Sacral Nerve Stimulation Specialist

What is sacral nerve stimulation?

Your sacral plexus is a large nerve network in the upper buttock area. It controls the motor and sensory information for your legs and pelvis, including the bladder and bowels. Sacral nerve stimulation is a procedure that treats several bladder and bowel problems.  

If your providers decide that you can benefit from sacral nerve stimulation, they implant a device beneath your skin. The generator produces electricity that travels through the electrodes and into the sacral plexus, improving communication between your nerves and brain. 

You use a handheld device outside the body to control the signals. Your providers at Valley Urogynecology Associates teach you how to use the device to your best advantage. They offer stimulator devices by industry leaders InterStim™ and Axonics and can help you compare the two.  

What does sacral nerve stimulation treat?

Sacral nerve stimulation is a treatment that the experts at Valley Urogynecology Associates use for three main purposes. It can treat:

Overactive bladder

An overactive bladder includes urge urinary incontinence, which causes a strong urge to urinate, often followed by some leakage. 

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence affects the bowel. Instead of leaking urine, you accidentally leak fecal matter. 

Urinary retention

Urinary retention is a condition that makes it difficult or impossible to empty your bladder in its entirety. As a result, some urine remains in the bladder after you use the restroom. 

What should I expect during the sacral nerve stimulation procedure?

There are two phases involved in the sacral nerve stimulation implantation process. During your first phase, your providers assess your health and make sure you’re a good candidate for sacral nerve stimulation. They also implant a small temporary wire near the sacral plexus connected to an external generator or stimulator. 

After you use the temporary device for 2-3 days, you report back to your provider with feedback. Based on whether the trial period was successful, the team determines whether or not to move on to the next phase. 

The second phase of treatment involves the implantation of your permanent sacral nerve stimulator. This procedure takes around 45 minutes. 

To schedule your initial consultation for sacral nerve stimulation, call Valley Urogynecology Associates or book an appointment online today.