RESOURCES AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to your questions and speak to your doctor about the right therapy options to help you seek relief from bladder control issues.
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DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BLADDER CONTROL THERAPIES?
You’re not alone. You’re taking the right steps to get the relief you seek, but it’s only natural to want to know every detail before getting started. You can find everything you need to know, right here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BLADDER CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIMTM SYSTEMs
Q: What is Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system?
A: This therapy targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again.
Q: How does it work?
A: Medtronic bladder control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system restores* bladder function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.
Q: Why does it treat the sacral nerves?
A: It's thought that bladder control problems are caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, which control the bladder and muscles involved in urination.1
Q: What are the possible benefits of this therapy?
A: With this therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, and more confidence as you get back to the activities you enjoy.2
Q: What are the potential side effects or complications?
A: Implanting an InterStim system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimise these risks.
Q: Will this therapy cure my condition?
A: No. It can be effective, but it's not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.
Q: How long does the relief last?
A: This therapy significantly reduced symptoms of OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention in people treated for 5 years.†,5,6 Each patients experience will be different.
Q: What does the stimulation feel like?
A: Most people describe it as a slight pulling, tingling, or fluttering sensation in the pelvic area. It should not be painful. Stimulation settings can be adjusted, and sensations will vary from person to person.
Q: WHY IS THIS THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER OPTIONS?
A: You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later. †,2-4 And unlike injections, it doesn’t require self-catheterisation or repeated treatment visits.
Q: WILL I BE ABLE TO GET AN MRI WITH THE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE?
A: Getting an MRI head scan may be possible under specific conditions.
Q: How long has this therapy been around?
A: Since its approval in 1997, InterStim therapy has been used to treat bladder control problems in hundreds of thousands of patients around the world.
INTERESTED IN EXPLORING OTHER OPTIONS FOR BLADDER CONTROL?
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*
With the InterStim™ systems, restored bladder function is defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.
†
In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.
‡
Under certain conditions.
1
Leng WW, Morrisroe SN. Sacral nerve stimulation for the overactive bladder. Urol Clin N Am. 2006;33:491–501.
2
Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating sacral neuromodulation with InterStim® Therapy compared to standard medical therapy at 6-months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224–230. DOI: 10.1002/nau.22544
3
Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Five-year follow-up results of a prospective, multicenter study of patients with overactive bladder treated with sacral neuromodulation. The Journal of Urology 2018;Volume 199(1), 229–236.
4
Van Kerrebroeck P, et al. Results of sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary voiding dysfunction: outcomes of a prospective, worldwide clinical study. Journal of Urology. 2007;178:2029-2034.
5
Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating sacral neuromodulation with InterStim® Therapy compared to standard medical therapy at 6-months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224–230.