Sacral Nerve Stimulation
What is Sacral Nerve Stimulation?
Sacral nerve stimulation (also called InterStim Therapy or sacral neuromodulation) is a treatment which helps to restore normal bladder function by sending electrical signals to the nerves that control the bladder. It can be used for a variety of bladder conditions including:
- urinary retention (inability to pass urine)
- over active bladder (including urgency and frequency or urge incontinence)
The Interstim device consists of an electrode (thin wire) which is inserted through the back, and a stimulator which generates the electrical impulses.
How is the Interstim treatment performed?
An electrode—a thin wire— is inserted near the nerves in your lower back that control the bladder. This electrode is then connected to a stimulator which is about the size of a two-pound coin and is inserted under the skin in the upper buttock. The stimulator delivers mild electrical pulses to the nerves that control the bladder and help to restore normal function.
This procedure may take an hour and can be done under local anaesthesia if preferred. Although this operation can be done as a daycase procedure, an overnight stay may be preferable for many people.
How well does this treatment work?
Studies have shown that most patients (about 80%) with urge incontinence who have Interstim treatment show a good improvement in their symptoms, and around half are completely back to normal (that is, they have no more incontinence).
In patients with overactive bladders (urgency-frequency) but without incontinence, over half have a good response to treatment (ie. a significant improvement in their symptoms).
For further details, please download our information leaflet below.
