Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is an FDA-approved system that aids urinary retention and controls urgency-frequency issues.
Blog Snapshot:
- This unique therapy works with sacral nerves to control bladder and muscle function related to urination.
- The team at Affiliated Urologists explains what bladder control therapy is and whether or not it may be right for you.
When it comes to mitigating urge incontinence, urinary retention or urgency-frequency urination, Medtronic’s InterStim Bladder Control Therapy is inarguably one of the most effective treatment options. This device works with sacral nerves, located around the pelvis and tailbone, and emits mild electrical pulses to help the bladder and related muscles function properly. Bladder control therapy is designed specifically for patients suffering from symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), and can help prevent frustrating or embarrassing OAB experiences.
How Does Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy Work?
As alluded to previously, Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is a FDA-approved device that helps the brain and sacral nerves communicate with the bladder and other related muscle groups for normal urination and bladder function. Unfortunately, when the brain and sacral nerves miscommunicate with one another, the bladder is often affected and cannot perform basic tasks (urination, urinary retention, etc.). As a result, urge incontinence, urgency-frequency and other urological issues can arise.
What to Expect During Surgery
Before a permanent device can be considered, a test stimulation lead will need to be surgically implanted and monitored for up to two weeks. If this trial device delivers 50% or greater improvement of your OAB symptoms, then the long-term device can be implanted.
During the minimally invasive procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to reduce pain and discomfort. Next, an incision is made around the tailbone to implant small, thin leads along sacral nerves. Shortly afterward, another incision is made around the patient’s upper buttock to implant the neurostimulator. As soon as both devices have been implanted, the physician will close the incision and move the patients a recovery room. Patients typically return home the same day.
Should the InterStim Bladder Control Therapy not provide adequate results, patients can rest easy knowing the procedure is reversible. For more information about bladder control therapy, call one of our locations today! We will set you up with an appointment to discuss treatment options for your OAB.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
