New Treatment for Bladder Control Problems Now Available at Medical West Over 13 million people in the US currently suffer from bladder control problems. These uncomfortable and often embarrassing issues affect people of all ages, both male and female, although 85% of patients are women. Bladder control problems range from urinary leakage and frequent urination to difficulty urinating. A new procedure, called Interstim Therapy, can effectively treat most of these uncomfortable symptoms.
The Medtronic InterStim® Therapy for Urinary Control is indicated for the treatment of urinary retention and the symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary urge, incontinence and significant symptoms of urgency-frequency. This particular form of therapy is indicated for patients who have either failed or could not tolerate more conservative treatments.
The Interstim Therapy uses Sacral Nerve stimulation, a stimulation of the sacral nerve, which affects the muscles of the bladder and the pelvic floor. There are two steps involved with the Interstim procedure. The first step is a test simulation, in which a test wire is placed in the patient’s lower back. A mild stimulation is then delivered through an external device. This test period usually lasts between three and seven days and the patient records symptoms with a voiding diary. The second step in the procedure, the implant, is preformed only if the test simulation delivers positive results. The implant surgery allows the physician to surgically place a lead wire in the lower back and place a stimulator under the skin. This procedure normally requires no hospital stay with the ability to begin utilizing the system immediately.
The Interstim Therapy procedure is successful in providing patients with bladder control problems a better quality of life. Most patients who have undergone the procedure will experience a significant reduction in symptoms allowing them to return to normal daily activities.
Urologists at Medical West are currently performing this procedure. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 996-WEST.