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Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) is a quick, outpatient procedure that is used to treat certain pelvic floor issues such as overactive bladder, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence.
In some cases of urinary and fecal incontinence, the trouble stems from your sacral nerves, located at the base of your spine, not properly communicating with the muscles in your pelvic floor. Sacral nerve modulation steps in to address this glitch. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, is inserted under the skin above your buttocks. This device is connected to a fine wire which delivers low voltage electrical pulses, restoring proper signaling from the sacral nerves to the pelvic floor muscles that are important for proper bowel and bladder function.
If you are considering sacral nerve modulation, also called sacral nerve stimulation, the first step is to set up a consultation with your urogynecologist. They will do a thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history, and in some cases, more targeted testing to measure your bladder and bowel functions. This assessment is important to make sure that sacral nerve modulation is the right fit for your situation.
The procedure is performed in two stages. Initially, a temporary device is used for a week trial to assess its effectiveness. This hand held device is secured outside the body, and connected to a fine wire that is inserted in the lower back, near the sacral nerves. This is done under local anesthesia and you are able to go home the same day. If this shows improvement, a permanent version of the device is then implanted under the skin in the operating room, offering long-term relief. It’s virtually invisible, removable and reversible. And if you’re concerned about getting MRI with the device in place, it is completely safe and compatible with MRI.
Recovery is quick, and after a few days, you can ease back to light activities. Long term, you would want to see your doctor annually to ensure the device continues to work optimally and make any necessary adjustments to keep improving your symptoms.
Patients often describe the treatment as a tingling or tapping feeling in the genital or rectal area and possibly extending down the legs and feet, or up the lower back. The sensation is very light, not painful, and can be adjusted.
Of course, with any surgical intervention, there will always be some risks, such as infection, pain at the implant site, or device-related issues. However, sacral nerve modulation has been proven to be very effective in improving symptoms and most consider the benefits to significantly outweigh the risks.
Bottom line: sacral nerve modulation can be a great option for specific pelvic floor disorders that can affect your bathroom business. It can significantly reduce, or eliminate leaks or urgency episodes, help with urinary retention, and improve your quality of life!
About the author:
Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya is a board certified and fellowship trained urogynecologist and pelvic reconstructive surgeon. She is a sexual medicine specialist and the founder of the Los Angeles Institute of Pelvic and Sexual Health. Dr. Dubinskaya is also a Menopause Society certified provider. In her spare time, she is an educational content creator for women’s health on YouTube and social media as @DrUroGyn. drurogyn.com
