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.
EvaluationPart
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.
ImplantationIf
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.