Interstim Peripheral Nerve Evaluation

Overactive bladder (OAB) can cause frequent, sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control. At Urology Specialists of Ohio, our urologists understand the challenges of living with OAB. We offer a variety of treatment options to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. One promising option is Interstim therapy, a minimally invasive approach that utilizes mild electrical stimulation to provide relief.

Understanding Interstim therapy for OAB

Interstim therapy involves implanting a small device called a neurostimulator near the sacral nerves in your lower back. These nerves play a crucial role in bladder function and urinary control. The neurostimulator delivers low-level electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, potentially reducing urinary urgency and frequency, increasing bladder capacity, and improving overall bladder control.

Is Interstim therapy right for you?

Interstim therapy isn't suitable for everyone with OAB. Our urologists will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine your candidacy. This evaluation may involve discussing your symptoms, medications, and past treatments, along with a physical exam, urodynamic testing, and a peripheral nerve evaluation to assess your sacral nerves' response to electrical stimulation.

The Interstim therapy procedure

Interstim therapy is typically a two-stage process at Urology Specialists of Ohio:

• Trial Stage: A temporary lead is inserted near your sacral nerves during an outpatient procedure. Over several days, you'll use an external programmer to activate the lead and experience the effects of stimulation. This trial period helps you assess if Interstim therapy provides relief for your OAB symptoms.
• Implant Stage: If the trial is successful, a permanent neurostimulator is implanted during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The implant is placed under the skin in your lower back or buttocks and connected to a thin wire near the sacral nerves. The neurostimulator can be controlled with an external programmer to adjust stimulation settings as needed.

Benefits of Interstim therapy for OAB

Interstim therapy offers several advantages for managing OAB symptoms:

• Minimally invasive: The procedure involves minimal incisions and scarring.
• Outpatient procedure: Both the trial and implant stages can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
• Effective symptom relief: Interstim therapy can significantly reduce urinary urgency and frequency for many patients.
• Improved quality of life: By managing symptoms, Interstim therapy can help you regain control and improve your daily activities.

Urology Specialists of Ohio: Your Partner in IC/BPS Management

At Urology Specialists of Ohio, we offer comprehensive care for patients considering InterStim Perpheral Nerve Evaluation for OAB. Our urologists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and may include Interstim therapy if you are a suitable candidate based on the peripheral nerve evaluation.