InterStim Bladder Control Therapy

If you’re struggling with urinary control and the symptoms of overactive bladder, Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy may be able to help you.

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy, also known as InterStim™ Therapy for Urinary Control, is used for the treatment of urinary retention and the symptoms of overactive bladder including urinary urge incontinence and significant symptoms of urgency-frequency. Generally, it is used for patients who have not responded to more conservative treatment options.

By implanting a neurostimulator in your lower back, Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy can help forge the connection between the muscles that are responsible for urinary function and your brain to improve your symptoms.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Implanting the InterStim™ neurostimulator is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Your board-certified urologist will insert the lead near your sacral nerves. The other end of the lead will be connected to the neurostimulator. You will be able to control the neurostimulator with an external device that can adjust the stimulation or turn the device off.

How the Device Works

Once you and your provider decide that Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is the right option for you, your board-certified urologist at Urology Care P. C. will implant the InterStim™ neurostimulator in your lower back near your sacral nerves. Since the sacral nerves control urinary function, sending electrical pulses to the sacral nerves can help send signals to your brain to control the muscles involved in urinary function.

Candidates for Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy

Anyone who has not responded well to traditional conservative treatments is a candidate for Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy. During an initial examination, you and your provider will discuss your health history and your response to other treatments. You will be able to engage in a trial period using a trial lead that will be inserted into your lower back at the site of your sacral nerves. The neurostimulator will be external during your trial period.

If the trial period is a success, then you will be able to effectively decide whether or not the long-term commitment to Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is the right choice for you.

Is Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy Permanent?

No. The neurostimulator can be removed or turned off any time you want.

Risks of Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy

As with any surgical procedure, implanting an InterStim™ system has risks. You may experience swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection or irritation, and discomfort with the mild electrical impulses.

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is not the right choice for everyone. If there are any complications throughout the course of your treatment, you should make an appointment with your provider at Urology Care P.C.