Sacral Nerve Stimulator in Surprise AZ

Q: 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.

Q: How does it work?

Sacral Nerve Stimulator is an FDA-approved neurostimulation therapy that targets the communication problem between nerves and muscles that control bowel function. 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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)

For fecal and urinary incontinence, new technology has been implemented in our healthcare system to help patients manage bowel and bladder control problems. At Center for Colorectal Disease of Arizona in Surprise, AZ, we proudly offer minimally invasive sacral nerve stimulator therapy for patients who may benefit from advanced treatment.

In general, it can be difficult to talk about bowel control issues with family, friends, and even doctors. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 21 million adults in the U.S. are affected by fecal incontinence (FI).

This condition is common in people with conditions that affect the nerves, such as diabetes, stroke, or advanced age. Fecal incontinence may also develop after injury related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Bowel control problems are extremely common, but they are not normal. If you suffer from bowel control issues in Surprise, AZ, a sacral stimulator may be one treatment option after conservative therapies have not provided enough relief.

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

CONTACT US

What is fecal incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is the lack of control of bowel movements. It may appear as an intense urge, frequent need to use the bathroom, or unexpected leaks.

A person's hands hold a small metal diagnostic device and a pacemaker, both tools used in medical technology.

New treatment

When conservative therapies, including dietary changes, Kegel exercises, and medications, fail, you may be a candidate for sacral nerve stimulator therapy.

At Center for Colorectal Disease of Arizona in Surprise, AZ, we offer neurostimulation, also called neuromodulation, for patients in need of advanced bowel control treatment.

How Does a Sacral Nerve Stimulator Work?

A sacral nerve stimulator is an FDA-approved neurostimulation therapy that targets communication problems between the nerves and muscles that control bowel function.

A small electronic device 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 helps control the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscles.

This sacral stimulator therapy may reduce or eliminate symptoms and help patients return to regular activities.

Fecal incontinence is a treatable condition. It is not a normal part of aging, and you should not have to deal with it on your own.

What is the Process?

Diagnosis

What is happening to me?

If you are experiencing symptoms of bowel control problems, it is time to meet with one of our bowel incontinence doctors in Surprise, AZ. Your doctor will complete an initial evaluation, including medical history, physical exam, and anorectal manometry.

lifestyle changes

What should I try first

Conservative treatments can help some people, but they may not work well, or at all, for others. 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.

senior-woman-with-diarrhea-holding-tissue

Advanced Therapies

What if conservative treatments don’t work for me?

If conservative treatments do not deliver the results you want, you may have more options. We will have you come in for reevaluation and additional diagnostic testing.

First, we may perform a simple nerve test in our office as a 1-week trial.

If there is less than 50% improvement, we may discuss a permanent neuromodulator implant, which may last 10–15 years. Using the Medtronic bowel control therapy InterStim system, this sacral nerve stimulator therapy targets nerves that control the bowel so it can function more normally again.

If there is greater than 50% improvement, surgical repair, such as sphincteroplasty, may be considered. Several other surgical options may also be available, including:

Anal sphincter repair
Artificial sphincter
Colostomy
Antegrade colonic enema (ACE)

WHY IS THE MEDTRONIC THERAPY DIFFERENT?

COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL

Evidence suggests that breakdowns in the bowel-brain communication pathway are a root cause of chronic fecal incontinence. While more conservative therapies focus on the bowel and related muscles, Medtronic bowel control therapy targets the nerves that control the bowel muscles, which is thought to help restore normal bowel function.

At Center for Colorectal Disease of Arizona in Surprise, AZ, we provide appointments as soon as today for patients who need evaluation for fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, or sacral stimulator therapy.

Please Call For More Information

If you are struggling with fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, or bowel control problems in Surprise, AZ, Center for Colorectal Disease of Arizona can help you explore whether a sacral nerve stimulator may be right for you. Call for more information and schedule an appointment today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sacral nerve stimulator?

A sacral nerve stimulator is a small implanted device that sends gentle electrical impulses to the sacral nerves to help improve bowel and bladder control.

How does sacral nerve stimulation therapy work?

Sacral nerve stimulation therapy works by helping improve communication between the sacral nerves and the muscles that control the bowel, bladder, and pelvic floor.

Can a sacral nerve stimulator help with fecal incontinence?

Yes, a sacral nerve stimulator may help reduce bowel accidents and improve control for some patients with fecal incontinence.

Does sacral nerve stimulation help with urinary incontinence?

Yes, sacral nerve stimulation may help some patients with urinary incontinence by targeting the nerves involved in bladder control.

What symptoms may mean I need treatment for bowel control problems?

Frequent bowel accidents, unexpected leaks, urgency, using protective garments, or planning activities around the bathroom may be signs that treatment is needed.

What causes bowel control problems or fecal incontinence?

Fecal incontinence may be caused by nerve damage, childbirth injury, diabetes, stroke, aging, muscle weakness, or other pelvic floor conditions.

How long does a permanent sacral nerve stimulator implant last?

A permanent sacral nerve stimulator implant may last 10–15 years, depending on the device, battery life, and patient needs.

Is sacral nerve stimulation a minimally invasive treatment?

Yes, sacral nerve stimulation is considered a minimally invasive treatment because the device is placed under the skin through a small procedure.

What is Medtronic InterStim therapy for bowel control?

Medtronic InterStim therapy is a sacral stimulator treatment that targets the nerves controlling bowel function to help improve symptoms of fecal incontinence.