What is sacral nerve stimulation?
Sacral nerve stimulation sends gentle electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. The pulses come from a device the size of a silver dollar. It is placed just under the skin near the sacrum (bone at the base of the spine). After it is in place, it does not limit your normal activities.
Why does it work?
Many things can change how the sacral nerves work. These include:
- Bladder infections
- Childbirth
- Hysterectomies
- Bowel and bladder surgeries
- Back surgeries
- Genetics
- Other pelvic injuries or conditions
When these nerves do not work correctly, you may have:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Urgency (suddenly feeling like you need to pee)
- Frequency (going to the bathroom often)
- Urinary or bowel incontinence (leakage)
- Troubling emptying your bladder
- Pelvic pain
The device gives mild stimulation that fixes the nerve signals and helps these problems.
Why is it safe?
The device is put under the skin and sends pulses through a small lead wire. The wire does not touch the nerves or the spine. No patient has had a permanent health problem from this treatment. It can be stopped at any time.
Stage 1:
Before placing a permanent device, you will have a test stimulation to see if it works for you. The lead wire is put under the skin near the sacral nerves. It is taped to your skin and connected to an external device. This is done with local anesthesia and sedation. You can go home the same day. You will wear the test device on a belt for 2 weeks. During this time:
- Your activity and showering are slightly limited.
- You will keep a voiding diary (a bathroom log) before and during the test.
Instructions before the test:
- Keep a voiding diary for 3 days.
- Stop taking aspirin or blood thinners for 7 days.
- Do not eat after midnight the night before the test.
Instructions after the test:
- Keep a voiding diary.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics.
- Take acetaminophen (like Tylenol®) or other pain medicine as needed.
- You may shower after 24 hours. Do not soak in a tub.
Stage 2: Remove test lead or place the permanent device
After 14 days, you will come back to the hospital and bring your voiding diaries. Your doctor will review the diaries and talk about the results with you and your family. If the test worked, you can get a permanent lead and battery implant. The battery is put in the fatty part of the butt and hooked up to the wire.
You can shower after 24 hours. You can start normal activities in 1 to 2 weeks.
Follow-up care:
After the procedure, you will need to:
- Come back to the office to check the system.
- If needed, the system will be adjusted through your clothing.
- Be seen every 6 months.
If your symptoms are not controlled, contact the office sooner. With normal use, the battery lasts 3 to 5 years.