TL;DR:
- An incontinence implant, like the InterStim, is recommended when other treatments for urinary issues are unsuccessful.
- Indications for an implant include urge and overflow incontinence, overactive bladder, and treatment failure.
- Surgery is considered when bladder issues persist and impact quality of life.
- Doctors conduct tests including a temporary Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) to determine eligibility for an implant.
- There are two types of incontinence implants: InterStim, a full-time implant, and PTNS, which is not full-time.
- Risks of the procedure include implant site pain, infection, and lead migration, but these are typically resolved with care.
- Most patients report significant improvements post-implantation, such as fewer leaks and better sleep.
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Could an incontinence implant change your life? At the Continence Center at Nevada Surgical, we believe it might. I am Dr. Kent Sasse, and I’m here to help you understand the signs you might need an incontinence implant. For those tired of living with urge incontinence or a bladder that just won’t cooperate, this might be the answer. Read on to learn more and see if this surgical option is your next step towards better health.
What Are the Medical Indicators for an Incontinence Implant?
You might need an incontinence implant if other treatments fail. Urologists check several factors before recommending surgery.
What Are the Indications for InterStim?
Indicators for InterStim include urge incontinence, overactive bladder, and treatment failure. Urge incontinence is when you can’t hold pee despite the strong need. Overactive bladder means you urinate more than 8 times a day. These show a disconnect between your brain and bladder. An implant can help fix this.
Doctors try other solutions first, like bladder training, pelvic exercises, and medication. But if you still can’t control your bladder, it may be time for an implant. If your bladder issues affect daily life, tell your doctor. They will look at your history and symptoms. Some need to plan life around a bathroom. That’s not ideal.
Mixed incontinence, where you leak during urgency and pressure, can also make you a candidate. Overflow incontinence, where the bladder stays too full, is another situation where implants might be useful.
When Do You Need Surgery for Incontinence?
Surgery is considered when leaks don’t stop with exercises, meds, or therapy. If bladder issues impact your quality of life, surgery may help restore it. Implant devices can be life-changing.
Doctors may start with a short test. They put a wire near your tailbone to see if symptoms improve. If they do, a permanent implant may work for you. Devices can help those unable to urinate or who depend on catheters. They can restore proper brain-to-bladder communication.
Any procedure has risks, but with a skilled care team, those are low. Short-term issues like pain at the implant site usually go away quickly. The long-term benefits of feeling dry again are significant. Most who get an implant report outstanding results—travel and sleep become easier and worry-free.
How Do Urologists Assess If You’re a Candidate?
If stable first treatments don’t work, surgery may be for you. Doctors collect information on your bladder habits and test how well your bladder holds and releases urine. They use bladder diaries and urodynamic tests. A Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) may also be used as a test phase to see if an implant may succeed.
Some factors that might mark you as a good candidate include trying drugs, pelvic exercises failing, or having more than eight daily urges. Additionally, needing to wake up often at night for bathroom trips or feeling unable to empty the bladder could contribute.
What Types of Incontinence Implants Are Available?
InterStim is a leading option. It is a sacral neuromodulation implant that fixes bladder-brain signals. It can reduce leaks and help achieve full bladder control. It runs constantly, even while you sleep, without you feeling it.
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is another choice but requires weekly treatments. Unlike InterStim, PTNS isn’t full-time. Women can benefit from tailored implants for their needs combined with other devices for better results.
Rechargeable implants hold smaller sizes and have long use times, requiring weekly charges. Non-rechargeable ones last several years but need replacement after that. “Bladder pacemaker” is a common term for InterStim, illustrating its role in restoring bladder communication.
What Should You Know About Procedure and Placement?
Doctors place the implant near sacral nerves that control the bladder and bowel. A temporary Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) tests response first. You track symptoms like urine leaks during this phase. If symptoms improve, you might get a full implant.
During surgery, the implant goes under the skin near your buttock. The whole process takes 1 to 1.5 hours and is done outpatient. Afterward, pain might occur near the implant site, but this resolves over time.
What Are the Risks, Side Effects, and Long-Term Outcomes?
Potential risks include implant site pain, infections, and lead migration. Any issues usually resolve with care. Long-term device failure is rare, but leads can shift or scar formation can lessen signal strength. Reprogramming often resolves this.
Research says about 7 out of 10 people feel improvements, reporting fewer leaks and better sleep. Many patients regain their freedom and peace. Surgery generally surpasses the effectiveness of medication due to lack of ongoing side effects and continued symptom relief.
If you face uncertainty post-surgery, seek medical advice for bleeding, pain, or device issues. Early action leads to quick resolutions. The risks are low, with great potential to reclaim control and improve life. Surgery may offer the lasting relief that medication often doesn’t.
##Conclusion
Understanding incontinence implants can guide your health decisions. We explored the signs for considering surgery, from urge incontinence to failed treatments. Urologists check your history, run tests, and rule out potential issues. We discussed implant types, including InterStim, and what to expect during surgery. It’s crucial to grasp the risks, side effects, and outcomes, ensuring informed choices. If incontinence impacts your life, consult a specialist. Take charge of your well-being and consider how implants may restore your comfort and confidence.