Sacral Neuromodulation

Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment option for conditions like bowel (fecal) incontinence, overactive bladder, and difficulty urinating. It involves implanting a small device, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin in the upper buttock or hip. This device sends gentle electrical signals to the sacral nerves near the tailbone, which control the muscles of the pelvic floor, bladder, and colon. Sometimes, the communication between the brain and these nerves gets disrupted, causing problems with controlling the bladder and bowel. Sacral neuromodulation helps restore this communication and improve symptoms. To learn more about this treatment, you can schedule an appointment with the gastrointestinal specialists at The Gut Clinic UK.

Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment option for people who have tried other methods to manage their symptoms without success. The treatment targets the sacral nerves near the tailbone, which control the muscles involved in bladder and bowel function. Sacral neuromodulation is suitable for individuals experiencing:

– Fecal incontinence: Accidental leakage of stool or difficulty controlling bowel movements.
– Overactive bladder (OAB): Frequent and urgent need to urinate, with or without leakage.
– Nonobstructive urinary retention: Trouble emptying the bladder, resulting in a feeling of fullness or only releasing small amounts of urine.
– Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine due to a loss of bladder control.

If you’re dealing with any of these conditions and believe sacral neuromodulation may be a suitable treatment for you, reach out to The Gut Clinic UK to schedule an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist.

Sacral neuromodulation has been proven effective in helping people with bowel and bladder problems for many years. The procedure has two stages: an evaluation phase and a long-term therapy phase.

During the evaluation phase, a small wire is placed under the skin near the tailbone. This wire is connected to an external trial stimulator, which sends gentle electrical pulses to the nerves controlling bowel and bladder function. You will keep a diary to track your symptoms during this phase. If you experience significant improvement, you may proceed to the long-term therapy.
In the long-term therapy phase, a small implantable device, similar to a pacemaker, is placed under the skin in your upper buttock. This device continuously stimulates the pelvic nerves to improve communication between the brain and the muscles in the pelvic floor. You can control and adjust the stimulation using a small remote control.

To enjoy the advantages of sacral neuromodulation, schedule a consultation with a specialist at The Gut Clinic UK. They will guide you through the process and determine if this treatment is right for you.

Just like with any minimally invasive procedure, there are some risks involved with sacral neuromodulation. These include the possibility of infection, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. However, the doctor will provide you with pain medication to help manage any discomfort.

If you have a sacral neuromodulation device, it’s important to know that it is safe to have an MRI or other diagnostic tests. However, if you become pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, it is recommended to turn off the device during this time.

There are also alternative treatment options available, such as behavioral techniques, managing fluid intake, avoiding bladder irritants, learning techniques to control the urge with your pelvic floor muscles, medications, or self-catheterization for retention.

To get more information about sacral neuromodulation and to find out if it’s the right procedure for you, schedule an appointment with a specialist at The Gut Clinic UK. They will be able to answer all your questions and guide you through the process.