InterStim® Therapy now available to treat Chronic Fecal Incontinence
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – (Nov. 9, 2011) – The Pelvic Floor Center at Parkridge Medical Center today announced a new treatment option for patients with the debilitating and embarrassing condition of fecal incontinence who have not found relief from more conservative treatment options.
According to a National Institutes of Health-funded study, more than 18 million Americans suffer from bowel incontinence problems, and as a result they often struggle with everyday activities, such as traveling or spending time with friends and family. Now, The Pelvic Floor Center at Parkridge is offering InterStim® Therapy for Bowel Control, a minimally invasive option proven to improve or restore bowel control. The therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 14, 2011.
“Bowel control problems can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life, and many patients are too embarrassed or uncomfortable to talk about the problem with their physician,” said Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, M.D, colorectal surgeon and founder of The Pelvic Floor Center at Parkridge. “Until now, there have been limited treatment options for people with fecal incontinence who don’t respond to conservative therapies. InterStim Therapy for Bowel Control gives these individuals hope for living a more normal life.”
The implantable InterStim system uses mild electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves to influence the behavior of the pelvic floor muscles and bowel. As a result, the therapy significantly reduces fecal incontinent episodes for many patients. InterStim Therapy is the only bowel control treatment option that allows patients and physicians to determine probable success of the therapy through a test stimulation procedure prior to committing to long-term therapy.
Originally approved by the FDA in 1997 for urinary urge incontinence, InterStim Therapy now can be used for both urinary control and bowel control in many geographies, including the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. To date, more than 85,000 people have received InterStim Therapy worldwide.
In addition to risks related to a surgical procedure such as infection and swelling, neurostimulator or lead-related problems may occur and require surgery or cause return of symptoms.
Fecal incontinence is more common in adults, predominately women, and it is not a normal part of aging. Fecal incontinence can be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the nerves or muscles in the rectum from trauma such as childbirth, or other pelvic health disorders.
About The Pelvic Floor Center at Parkridge Medical Center
Established in 2009, The Pelvic Floor Center at Parkridge Medical Center is the only clinic in Chattanooga that combines the services of a colorectal surgeon, gynecologist and urologist in one location to effectively diagnose and treat the full spectrum of pelvic floor issues. The Pelvic Floor Center offers comprehensive treatment options for men and women suffering from embarrassing and uncomfortable bladder and bowel problems. The specialists of the Parkridge Pelvic Floor Center use the very latest techniques to manage or improve patients’ symptoms.
Important Safety Information about InterStim Therapy for Bowel Control
InterStim Therapy for Bowel Control treats fecal incontinence (an accident or leaking involving stool). It should be used only after you have tried other treatments such as medication and dietary modification without success or you cannot tolerate them.
You should have a successful trial assessment before receiving InterStim Therapy. You cannot have diathermy (deep heat treatment from electromagnetic energy) if you have an InterStim device.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pregnancy and delivery; patients under the age of 18; or for patients with progressive, systemic neurological diseases.
In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment such as MRI, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).
This therapy is not for everyone. Patients should consult their physician to decide whether InterStim Therapy is right for them. A prescription is required. For further information, please call Medtronic at (800) 328-0810 and/or consult Medtronic’s website at www.medtronic.com/bowelcontrol.