Is InterStim therapy safe?
Q: Is InterStim® Therapy safe and proven effective? A: Yes, InterStim® Therapy is safe and effective for patients who have not had success with more conservative treatments. It has been used to treat more than 40,000 patients worldwide.
Can InterStim cause nerve damage?
When the energy from diathermy therapy interacts with neurostimulation devices, it can cause permanent nerve or tissue damage and result in severe injury or death.
What are the side effects of InterStim?
InterStim™ may cause patients to experience unpleasant side effects, including:
- Pain at the implant site.
- New pain.
- Infection.
- Skin irritation.
- Interactions with other devices or diagnostic equipment.
- Undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function.
- Lead (thin wire) movement/migration.
- Device problems.
How successful is InterStim?
InterStim is FDA approved. It is safe and effective. 85% of InterStim patients report success in the first year of use. The success rate for InterStim is three-times greater than treatment with traditional medicines for incontinence.
How long does InterStim surgery take?
InterStim placement is quickly and safely done at an outpatient surgery center. The procedure itself typically takes between 20-30 minutes to complete, and surgery is minimally invasive. This can often be done under local anesthesia, though some doctors will prefer to use general anesthesia.
Can you swim with InterStim?
Activities you can continue – Activities that should not affect your implanted InterStimTM system include running, jogging, walking, road biking, swimming, sexual activity, etc.
Can InterStim cause pain?
A: In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).
What are the restrictions after InterStim surgery?
Stimulation should be on 24 hours / day and should always be felt. If stimulation becomes painful, turn down the stimulation or turn off the stimulator and call the office. Restrict activity for 5-6 weeks as much as possible. You have had surgery and have incisions – your body needs time to rest and heal.
Who is not a candidate for an InterStim?
Safety and effectiveness of the InterStim™ system for bladder and bowel control candidates has not been established for: Bilateral stimulation. Pregnancy, unborn fetus, and delivery. Pediatric use under the age of 16 (for bladder control) or 18 (for bowel control)