Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Symptoms: Pelvic pain syndromes such as interstitial cystitis, as well as symptoms associated with both fecal and urine incontinence, are treated with sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). Loss of control over one's bladder or bowel, urgency, frequency, pain in the pelvis, and pain during urine or bowel movements are typical symptoms.

Causes: Overactive the bladder, fecal incontinence, neurological bladder dysfunction, and pelvic floor abnormalities are a few ailments that might cause these symptoms. They could be brought on by weakness in the muscles, nerve injury, or other underlying medical conditions affecting the bladder, intestines, or pelvis.

Remedies: Treatments for SNS include implanting a device that stimulates the sacral nerves with electrical impulses, which helps control nerve activity and enhances the function of the bladder and bowel. When more conventional approaches to treating symptoms—such as behavioral therapy, medication, and pelvic floor exercises—fail to control symptoms, this treatment option is taken into consideration. For patients looking for a reversible and adaptable solution for pelvic discomfort or incontinence, SNS is available.

Evaluation: To ascertain whether sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is necessary, patients receive a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team that may include urologists, gastroenterologists, or pain specialists. This assessment covers the patient's medical history, the intensity of their symptoms, and the effectiveness of their previous treatments.

Trial Period: Patients usually have a brief SNS trial prior to permanent implantation. In this trial, a minimally invasive approach is used to implant a temporary electrode in close proximity to the sacral nerves, typically while under local anesthesia. Patients then evaluate, over a period of many days to weeks, how well the gadget relieves their symptoms.

Implantation: The patient may move forward with permanent implantation if the trial period shows a notable improvement in symptoms. A tiny, battery-operated pulse generator is surgically placed under the skin in the buttocks or lower belly in this case.

Placement of Electrodes: During implantation, a tiny incision in the lower back is usually used to place one or more electrodes close to the sacral nerves. These electrodes influence nerve function by delivering precise electrical impulses.

Programming: A clinician programs the pulse generator to deliver electrical impulses at the best settings for every patient after implantation. Over time, these parameters can be changed to optimize symptom alleviation and minimize adverse effects.

Recovery and Aftercare: Following the treatment, patients are constantly watched for any complications and to make sure they are mending properly. To evaluate the degree of symptom relief, modify programming parameters as needed, and resolve any issues, follow-up appointments are planned on a regular basis.

Long-term Care: Patients receive instruction on how to take care of and maintain the implanted device, including charging the battery (if applicable), steering clear of activities that could harm the device, and visiting a doctor if problems develop. Over time, periodic assessments and battery replacements could be necessary to preserve the efficacy of SNS therapy.