Sacral Nerve Stimulation

For people troubled with an overactive bladder, sacral nerve stimulation offers good hope. This surgical procedure (Bladder Procedures) involves placing a small implant device, known as neurostimulator, beneath the skin of the upper buttock that delivers mild electrical stimulus or current to the nerves that control the bladder (Bladder Health) activity.The neuro-stimulator is connected with a thin lead wire placed in the lower back. Nerve stimulation is done to improve functioning of urinary tract (Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections) in patients with bladder problems. The impulses received from the device stimulate bladder and surrounding pelvic floor (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Condition) muscles that manage the bladder activity.Nerve stimulation helps people with nonobstructive urinary retention - a urinary condition in which the patient needs a catheter to pass urine; is not able to pass adequate urine despite spending too much time in the bathroom; struggles with urinary leakage (Treatments | Stress Urinary Incontinence); and does not have a sensation indicating a full bladder.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation Nerve stimulation method can help patients with such bladder problems, reducing the number of voids or wetting episodes (Bed Wetting | Causes | Conditions). For patients who cannot tolerate conventional treatments or have failed to benefit from conservative therapies, neuromodulation (Neuromodulation Wiki Page)can reduce symptoms of overactive bladder, such as

• Non-obstructive urinary retention

• Urgency frequency syndrome

• Intractable urinary urge incontinence

• Fecal/bowel incontinence

Neuromodulation may also help patients with bowel incontinence and bladder- bowel problems. One of the biggest benefits of this type of treatment is that it can be completely reversed or discontinued any time. Discontinuation of the therapy will not have any permanent damage to the nerves.

Risks & Side Effects of Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Sacral nerve stimulation therapy is quite safe and not linked to any side effects. Most side effects are related to the implantation procedure or mechanical failure and are uncommon, such as lead movement, pain at the site of implantation, undesirable sensations, and technical problems. No other problems related to the procedure have thus far been reported.

Recovery Process of Sacral Nerve Stimulation

The minimally invasive procedure to insert the implant is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Though there may be some soreness or pain at the incision site for a couple of weeks, it will gradually heal and lessen. You may like to visit your doctor for a few sessions over the first 6-month period to make sure your stimulation settings are fine-tuned. After the first six months, you may need to return to your doctor once or twice a year.The doctor may advise you to limit activity for the first 3 to 6 weeks following surgery. This will allow time for incisions to heal completely. It will be easier to resume your active lifestyle once you have healed fully from the sacral nerve stimulation procedure.