Sacral Nerve Stimulator
In general it is difficult to talk about it with family, friends and even doctors. But according to the National Institute of Health, more than 21 million adults in the US are affected by fecal incontinence (FI).
This condition is very common in conditions that can affect the nerves, such as diabetes, stroke or advanced age. As well as from injury from pregnancy or childbirth.
Bowel control problems are extremely common, but they are not normal. If you suffer from bowel control issues we can help you.
Do the following sound familiar? Here are some common symptoms of Fecal Incontinence.
- Frequent bowel accidents
- Monitoring what and how much you eat
- Using pads or protective garments
- Planning activities around the bathroom
- Inability to feel when you need to go
- Inability to resist the urge to go
What is fecal incontinence?
It is the lack of control of your bowel movements. It appears as the intense urge or frequent need to use the bathroom and unexpected leaks.
New treatment
When conservative therapies including change of diet, kegel exercises and medications fail you might be candidate for Sacral Nerve Stimulator therapy.
At Center for Colorectal Disease of Arizona we offer neurostimulation (neuromodulation) to this patient in need.
How does it work?
A small electronic device that is implanted under the skin, it works by sending electrical impulses to the sacral nerve, which is located near the base of the spine and controls the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscles.
The therapy can reduce or eliminate the symptoms and allow you to go back to regular activities.
At Center for Colorectal Disease of Arizona we offer neurostimulation (neuromodulation) to this patient in need.
Fecal Incontinence (FI) is a treatable condition. It’s not a normal part of aging. And you shouldn’t have to deal with it on your own.
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What is the Process?
Diagnosis
What is happening to me?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bowel control problems, it’s time to meet with one of our bowel incontinence specialists. Your doctor will complete an initial evaluation with medical history, physical exam, anorectal manometry.
lifestyle changes
What should I try first
Conservative treatments can help some people, but may not work very well (or at all) for others. All of these are relatively simple behavioral changes that you may already be doing.
- Dietary modification: Changes may include adjusting fiber intake or eliminating troublesome foods.
- Bowel retraining: Also called biofeedback, this aims to improve bowel sensation, coordination, and strength.
- Medication: Anti-diarrheal medication may provide some relief.
Advanced Therapies
What if conservative treatments don’t work for me?
If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you want, you have more options, we will have you come in to reevaluate and run some diagnostic tests.
– First will be a simple nerve test in our office (1 week trial)
– If there is a less than 50% improvement
Then we can do a permanent neuromodulator implant (10-15 years). Using the Medtronic bowel control therapy interstim system, this therapy targets nerves that control your bowel so that it can function normally again.
– If there is greater than 50% improvement
Then we can do surgical repair (sphincteroplasty) Several other surgical options are available.
- Anal sphincter repair
- Artificial sphincter
- Colostomy
- Antegrade colonic enema (ACE)
WHY IS THE MEDTRONIC THERAPY DIFFERENT?
COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL
