INTERSTIM THERAPY
Interstim is a revolutionary new treatment for urge incontinence,
urgency-frequency, and urinary retention. Additionally it is beginning to show
promise with patients suffering from Interstitial Cystitis and Fibromyalgia.
If you meet the following criteria you might be a candidate for Interstim
therapy:
1.
Poor results from more conservative treatment such as diet
modification, medication, and biofeedback.
2.
Positive response with the stimulation trial.
Test stimulation involves placing a wire lead into the lower back (sacral
area). It is a procedure that is performed in the office using local
anesthetic. The wire is stimulated with low volts of electric current,
hopefully resulting in a change in your symptoms. You will hear this referred to as temporary stimulation. The wire
is left in place for 3 to 7 days. During this time you must restrict your
activities so you do not dislodge the lead wires. Specific instructions will be
given to you regarding your restrictions. In brief, you should not drive, bend,
twist, lift, stretch, run/jog, or shower during the test period.
Before attempting the test stimulation you must keep a voiding diary for at
least 3 days. Once the test leads have been placed you will need to keep a
second diary for at least 3 days. After removal of the test leads, you will
again keep a diary for 3 days.
If everything indicates this is a good choice for you surgery will be
planned to implant the permanent leads and pacemaker device. This will take
place in the hospital operating room and lasts approximately 2 hours. Healing
time should be allowed for, you will be tender at the incisional sites for 3 to
6 weeks. Normal activity can be resumed once your pain has decreased.
You should never have an MRI after you have the permanent implant. The
device is similar to an implanted pacemaker and has similar precautions.
For more information contact our office at 610-296-0810 and visit the
website for www.interstim.com
LAST UPDATED: May 14, 2005