Incontinence is a condition characterized by the involuntary loss of urine or fecal matter. It affects millions of individuals around the world and causes more than just embarrassment, with a range of significant social, psychological, and physical implications. Treatments can vary and typically include the use of medications, a method that has pretty serious drawbacks. Increasingly, sacral neuromodulation is being used as a highly effective and superior alternative. Here are three benefits of sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of incontinence over compared to medication.
Superior Efficacy
Sacral neuromodulation is designed to treat the root issue of incontinence instead of managing symptoms. That’s not the case with medications, which are designed to target specific symptoms like urgency or overactive bladder but don’t address the underlying causes. In contrast, sacral neuromodulation targets the neural pathways involved in bladder and bowel control, providing a more holistic approach to treatment. The procedure of sacral neuromodulation involves the implantation of a small device that delivers computerized impulses to the pelvic floor nerves and muscles, which modulates bladder and bowel control. It’s considered a minor procedure with no general anesthesia and takes about 20 minutes in most cases.
This therapy offers superior efficacy when compared to medication treatment. By directly influencing the nerve signals, sacral neuromodulation offers far better control over urinary or fecal incontinence, leading to improved symptom management and a higher success rate compared to medications.
Long-Term Outcomes
One significant advantage of sacral neuromodulation is its ability to provide long-term, sustained relief from incontinence symptoms. While medications may offer short-term relief, they require continuous use and lose effectiveness over time. Worse, incontinence medications are associated with various side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, and cognitive impairment. In fact, the memory and cognitive side effects have gained attention, and AARP and many organizations caution against their use.
Sacral neuromodulation directly addresses the neural dysfunction underlying incontinence, resulting in long-lasting effects many years after the device is implanted. Studies have shown that sacral neuromodulation has a high long-term success rate, with a substantial reduction in incontinence episodes and a significant improvement in the quality of life for patients. The most recent devices have an impressive battery life of 15 years or more.
Improved Quality of Life
Incontinence has a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. It curtails daily activities, social interactions, and emotional well-being. Medications may partially address specific symptoms but do not provide comprehensive relief. Since sacral neuromodulation targets the underlying neurological causes of incontinence, results include better control, reduced leakage episodes, improved bladder emptying, and enhanced bladder or bowel function. This improvement in symptom control empowers individuals to regain their independence, participate in social activities, and experience improved emotional well-being. By directly addressing the neurological dysfunction, sacral neuromodulation helps restore patients’ confidence and quality of life.
The Bottom Line
Sacral neuromodulation represents a remarkable advancement in the field of incontinence therapy, offering several advantages over medication treatment. It is considered medically necessary and widely covered by Medicare and virtually all health insurance plans. Its superior efficacy, long-term outcomes, and positive impact on the quality of life make it a preferred choice for patients seeking lasting relief from incontinence symptoms.
I have been fortunate to learn from some of the most astute and accomplished experts in pelvic floor physiology and disorders, and my patients have benefitted from the rapid advancements in this field over the past 20 years. As medical knowledge and technology continue to progress, sacral neuromodulation is likely to gain further recognition and become increasingly accessible to individuals suffering from incontinence. With its ability to provide comprehensive and sustained relief, sacral neuromodulation stands out as a transformative treatment option for those struggling with this challenging condition.
To learn more about whether you might be a candidate for sacral neuromodulation, contact the Nevada Surgical team today.
