Benefits and Risks
If you’ve tried other treatments without success, or you’ve experienced intolerable side effects from medications, InterStim Therapy may provide you relief from urinary retention.
Benefits
InterStim Therapy may reduce symptoms for many people who suffer from urinary retention. InterStim Therapy is reversible and can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device. Unlike other surgical treatment options for urinary retention, InterStim Therapy starts with an evaluation, where you can experience how it feels and see if it will help reduce your symptoms, prior to going forward with the implant procedure.
Risks
Implanting an InterStim Therapy system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.
Sacral neuromodulation might cause you to experience some of these side effects:
- Pain at the implant site or new pain
- Infection or skin irritation
- Lead (thin wire) movement/migration
- Device problems
- Interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment
- Undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function
- Uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling)
Problems may be resolved with surgery, medication, or reprogramming. These events may also resolve over time. There is a possibility that some may remain unresolved. See Important Safety Information for possible adverse events. This therapy is not for everyone. Please consult your doctor. A prescription is required.
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
Additional information
Take Charge
- Find a Specialist
- Talk to a Patient
-
- Get Ongoing Support
- Receive email updates to guide your journey to everyday freedom
