Any exploring treatment options for incontinence will run through the usual suspects — medications, removable devices, injections, lifestyle changes. And if they’re lucky, they’ll learn about the best-kept secret in medical care. Sacral neuromodulation is considered a pelvic floor pacemaker. It’s truly remarkable in terms of efficacy and still flies under the radar for many. In a recent post for Sixty & Me, Dr. Sasse discussed SNM for incontinence and, in particular, whether it has any drawbacks. You can review the post in full here, or keep reading for the highlights.
From the Post
Dr. Sasse shares specifics about the technology and notes three potential drawbacks. The first relates to the potential for infection during the minor procedure to implant the device:
“The procedure and the device itself involve an implant inserted using x-ray guidance, so there is always a small possibility of postoperative infection from the incision areas or the wound in the site of implantation. Because there is hardware placed, an infection normally requires removal of the hardware. This occurs somewhere around 1% of cases.
Once the device is removed and the infection is resolved, a new one can be placed (and has about the same odds of getting infection, which is to say a low chance).”
The second drawback is the minimal chance that it won’t be effective:
“And while this little implant has proven to be a godsend for lots of people who were wearing diapers suffering sleepless nights because of leakage, it does not work for everyone. So, one ‘risk’ is the possibility that the promised therapy will not be as effective as everyone had hoped.
The best studies show 80-90% effectiveness, which means that 10 to 20% of people do not find it successful. In those unlucky cases, there still might be some chance to revise the position of the device and reprogram the device to make it successful, but in some cases, it is simply not going to work for that person.”
Finally, Dr. Sasse notes that, while rare, it’s not unheard of for people to experience discomfort from the device itself.
“This could require relocating the device to an area that is not as uncomfortable. Also, in a rare case, someone might feel some stimulation, meaning some tingling, buzzing, or discomfort in the thigh or perineal or rectal area. This is usually managed by changing the settings and lowering the signal of the stimulus.”
The big takeaway?
“Aside from these potential complications, there is not too much else that will cause trouble or be thought of as a complication of this therapy. It is certainly a much less invasive therapy than pelvic floor surgical interventions that might, for example, use implanted mesh materials. Likewise, there are no long-term adverse side effects of taking chronic daily medication such as those now associated with memory loss.”
In the post, Dr. Sasse also advises next steps for anyone interested in learning more about this method of treatment. In Reno, we invite you to contact the Nevada Surgical team directly.
