More and more of us are part of the sandwich generation—finding ourselves caring for our aging parents in addition to raising families. While that is a challenge on its own, adding incontinence to the mix makes navigating this life stage even more difficult. Incontinence is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse with time, and it’s associated with intense feelings of shame, to the point that many people try to address symptoms in silence. It shouldn’t be that way—senior citizens deserve compassionate solutions for bladder control. As an expert in compassionate pelvic floor care, I’d like to discuss how sacral neuromodulation can be an effective solution for bladder leakage, incontinence, bowel leakage, and overactive bladder in seniors.
Understanding the Problem
Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder are common issues that affect many older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life. These conditions can lead to social isolation, depression, and a loss of independence. While there are various treatment options available, sacral neuromodulation has emerged as a less invasive solution for seniors who have not found relief through more conservative approaches.
Sacral Neuromodulation: A Revolutionary Approach
Sacral neuromodulation is an advanced treatment that involves stimulating the sacral nerves, which control bladder function. This therapy works by sending mild electrical pulses to the nerves, effectively “resetting” the communication between the nerves of the sacral plexus, brain and the bladder.
The procedure involves implanting a small device, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin in the upper buttock area. This device sends electrical impulses through a thin wire to the sacral nerves. By modulating these nerve signals, sacral neuromodulation can help regulate bladder function and reduce symptoms of incontinence and overactive bladder.
Before committing to the full implant, patients undergo a trial period of a few days. This involves a temporary external device to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. If significant improvement is observed, the permanent implant is considered.
The permanent implantation is an outpatient minor procedure performed under local anesthesia. Recovery time is generally short, allowing seniors to return to their normal activities quickly.
After implantation, patients work closely with their healthcare providers to fine-tune the stimulation settings for optimal results. Regular follow-ups ensure the device continues to function effectively.
Benefits for Seniors
Sacral neuromodulation offers several advantages for older adults:
- Minimally invasive: The 20-minute procedure is relatively simple and does not require major surgery.
- Reversible: Unlike some surgical options, sacral neuromodulation is reversible if needed.
- Effective for multiple conditions: It can address both urge incontinence and overactive bladder.
- Long-lasting results: Many patients experience sustained improvement in symptoms. Pacemaker battery life in general is now around 15 years.
- Improved quality of life: By reducing bladder issues, seniors can regain confidence and independence
- Covered by Medicare and other insurance plans: FDA approved over 20 years ago, it has well-established insurance coverage including Medicare.
Considerations for Seniors
While sacral neuromodulation can be highly effective, it’s important to consider individual factors:
- Overall health: Even seniors with significant health problems can normally undergo a minor procedure of this nature safely.
- Cognitive function: Patients do not need to be able to operate any device–it works like a pacemaker: set it and forget it.
- Support system: Not everyone has a robust support system. Sacral neuromodulation means less trips to the bathroom, less accidents, less pads, and less cleanups.
Compassionate Care Approach
When considering sacral neuromodulation for seniors, a compassionate, patient-centered approach is crucial. This involves:
- Thorough education about the procedure and its potential benefits and risks
- Addressing any fears or concerns the patient may have
- Involving family members or caregivers in the decision-making process
- Providing ongoing support throughout the treatment journey
The Bottom Line
Sacral neuromodulation offers a proven solution for seniors struggling with bladder leakage, incontinence, and overactive bladder, and it benefits their adult children, too. By restoring proper nerve function, this therapy can significantly improve quality of life, allowing older adults to regain control and confidence. As with any medical treatment, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider with expertise in this technology to determine if sacral neuromodulation is the right choice for an individual’s specific situation.
In northern Nevada, the experts at The Continence Center of Nevada Surgical are happy to answer your questions about sacral neuromodulation and whether it might be a good fit for you or a loved one. Contact our team today to learn more.
