Questions and Answers - InterStim Therapy
What is InterStim® Therapy?
InterStim Therapy is an option for managing the symptoms of bowel incontinence for people who have not found success with, or are not candidates for, more conservative treatments.
InterStim Therapy uses an implantable system, similar to a pacemaker, that sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. InterStim Therapy is reversible by turning off or surgically removing the neurostimulator.
Neurostimulation may help you resume normal activities and avoid frustrating experiences associated with bowel incontinence.
What do nerves have to do with bowel control?
The sacral nerves are involved in the control of bowel function. A breakdown of communication between the sacral nerves and the brain can lead to bowel control problems.
InterStim Therapy works with the sacral nerves, located near the tailbone. If the brain and sacral nerves don’t communicate correctly, the nerves can’t help the bowel work properly. This communication problem can lead to symptoms of bowel incontinence. InterStim Therapy targets these symptoms by stimulating the sacral nerves with mild electrical pulses.
What are the potential risks or complications of InterStim Therapy?
The InterStim Therapy system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Complications can include pain at the implant site, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement, technical or device problems, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation. Any of these situations may require additional surgery or cause your symptoms to return. Always discuss the potential risks and benefits of the therapy with your doctor.
See Important Safety Information for possible adverse events.
What are the benefits of InterStim Therapy?
InterStim Therapy may reduce symptoms for many people who suffer from bowel incontinence. Benefits include improved quality of life and reduction in accidents. In addition, InterStim Therapy can be discontinued at any time by turning off or surgically removing the device.
Where can I learn more about InterStim Therapy?
Request more information about InterStim Therapy for bowel control, or call our toll-free Patient Services Line at (800) 510-6735.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
- Print Page
- E-mail Page
- A
- A
- A Text Size