At Charleston GI, our board-certified gastroenterologists believe you deserve more for your bladder and bowel control. If medication and lifestyle changes have been unsuccessful, we have another option for you.
InterStim Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that addresses bowel and bladder control issues, including fecal incontinence and overactive bladder. The InterStim device is an implantable device that sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. These pulses are designed to reduce incontinence symptoms, giving you the confidence and freedom you deserve.
More than 375,000 patients over 25 years
84% satisfaction among those with InterStim
Improves quality of life three times more effectively than medications
InterStim Therapy delivers long-term relief so you can enjoy your life without worrying about where the nearest restroom is located.
InterStim Therapy is an advanced treatment option for bladder and bowel function control. To have proper function, your sacral nerve needs to communicate properly with your brain. The implantable device targets the sacral nerve through neuromodulation therapy, which utilizes a very mild electrical pulse. The goal is to restore proper communication between your brain, your bladder, and your bowels.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE INTERSTIM?
Proven to reduce accidents
Can improve quality of life, boosting your confidence and mental health
Minimally invasive and safe
Still allows for full-body MRIs if needed
Used by more than 375,000 patients globally
PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERSTIM PROCEDURE
When you visit Charleston GI for InterStim Therapy, your gastroenterologist will walk you through your procedure so you can go in confidently.
What to Expect
At your appointment, your doctor will discuss the procedure, recovery process, and any adjustments they recommend for your device to work best for you.
After Your Procedure
Your InterStim device uses a smart programmer, so you and your doctor can fine-tune its settings for the best results.
Schedule an appointment with our office to learn more about InterStim Therapy!
THE TESTING PERIOD
Before committing to long-term InterStim Therapy treatment, you can test the device through a three to seven-day trial period.
This trial assessment is conducted via a small external stimulator placed during a 45- to 60-minute procedure. During this assessment, you can:
Continue most daily activities with caution
Track your bowel or bladder control symptoms in a diary
If you notice a significant improvement, you may benefit from long-term InterStim therapy.
Using the smart programmer app for your InterStim device, you can:
Check and adjust your stimulation levels
Turn stimulation on and off
Activate MRI mode
Change programs with your doctor’s approval
FAQs
What is InterStim's success rate?
For fecal incontinence, researchers found InterStim Therapy resulted in total bowel control recovery for about 50% of the patients in the study for one year after the surgery, and about 30% reported their bowel control improved by 50%.
For overactive bladder, nearly 80% of InterStim patients have reported at least a 50% improvement in symptoms while using the device. Patients also reported experiencing quality of life improvement three times higher than patients taking medication for their overactive bladder.
Is InterStim a major surgery?
No, InterStim placement is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It is done quickly and safely, and typically takes less than an hour to complete.
How long does recovery take?
After your InterStim placement, you typically can return to light activities in just a few days after the procedure. Full recovery usually takes about six weeks.
What are the common signs of bladder control problems?
Bladder control issues can include:
Frequently and urgently needing to go to the restroom
Leaking urine when you’re unable to make it in time
Difficulty urinating or not being able to go at all
Feeling like your bladder won’t fully empty
What are the common signs of bowel control problems?
Signs of fecal incontinence can include:
Stool leaking when you pass gas
Stool leaking during physical activity
Feeling the urge to go but unable to make it to the toilet in time
Finding stool in your underwear after a regular bowel movement
Inability to control bowel movements altogether
What are the usual treatments for bladder control problems?
Before trying InterStim Therapy, your doctor may start with non-surgical treatments, such as:
Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles
Medications to help bladder control
Physical therapy to improve muscle function
Changing diet and fluid intake to manage symptoms
What are the usual treatments for fecal incontinence?
Before trying InterStim Therapy, your doctor may start with non-surgical treatments, such as:
Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles
Bowel training
Dietary changes
Medications
Biofeedback to improve muscle strength
How do I know if InterStim is for me?
InterStim is designed to help the brain, bladder, and bowel communicate properly, reducing sudden urges and leakages. You may be a good candidate if:
You have fecal incontinence and bowel control issues
You have overactive bladder (OAB), a result of nerve miscommunication
Medications have not been successful in treating your incontinence
Behavioral and physical therapy did not reduce symptoms
Who is not an InterStim candidate?
InterStim Therapy is not intended for those who are pregnant, people with severe or progressive neurological disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis, or patients under the age of 16. It is also not designed to treat urinary blockages caused by strictures or an enlarged prostate.
What are the risks of InterStim Therapy?
The procedure is quite safe, but with any procedure, there are some risks, including:
Mild pain at the implantation site
Skin irritation or infection at the implant site
Urinary or bowel function changes
Prior to treatment, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits to determine if InterStim is right for you.
Does InterStim really work for overactive bladder (OAB)?
Yes, it does! InterStim Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment method for overactive bladder (OAB), designed to reduce OAB symptoms and urinary retention. InterStim works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, helping to improve bladder control.
Does InterStim really work for fecal incontinence?
Yes! InterStim Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment method for fecal incontinence, designed to reduce symptoms and improve bowel control.
SCHEDULE YOUR INTERSTIM PROCEDURE TODAY!
Charleston GI's open-access InterStim program allows patients to schedule an appointment easily – no referral needed. Our goal at Charleston GI is to prioritize your health by making it hassle-free and affordable.
Get in touch with our gastroenterologist today to learn more or to schedule your appointment! No referral needed!
Disclaimer: Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for speaking with your doctor. Always speak with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
InterStim Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for bladder and bowel control issues. Individual results may vary. This therapy is not intended for everyone. Some patients may experience side effects, including pain at the implant site, skin irritation, or changes in bladder and bowel function. Consult with your doctor to determine if InterStim is right for you.
No physician-patient relationship is created and results are not guaranteed. HIPAA privacy standards apply. Do not submit sensitive medical information. For urgent concerns, contact your physician or seek emergency care.
