What Is Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy?
Bowel Incontinence
Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy (Sacral Neuromodulation delivered through the InterStim® System) is a proven treatment option that targets the communication problem between the brain and the sacral nerves. These nerves help control the muscles related to bowel function. If the brain and sacral nerves don't communicate correctly, bowels will not function properly. This can lead to symptoms of bowel incontinence. Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy targets these symptoms by modulating the sacral nerves with mild electrical pulses.
Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy (Sacral Neuromodulation delivered through the InterStim® System) is a proven treatment option that targets the communication problem between the brain and the sacral nerves. These nerves help control the muscles related to bowel function. If the brain and sacral nerves don't communicate correctly, bowels will not function properly. This can lead to symptoms of bowel incontinence. Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy targets these symptoms by modulating the sacral nerves with mild electrical pulses.
Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy may help you resume normal activities and help you avoid frustating experiences associated with bowel incontinence.
Test It Out
You can try Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy during an evaluation to find out whether it will work for you before making a long-term commitment. For the evaluation, a thin wire is inserted in your upper buttock and attached to a small external device that you can wear discreetly under your clothing. During the evaluation, which lasts several days, you still have the freedom to do most of your regular daily activities.
Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Your doctor or nurse will provide you with information regarding how to operate the test device, and inform you of other precautions related to the evaluation and activity restrictions.
With the long-term therapy, a flexible wire (also known as a “lead” and pronounced “leed”) and a neurostimulator are implanted under the skin during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
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.