RESOURCES AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find the answers you need about therapies that can help you experience life-changing relief.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BOWEL 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.
WHERE WILL YOUR JOURNEY TAKE YOU?
Get a quick overview of how life-changing relief can happen — and how we support you throughout your journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Bowel CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIMTM SYSTEM
Q: What is Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system?
A: This therapy is an implantable device that targets the nerves control your bowel to help it function normally again.
Q: HOW DOES IT WORK?
A: Medtronic bowel control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system restores* bowel function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.
Q: WHY DOES IT TREAT THE SACRAL NERVES?
A: Doctors believe that bowel control problems are caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, which are located in the lower spine and control the bowel and related muscles.1
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS THERAPY?
A: With this therapy, you may experience 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: Choosing to have an InterStimTM system implanted has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize 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 has five-year clinical data demonstrating sustained, long-term results and quality of life improvements for people with fecal incontinence.†,2 Your experience may 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.
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.
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, the InterStimTM system has been used to treat bladder and bowel control problems in hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Q: WILL INSURANCE COVER THE COSTS?
A: Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your insurance coverage.
REAL PEOPLE,
REAL RELIEF
Hear from people who have successfully reduced their symptoms with help from Medtronic bowel control therapy.
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JOURNEY
Bowel control problems affect millions of people. But relief is closer than you think.
SEE THE STEPSRESOURCES
FOR PEOPLE EXPLORING MEDTRONIC BOWEL CONTROL THERAPY
*
With the InterStim™ system, restored bowel function is defined as 50% or greater reduction in chronic fecal incontinence episodes.
†
The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies included pain at implant sites, new pain, lead migration, infection, technical or device problems, adverse change in bowel or voiding function, and undesirable stimulation or sensations. Any of these may require additional surgery or cause return of symptoms.
1
Patton V, Wiklendt L, et al. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013 Jun;100(7):959-68.
2
Hull T, Giese C, Wexner SD, et al. Long-term Durability of Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Chronic Fecal Incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2013; 56(2):234-45.
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.