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Nerve Stimulation

The Best Solution For Overactive Bladder & Fecal Incontinence

How Does Advanced Interstim Work?

Advanced Interstim (nerve stimulation) is an amazing treatment to permanently fix overactive bladder (OAB) with incredible precision. It is done as an outpatient in our state of the art surgery centers with the best outcomes. Advanced Urology has the only Medtronic Center of Excellence in the World. We are the best in fixing OAB. Most importantly, we can help you.

Advanced Nervestim fixes the root cause of bladder dysfunction by fixing the bladder nerves. It is a long term solution for OAB with incredible precision and accuracy. It is covered by all major insurances including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage Plans.

a person sitting on a toilet
a doctor showing a patient something on the tablet
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a doctor and a patient

Three Step Journey 
To Success

Initial Visit

Our goal is to provide you personalized and innovative health care. We are professional, discreet, and empathetic. Our first visit in our clean, modern offices is to establish a relationship and understand your treatment goals.

Minor Testing

You are sedated through an IV in our surgery center. There is no pain, no incision, and no discomfort. Advanced Interstim testing is performed by placing small wires the size of thread down to the bladder nerves. This is done via a small skin puncture similar to a blood draw. You are sent home after a short 10 minute procedure. If this test is successful, then a permanent implant is placed.

Minor Procedure

You are sedated through an IV in our surgery center. Advanced Interstim is performed and a small battery and soft wire are implanted under the skin. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes and you are sent home the same day. You should expect improvement within the first week in your overactive bladder symptoms.

Don't Struggle 
With Bladder Control

Medicines often do not work and have many side effects. Constantly running to the bathroom to urinate or having to wear diapers is detrimental to your health and quality of life. We are experts in urinary control.

Common side effects of Advanced Interstim, such as mild discomfort in low back, are limited. Symptoms are temporary for approximately two days and generally alleviated with oral medicines.

The friendly, talented doctors at Advanced Urology are experts in treatment for overactive bladder. Don't wait to discuss your symptoms. Get the permanent relief you deserve today!

Advantages of 
Advanced Interstim

Better outcomes and less side effects

Advanced Interstim is a proprietary technique utilizing Medtronic’s Sacral Nerve Stimulation (or Interstim) technology that provides the best outcomes with minimal side effects. This is similar to implanting a small pacemaker or nerve stimulator for the bladder. We utilize Advanced technology with 3D geospatial mapping to precisely fix the root cause of overactive bladder. This targeted millimeter accuracy improves outcomes and minimizes side effects. Urologists from around the world come to Advanced to learn from our talented team.
health insurance

Safe, effective, covered by insurance

Urology

Improves your quality of life tremendously

Long term solution

Outpatient procedure done in our surgery centers

No pain during procedure

health insurance

Covered by all major insurances

See What Life with InterStim Therapy Looks Like

This official patient handbook from Medtronic walks through what to expect with the InterStim X system, from the first days at home to managing your therapy day-to-day. It covers how the device and smart programmer work, answers common questions about MRIs and travel, and explains how to get the most out of your treatment. Download it to see what living with sacral nerve stimulation involves, then bring any questions to your consultation with our team.

Understanding Bowel Control Therapy with InterStim

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nerve Stimulation

Q What is nerve stimulation?

A

Nerve stimulation is a treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to change how specific nerves carry signals through the body. Different types target different nerves for different conditions. The type used for bladder and bowel control is sacral nerve stimulation, which gently stimulates the sacral nerves near the base of the spine that help regulate bowel and bladder function. At Advanced Urology, we offer sacral nerve stimulation through the Medtronic InterStim system for people with chronic fecal incontinence.

Q How does sacral nerve stimulation work?

A

Sacral nerve stimulation works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. Fecal incontinence can stem in part from a breakdown in the communication between your bowel and your brain. A small implanted device, such as the Medtronic InterStim system, stimulates these nerves to support more normal bowel-brain signaling and reduce symptoms. Because sacral neuromodulation targets that underlying nerve communication rather than only managing symptoms, it can help when diet changes and medication have not.

Q How long does sacral nerve stimulation take to work?

A

The therapy includes an evaluation period, during which a thin wire and a small external device allow you to test its effect on your symptoms over a short trial. Many people can tell during this trial whether their symptoms improve, though the exact timing varies from person to person. You and your doctor then review the results together and decide whether to move forward with a long-term device. Your urologist can give you a clearer sense of what to expect based on your situation.

Q What are the side effects of sacral nerve stimulation?

A

Like any procedure, sacral nerve stimulation carries some risks, most of which are manageable. During the evaluation period, possible side effects include movement of the wire, temporary discomfort, and technical issues with the external device. If you move forward with an implanted device, the procedure carries risks common to minor surgery, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the site. Some people also notice a change in the sensation of stimulation, which can usually be adjusted. Because the therapy is reversible, the device can be turned off or removed if needed. Your doctor will review the full list of potential side effects and how each is minimized before you decide.