Sacral neuromodulation is a minimally invasive procedure used to effectively treat overactive bladder and urge incontinence with potentially long-term enduring benefits for patients who are not helped by medications. It involves the implantation of a programmable pulse generator that delivers low electrical current in the body.
The Benefits of Sacral Neuromodulation
The main benefit of sacral neuromodulation is that the procedure can help restore your bowel or bladder function. Unlike treatment with medication, this process directly treats your nerve activity. Sacral neuromodulation also strengthens the communication between your bladder and your brain.
- May reduce symptoms of overactive bladder
- Sacral neuromodulation is reversible and can be discontinued anytime
- Sacral neuromodulation starts with an evaluation so you can experience how it feels and determine if it will help reduce your symptoms
- You receive a sacral nerve implant, a special device to stimulate your sacral nerve
Sacral Neuromodulation Procedure
Sacral neuromodulation, also known as sacral nerve stimulator, is a procedure where a bladder stimulator is implanted for urinary control that targets the communication issue between the brain and nerves that control the bladder. Sacral neuromodulation is used for treating urge incontinence and symptoms of urgency-frequency. Sacral neuromodulation involves the placement of a small device in the body. This device modulates the sacral nerves (nerves that control the bladder) with mild electrical pulses, helping the brain and the nerves to communicate so the bladder can function properly.
Risks or Complications of Sacral Neuromodulation
Sacral neuromodulation has risks and side effects, just as any surgical procedure does. These side effects include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain at the implant site
- Device problems
- Changes in urinary or bowel function
- Uncomfortable stimulation