InterStim Therapy

InterStim therapy, short for “internal stimulation” therapy, is a minimally invasive method of addressing chronic fecal incontinence. Here, a small pacemaker-like device is implanted subcutaneously (just below the skin) for purposes of delivering mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves that are responsible for transmitting neurological messages between the brain and bowels. This treatment requires an initial trial period in which a temporary, external device is attached to the sacral nerves to see if the stimulation will result in a lessening of the patient’s symptoms. Our surgeons are leading experts in the use of InterStim therapy to help patients with chronic bowel incontinence, and have helped many people return to a more comfortable, symptom-free lifestyle.