Charleston GI offers hope through InterStim
Incontinence is an issue that no one ever hopes to face. Loss of bladder or bowel control can be a debilitating struggle, which is why a local Charleston organization offers InterStim, a technological solution that can provide a surprisingly simple fix.
Created by Medtronic, InterStim is a device roughly the size of a coin that’s implanted at the top of the buttocks and sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerve, thus re-establishing proper communication between the brain, bladder and bowels. Much like a pacemaker or spinal nerve stimulator, once implanted, InterStim can be used without affecting a patient’s daily life.
Charleston GI offers the full gamut of gastroenterological care, ranging from endoscopic ultrasounds for cancer screenings and liver biopsies to treating specific diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. One of its most common roles is evaluating patients for ailments such as heartburn, diarrhea, constipation and fecal incontinence, which is why InterStim has become such a game changer for patients.
An estimated 13 million Americans suffer from some form of incontinence, according to the National Institutes of Health. That number, however, may be higher, the NIH admits, due to the embarrassment many people feel about reporting such issues.
Charleston GI’s Marc Noble, MD, explained how InterStim therapy can completely change a person’s quality of life.
“Fecal incontinence is one of the issues that tends to shut people into their homes. It’s harder to hide than urinary incontinence, and this can be life-changing for the right candidates,” Dr. Noble said.
How InterStim candidacy is evaluated
At Charleston GI, a patient who may be a candidate for InterStim will have a temporary stimulating device implanted for approximately five days to see if bowel control is improved enough to warrant permanent stimulator placement. Anyone who is experiencing bladder or fecal incontinence would be a potential candidate.
Throughout this trial period, Charleston GI keeps in touch with candidates on a daily basis, with the patient returning to have the stimulator removed at the trial’s end. It is at this point that a discussion would take place about possible permanent stimulator placement.
Procedure, coverage and long-term use
Dr. Noble said the procedure for the InterStim implant is minimally invasive with very little recurring maintenance.
“The procedure is done in one of our outpatient centers. It typically takes about 30 minutes to do. Sedation is similar to that of upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Ultimately, if the testing phase is successful, we would refer patients out to either a colorectal surgeon, urogynecologist or urologist for placement of the permanent device. It typically is covered by different insurance plans including Medicare,” Dr. Noble said.
Once implanted, InterStim lasts up to 10 years, is MRI compatible and can be removed or replaced easily if needed. It is this low level of risk alongside the level of benefit that makes InterStim a significant force for change.
“Patients who have given up travel plans, visits to family, shopping or dining can start doing those things again because of the confidence this device gives them,” Dr. Noble said.
By Colby Denton
