What is Medtronic Interstim™?
Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system is a treatment option for chronic fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence, or bowel control problems, is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life. Symptoms may include frequent bowel accidents, monitoring what and how much you eat, using pads or protective garments, and planning activities around access to a bathroom.
Approximately 1 in 12 adults in the United States has fecal incontinence, affecting an estimated 20 million adults. Evidence suggests that breakdowns in the communication pathway between the bowel and the brain may be a root cause of chronic fecal incontinence. Conventional treatments may not directly address this miscommunication, which is why they may not provide the desired results.
Unlike conventional treatments, the Medtronic InterStim™ system gently stimulates the sacral nerves in the pelvic area that control bowel function. This therapy may help restore* bowel-brain communication and reduce the symptoms of chronic fecal incontinence.
Preparing for Medtronic InterStim™
Your doctor will determine whether Medtronic InterStim™ therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your condition. Before your evaluation, be sure to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any implanted medical devices with your doctor. You will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the evaluation procedure, including any activity restrictions or medication adjustments that may be necessary. Following your doctor's instructions carefully will help ensure the evaluation is performed safely and effectively.
What to expect during Medtronic InterStim™
Unlike many other bowel control treatments, the Medtronic InterStim™ system allows you to evaluate the therapy before making a long-term commitment. The evaluation begins with a short, in-office procedure. After the procedure, you will go about most of your regular daily activities for 3 - 7 days while tracking your symptoms to determine whether they improve. At the end of the evaluation period, you will discuss your results with your doctor to determine whether the therapy is likely to benefit you.
As with any medical procedure, complications can occur during the evaluation. These may include movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and temporary pain. Your doctor or nurse will explain how to use the system and review any activity restrictions and other precautions related to the evaluation.