Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy (Sacral Neuromodulation delivered through the InterStim^® System) is designed to minimize the symptoms of chronic bowel incontinence, including the leakage of liquid or solid stools. Sacral neuromodulation may be a good option for people who have not had success with, or are not candidates for, more conservative treatments.

Test It First

The evaluation, also known as the "trial assessment," lets you try Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy to see if it is right for you without making a long-term commitment. The evaluation may take a few to several days to complete.

How the Evaluation Works

Here’s how it works:

• Your doctor will implant a thin, flexible wire (also known as a "lead," and pronounced "leed") near your tailbone. The wire is taped to your skin and connected to a small external device which you’ll wear on your waistband.
• The external device sends mild electrical pulses through the wire to nerves near your tailbone. The stimulation may get your bowel working the way it is supposed to.

During the evaluation, you can continue many of your low- to moderate-level daily activities with caution. You can usually continue to work throughout the evaluation period if your job doesn’t require strenuous movement.

Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain.

You’ll be asked to document your symptoms. The evaluation will help your doctor determine the next course of treatment for your bowel control problems.

Your doctor or nurse will give you information about operating the test stimulator. He or she will also tell you about any precautions or activity restrictions related to the evaluation.

The results of Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy vary from person to person. This treatment option is not a cure for bowel control problems; however, it may help relieve your symptoms.

Learn More About the Evaluation

Visit everydayfreedom.com to watch videos from doctors and patients describing the evaluation. In addition, you can talk to someone who has the InterStim System and has volunteered to share their experience with people who are considering Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy.

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If your doctor is not familiar with the InterStim System, we can help you find a specialist who is able to answer your questions.

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