Bowel Control Treatment

What is Interstim™ Therapy For Bowel Control Issues?

InterStim™ therapy is an advanced and innovative treatment specifically designed to address bowel control issues, including bowel incontinence and chronic changes in bowel habits often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This cutting-edge approach utilizes mild electrical stimulation to help restore normal bowel function, providing hope to those who have found limited relief from conservative treatments.

InterStim™ therapy involves a small device that sends gentle electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, which play a crucial role in bowel control. By modulating these nerve signals, InterStim™ helps improve communication between the brain and the bowels, potentially reducing or even eliminating symptoms of bowel incontinence and chronic bowel irregularities.

When is a Bowel Control Treatment Needed?

Bowel control treatment may become necessary when a person faces persistent issues like uncontrollable bowel movements, incomplete bowel emptying, chronic constipation, or diarrhea that significantly impacts their daily activities and quality of life. Our board-certified gastroenterologists may recommend InterStim™ therapy when other approaches, such as dietary changes, medications, or pelvic floor exercises, do not provide adequate relief.

You may need to consider bowel control treatment if you experience:

• Frequent, uncontrollable bowel movements
• Inability to empty your bowels completely
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea that doesn't respond to conventional treatments
• Significant disruption to daily activities due to bowel control issues

If these symptoms persist and affect your quality of life, it may be time to discuss InterStim™ therapy with your healthcare provider. This treatment for bowel incontinence can provide relief for those who have been dealing with bowel control issues long-term and seeking an effective solution. Healthcare providers typically decide to initiate treatment based on a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, liver function, HCV genotype, and other relevant factors.

What is Interstim™ Therapy For Bowel Control Issues?

When undergoing InterStim™ therapy for bowel incontinence in the Concord, North Carolina, area, patients can expect a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed in two stages:

1. Trial Stage: A temporary device is placed initially to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. This trial period usually lasts a few days to a few weeks, allowing both the patient and our board-certified gastroenterologists to evaluate improvements in bowel control.
2. Permanent Implantation: If the trial is successful, a permanent InterStim™ device is implanted. This small device is placed under the skin in the upper buttock area during an outpatient procedure.

During the treatment, patients can expect:

• A thorough evaluation to determine if they are suitable candidates for InterStim™ therapy
• Detailed explanations of the procedure and its potential benefits and risks
• Local anesthesia for the implantation procedure
• Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure
• A period of adjustment as the body responds to the therapy

Patients typically experience improved bowel control and a significant reduction in incontinence episodes following successful InterStim™ therapy. It's important to note that results can vary from person to person, and it may take some time to achieve optimal settings for the device.

How to Prepare For a Bowel Control Treatment with Interstim™ Therapy

Preparing for InterStim™ therapy involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, which may include:

1. Completing any necessary pre-operative tests to confirm you are a good candidate for the procedure. This may include diagnostic tests like colonoscopy or endoscopy to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.
2. Discussing your medical history and current medications with your healthcare team.
3. Fasting for a specified period before the procedure, typically for several hours.
4. Arranging for transportation to and from the medical facility, as you may not be able to drive immediately after the procedure.
5. Preparing your home for post-procedure recovery, which may include setting up a comfortable resting area.
6. Following any specific hygiene instructions provided by your healthcare team.
7. Stopping certain medications or supplements as advised by your doctor.
8. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of the procedure.

It's essential to follow all pre-operative instructions closely to maximize the safety and effectiveness of your InterStim™ therapy. Don't hesitate to ask our Concord gastroenterologists any questions you may have about the preparation or procedure itself.