InterStim Sacral Nerve StimulationModulation SNS

1
InterStim Sacral Nerve Stimulation/Modulation
(SNS)
Gary E Leach, M.D. ? Tower Urology
Procedure offers patient relief from symptoms of
overactive bladder and urinary retention
Tower Urologys Institute for Continence is a
world renowned center offering InterStim Sacral
Nerve Stimulation/Modulation (SNS) for the
treatment off overactive bladder and urinary
retention in patients who have failed more
conservative treatments. Candidates for the
InterStim bladder pacemaker device have
failed behavioral treatments (changes in diet and
fluid intake, voiding at a regular time interval,
and physical therapy or biofeedback). They have
also usually failed treatment with the usual
medications utilized to treat overactive
bladder. When InterStim is found to be an
appropriate treatment option, a 2-stage implant
procedure is performed. During the 1st stage, a
stimulation electrode is placed percutaneously
next to the S3 nerve as it exits the sacral
foramen. The patient is given a trial of
neuromodulation with an external stimulation
box. During this trial stage, low levels of
energy are delivered to the sacral nerve root,
modulating the afferent signals to the brain and
impacting the patients voiding patterns.
Patients who experience significant improvement
in symptoms with this stimulation proceed to the
2nd stage in which a small neurostimulator or
pacemaker is implanted in the gluteal area.
Both stages are performed as an outpatient
procedure under local anesthesia. Patients often
experience dramatic results with almost 70
experiencing significant improvement or complete
resolution of their urinary symptoms.
Complications of the procedure are rare and are
similar to those for placement of any foreign
device. Over 27,000 InterStim units have been
implanted worldwide since its FDA approval in
1997. For more information on InterStim Sacral
Nerve Modulation/Stimulation, call Tower Urology
_at_ [phone] Dr. Leach is the Director of
the Tower Urology Institute for Continence. He
is registered in the text "The Best Doctors in
America and is past President of both the Los
Angeles Urologic Society and the Society for
Female Urology and Urodynamics. He has written
over 100 scientific articles and has contributed
to several definitive textbooks on Incontinence.
www.metro-urology.com
www.towerurology.com