes implanted through tiny holes in the skin into specific areas of the lower spinal column (sacrum). A small external computer battery pack is connected to the wires and electrical stimulation is applied to nerves controlling the muscles responsible for anal sphincter functioning. The patient tries the device for seven days to determine if neuro-stimulation works for them. If the device is successful in improving anal sphincter control, and if the patient chooses to continue the process, new electrodes are placed into the sacrum and a permanent neuro-stimulator computer battery pack is implanted under the skin of the lower back. The Sacral Neural Stimulator system and can be removed surgically at any time the patient wishes.