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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.
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:
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 offer a new lease on life for those who have been struggling with bowel control issues for an extended period.uire immediate treatment. 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.
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:
During the treatment, patients can expect:
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.
Preparing for InterStim™ therapy involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, which may include:
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.
Medicare typically covers InterStim™ therapy for eligible patients who meet specific criteria for bowel incontinence. Coverage usually includes the trial period and the permanent implant if the trial is successful. However, it's important to check with your specific Medicare plan and healthcare provider to understand the exact coverage details and any potential out-of-pocket costs associated with the treatment for bowel control issues. Your healthcare provider can help you navigate the insurance process and determine your eligibility for coverage.
InterStim™ therapy delivers mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, which control bowel function. These pulses help to restore normal communication between the brain and the bowels, improving bowel control. The therapy uses a small device implanted under the skin in the upper buttock area, that sends continuous, mild electrical pulses through a thin wire to the sacral nerves. This neurostimulation can help reduce symptoms of bowel incontinence and improve overall bowel function. By modulating nerve activity, InterStim™ therapy aims to normalize bowel sensations and movements, potentially reducing accidents and improving the quality of life for those suffering from bowel control issues.
InterStim™ therapy is generally considered safe and effective for treating bowel control issues. It has been FDA-approved and has been used to treat bowel incontinence for many years. As with any medical procedure, some risks are involved, such as infection or device-related complications. However, these risks are typically low, and the benefits of improved bowel control often outweigh the potential risks for many patients. During your consultation, your healthcare provider will discuss the safety profile and the potential for any side effects of InterStim™ therapy. It's important to note that InterStim™ bowel control therapy is reversible, and the device can be removed if necessary. Long-term studies have shown a good safety profile for InterStim™ therapy, with many patients experiencing significant improvements in their quality of life.
