InterStim Therapy is a treatment option for people who suffer from bowel incontinence or the inability to control their bowels. Bowel incontinence can be a debilitating and distressing condition. InterStim Therapy may be an option for those who have not had success with other treatment options such as dietary modification, medication, or in some cases, more invasive surgical options.
InterStim Therapy is a proven neuromodulation therapy that targets the communication problem between the brain and the nerves that control bowel function. If those nerves are not communicating correctly, the bowel will not function properly. InterStim uses an implantable, stopwatch-size device that emits a continuous, very mild electrical pulse through a wire to stimulate sacral nerves, which strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and sphincter complex.
InterStim is the only bowel control treatment option that is reversible allowing patients and physicians to determine probable success of the therapy through a test stimulation procedure prior to committing to long-term therapy. Before implanting the InterStim device, patients participate in a 14-day trial of a wearable, external version to see if the nerve stimulation works for them. If the stimulation is successful over the course of the trial period, a surgeon implants a permanent device under the skin in the lower back.
Click below to read more on InterStim treatment: