Neuromodulation is a procedure which modifies organ function through the stimulation of corresponding nerves. For instance, when nerves controlling the bladder are stimulated via neuromodulation, bladder function can be modified in order to treat symptoms of incontinence, frequent or urgent urination, and/or urinary retention.

Because neuromodulation of the bladder is often performed by stimulating the S3 foramen (a location where the sacral nerves thread through the sacral bone), it is often known as sacral neuromodulation.

When is Neuromodulation Used?

Doctors use neuromodulation to treat urinary conditions such as overactive bladder syndrome (OBS) and interstitial cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), as well as bowel conditions when dietary changes and biofeedback have not helped.

Neuromodulation cannot effectively treat problems caused by urinary obstruction, and the effects of neuromodulation are temporary because the device which stimulates the nerves can be removed at any time. Your urologist can determine if neuromodulation would help your bladder issues.

How is Neuromodulation Performed?

Neuromodulation is administered in two phases: the evaluation phase, and the implant phase.

Evaluation

Part of the evaluation phase involves keeping a detailed diary of your bathroom habits for several weeks. This information will be used as a basis for comparison during neuromodulation treatments.

After reviewing your bathroom diary, your doctor will implant a temporary wire near your lower back (sacrum) connected to a battery which you will wear on a belt. Setting up the temporary neuromodulator takes about an hour, and you’ll be home the same day as the procedure. The temporary neuromodulator will send mild electrical impulses to your sacral nerves through the wire over the course of the next few days. You will again be asked to keep a detailed diary of your bathroom habits.

Implantation

If there are positive changes noted during the evaluation period, your doctor will implant a permanent neuromodulation device known as a neurostimulator (a small electrical device roughly the same size as a stopwatch) under the skin near the lower back/buttock area. The neurostimulator will send out small electrical impulses during the day to help re-coordinate connections between the brain, pelvis and bladder.

The effects of neuromodulation are immediate and reversible: the neurostimulator can be removed at any time. Neuromodulation can work on both bladder and bowel issues simultaneously.

Talk to your doctor to determine if neuromodulation can help treat your bladder issues.