Interstim (Sacral Nerve Stimulation)

Interstim Therapy for Bowel Control (Sacral Nerve Stimulator or SNS)

Iterstim Therapy may be a treatment option for you if you suffer from accidental bowel leakage (ABL) and have not had success with, or are not a candidate for more conservative treatment options.

Interstim Therapy is a proven FDA approved therapy that targets the communication problem between the brain and the nerves that control bowel function. If the nerves are not communicating properly, bowel muscles may not function properly, therefore causing bowel control problems.

If you are a candidate for this treatment there is a trial assessment process that you will go through to test the therapy before making a long term commitment. This trial assessment is called Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE). The process includes your surgeon implanting a flexible wire (lead) near your tailbone. The wire is taped to your skin and is connected to a small external device with you will wear on your waistband.

This device sends mild electrical pulses through the wire to nerves near your tailbone which may get your bowel working the way it is supposed to. During this time period you will be asked to document your bowel activity with a daily diary. This trial will allow your surgeon to determine your next course of action in your treatment plan.

If it is deemed that you are a candidate for long term interstim therapy your surgeon will recommend implanting an internal device that is done in an outpatient setting, at the time of recommendation your surgeon will discuss risks and benefits that are associated with your personal case.

If you would like more information regarding Interstim Therapy for accidental bowel leakage (ABL)or other bowel control therapies please contact Kathy Rodvold, Pelvic Floor Care Coordinator at 651-225-7846.

Late Policy

New patients must complete the necessary paperwork prior to their first visit using the online patient portal. If the paperwork delays your appointment start time, your appointment might be canceled at the discretion of the provider.

If a patient arrives past their scheduled time and/or do not have their paperwork completed, their appointment might be canceled at the discretion of the provider.  This is to ensure that the patients who arrive on time do not experience delayed waits to see their provider. If you arrive late, you may be asked to reschedule. If you choose to wait, we will try to minimize your wait time as best as possible, however we need to provide timely care to our other patients as well.