TL;DR:
- Axonics therapy is a trial procedure aimed at bladder leakage issues, targeting the sacral nerve with electric signals.
- Patients must have tried other treatment methods, are not pregnant or planning to, have no major back nerve damage and be comfortable with minor tests.
- The trial lasts 3-7 days, where a soft wire is attached to your sacral nerve, and its effect is monitored through a patient’s journal about leaks and urination.
- The procedure is minimally painful and performed in a clinic, not requiring a hospital stay.
- Success is determined through a 50% improvement in symptoms; successful trials lead to a long-term Axonics implant.
- Common complaints include mild aches and lead movement, but the procedure has minimal side effects.
- The therapy costs, without insurance, range from $20,000-$30,000; however, most insurance covers the expense. Axonics therapy has proven more beneficial than other treatments for many patients.
—
Considering Axonics therapy for incontinence? At the Continence Center at Nevada Surgical, we specialize in guiding patients like you through every step of the process. In this article, I’ll walk you through what to expect during an Axonics therapy trial. From evaluation to understanding the procedure’s ins and outs, I aim to clear up your questions and concerns. Are you ready to learn about improving your quality of life? Let’s delve in together.
What Happens Before the Axonics Therapy Trial Begins?
Before starting the Axonics trial, I review your health history. This helps me decide if Axonics can help your bladder or bowel leaks. Many try pills first, but they can cause dry mouth and weight gain. Axonics often works better with fewer side effects, so beginning right is important.
What is the Procedure for the Axonics Test?
We start with a check-up to see if you qualify. I ask about your leaks, and you may fill out a bladder diary. This shows how leaks affect your life. I might ask about past surgeries or run a bladder scan. If you qualify, we move to the next steps.
The Patient Evaluation and Diagnosis
First, we discuss your bladder habits. I’ll ask how often you leak and how it affects you. Tests like a urodynamic study can show how your bladder works. We might use an ultrasound too. This checks if your nerves work as they should.
If results show nerve treatment could help, I’ll explain Axonics. Axonics targets the sacral nerve, which controls muscles for peeing or pooping. It sends signals to the nerve, helping it work better.
Steps to See If You Are Eligible
We check if Axonics is right for you. You need frequent leaks that affect your life. For the Axonics trial, you should:
- Have tried other treatments like drugs or diets.
- Not be pregnant or planning to be soon.
- Have no major back nerve damage.
- Be okay with a minor test in the office.
If you qualify, we’ll prepare for the Axonics trial.
What Is Axonics Stage 1?
Stage 1 tests if Axonics works for you. It’s called a “test stimulation” or PNE. We place a soft wire near your sacral nerve. You wear a device outside your body for about a week.
The wire feels like a thread and goes through a small skin opening. We numb the spot first. If you feel a tap in your tailbone, the test is working.
You keep a journal about your peeing and leaks for three to seven days. After the week, we check your notes to see any improvements.
What Does the Medical Team Do?
During preparation, the team supports you. A specialist places the wire, and a nurse helps with the journal. We teach you how to move safely and avoid certain activities to keep the wire in place.
What About Consent and Insurance?
You sign a form explaining risks and benefits. Ask questions if you have any. Most insurance plans cover the trial. We’ll help with sending records to your plan.
Axonics trial prep might seem a lot, but many find it simple and worthwhile. Many go on to get the full implant and gain peace of mind.
What Does the Actual Axonics PNE Trial Involve?
The Axonics PNE trial evaluates if nerve signals help your bladder. It’s not surgery but checks if full therapy will help.
What is the Procedure for the Axonics Test?
It’s done in a clinic and does not require a stay. You lay on your stomach, and we clean and numb the lower back. A thin lead is placed near your sacral nerve, connected to a small external stimulator.
How Long is the Axonics Trial?
The trial lasts three to seven days. You track symptoms in a journal to see if the stimulation helps.
Is the Axonics Trial Painful?
Most find it not painful. You might feel a small pinch or mild sting with the lead. Nerve signals might feel like tapping, which is normal.
What Do You Do During the Axonics PNE Trial?
Live as usual but avoid showers or swimming to keep the lead dry. Use a journal to track peeing, urgency, leaks, and nerve pulses each day.
What is the Goal of the Axonics PNE Trial?
The goal is to see if nerve signals improve bladder control. A good result means fewer leaks and bathroom trips. If the test works, the next step is a long-term implant.
Pills may stop working or cause side effects. Axonics treats the cause with nerve signals. The trial is short and low-risk. After the week, we remove the lead easily, letting you return to full life.
Is the Trial Phase of Axonics Painful or Uncomfortable?
Is the Axonics Trial Painful?
For most, it’s not painful. We perform the PNE trial as a short clinic visit. Some might feel a sting when numbing the skin. The wire placement feels like tapping without pain.
Most people report mild discomfort, like a tug if the wire shifts. Avoid bends or twists to reduce movement. Any side effects are minor and temporary.
In studies, over 80% felt no pain; few needed light pain pills. This trial is easier than older methods that required surgeries.
What Happens After the Trial and How is Success Determined?
How Long is the Axonics Trial?
The trial lasts between three and seven days, during which you track leaks and urges in a symptom journal.
Criteria for a Successful Trial
After the trial, you review your journal with your doctor. We look for at least 50% improvement, like fewer leaks. A successful trial means you qualify for a long-term device.
Timeline for Removing Temporary Leads
The temporary lead is removed after the trial. The removal is simple and quick, like taking off a bandage.
Discussion With Your Doctor About the Results
After removal, discuss the changes with your doctor. Did symptoms improve significantly? If so, you may move to the next phase: the long-term implant.
What is Axonics Stage 2?
If the trial worked, Stage 2 involves placing a small device under the skin in your upper buttock. It sends soft nerve pulses, keeping nerves in rhythm. You control it with a remote.
Getting Ready for a Long-Term Implant
Your doctor explains the process and how it works. Many regain control over their lives, enjoying activities without fear. Axonics is discreet and does not have the side effects of pills.
If the trial gave you over 50% relief, you’re on the path to lasting improvement.
What are Patient Concerns, Costs, and Outcomes of Axonics Therapy?
Common Axonics Complaints
Complaints include mild aches, lead movement, or shorter battery life. Most issues are rare and easy to fix.
Axonics Implant Side Effects
Risks like skin soreness or minor infections are rare. Lead migration can occur but is fixable without new surgery.
Axonics Therapy Costs
The cost without insurance is $20,000 to $30,000. Insurance often covers most of it. The system lasts over 15 years, saving money on other treatments.
Does Axonics Beat Other Types of Care?
Research shows over 75% of patients have fewer leaks. Many regain full control, while pills often only help half of people and bring side effects.
Patients often share positive experiences. Axonics provides long-lasting relief without the drawbacks of medication.
Axonics therapy is safe and successful for many with leakage issues. It offers a way to regain control and ease in life. Many people return to daily tasks without pads or pills, enjoying a more confident life.
##Conclusion
Navigating the path to Axonics Therapy begins with thorough evaluation and clear steps. I help you understand the trial’s nuances, from eligibility checks to test stimulation. You learn about the role of urologists and informed consent before moving through the Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation (PNE) trial. This phase, though brief, may bring mild discomfort but is often well-tolerated. Success depends on symptom relief, leading to permanent implantation. Cost concerns, complaints, and success stories highlight the therapy’s broader impact. Ultimately, having detailed insights empowers you to make well-informed decisions for your health and well-being.