Follow
Share

My local paper today carried a story about a surgical treatment for fecal incontinence called InterStim Therapy System. Nearly 18 million American adults have fecal incontinence according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. That's about 1 in 12 adults. This is an outpatient surgery covered by most insurances. A neurotransmitter disc is implanted in a buttock and a wire carries an electrical impulse to the sacral nerve which controls bowel function. The person has a better connection to the brain so the person has a better sensation of when to go.

This discussion has been closed for comment. Start a New Discussion.
Find Care & Housing
It's approved for women with non-obstructive urinary incontinence and about 60-70% successful. You cannot be obese or have a structural defect, like a prolapse or cystocele. It is for treating the nerves to strengthen the pelvic floor. It stimulates the S3 nerve at the lower end (sacral) of the spine.
(1)
Report

Pam, so it is used off-label for fecal incontinence or only for urinary?
(0)
Report

My mom is currently considering the inter-stim for bladder incontinence, however she also has some bowel too. They explained there could be a positive effect on her bowel area too, but this is a urologist not the gastrologist she sees.
(1)
Report

Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter