What is Bowel Incontinence?- What is InterStim™?
- How Does InterStim™ Work?
- What are the Benefits of InterStim™?
- Is InterStim™ Right for You?
Living with bowel incontinence can be challenging, affecting not only your physical health but also your social and emotional well-being. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology offer new hope for those struggling with these problems. The latest innovative solution is InterStim™, a device designed to help you regain control over your bowel movements and improve your quality of life.
What is Bowel Incontinence?
Bowel incontinence is a medical condition characterized by the inability to control bowel movements, causing involuntary discharge or leakage of fecal matter from the rectum. This condition can vary in severity, ranging from occasional minor leaks when passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. It is often caused by underlying issues such as damage to the muscles or nerves around the anus, which can result from childbirth, surgery, or certain medical conditions like diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or neurological disorders.
What is InterStim™?
InterStim™ is a type of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) therapy that targets the communication between the brain and the nerves that control bowel function. By sending mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves located in the lower back, InterStim™ helps to regulate and normalize bowel movements. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from bowel incontinence, chronic constipation, or other bowel control issues.
How Does Interstim Work?
The InterStim™ system consists of a small device implanted under the skin of your lower back. This device is connected to thin wires (leads) that deliver electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. These pulses modulate nerve activity, improving coordination and function of the muscles involved in bowel control.
The process typically begins with a trial phase, where the device is temporarily placed to determine if SNS therapy is effective for you. A permanent device can be implanted if you experience significant improvement in your symptoms. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the device can be adjusted or turned off as needed.
What are the Benefits of InterStim™?
- Improved Bowel Control: Many patients experience significant reductions in bowel incontinence episodes and better control over bowel movements.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Regaining bowel control can increase confidence, allowing you to participate more fully in social and physical activities without fear of accidents.
- Minimally Invasive: The implantation procedure is straightforward and typically involves a short recovery period.
- Adjustable Therapy: The device can be programmed and adjusted to meet your specific needs, ensuring optimal results.
- Reversible: If you decide that InterStim is not for you, the device can be removed without permanent changes to your anatomy.
Is InterStim™ Right for You?
InterStim™ therapy is often recommended for individuals who have not found relief through conventional treatments such as dietary changes, medications, or pelvic floor exercises. If you suffer from chronic bowel control issues and are looking for a long-term solution, discussing InterStim™ with your healthcare provider could be a crucial step toward improving your life.
Bowel control problems can be a major hindrance to living a fulfilling life. With InterStim™ therapy, there is hope for regaining control and enhancing your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with bowel issues, fill out our bowel health questionnaire to see if you are a candidate for InterStim™.