InterStim™ therapy uses a small device to send mild electrical pulses to a nerve located in the lower back (just above the tailbone). This nerve, called the sacral nerve, influences the bladder and surrounding muscles that manage urinary function. It also influences the bowel and it’s connection to the brain. The electrical stimulation may eliminate or reduce certain bladder control or bowel control symptoms in some people.
InterStim™ neurostimulation is designed for patients who will benefit from a smaller implanted device, and those who experience symptom control with low to moderate stimulation. We place the InterStim™ system surgically under the skin. We use it to treat urinary retention and other symptoms of an overactive bladder, including urinary urge incontinence and symptoms of urgency-frequency in combination, especially in patients who cannot tolerate more conservative treatments.
InterStim™ therapy can also be used for bowel control in the treatment of chronic fecal incontinence in patients who have not been helped by conservative treatments.
Be sure to follow any specific individual instructions given to you by your physician before you come to the Center.
If you have an Internal Defibrillator, Allergy to Latex or Sleep Apnea, please contact the center staff as soon as possible. If you are taking blood thinners (Aspirin, coumadin, etc.) you may be instructed to stop these before your procedure. Some procedures may require you to stop taking some supplements as well. Your nurse will discuss these with you during your pre-op call. Again, please follow any instructions given to you by your physician prior to your procedure.
All patients are required to sign a consent form before their procedure that will authorize your physician to perform the surgery. Patients under 18 years of age or those unable to sign for themselves must have a parent, guardian, power of attorney or other arrangement made to sign the consent.
Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
If you are receiving a sedative drug to make you calm or asleep during the procedure it will be required to you to have someone to drive you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put on. If you tend to be sensitive to cold temperatures, please come prepared.
Please bring a list of your current medications, vitamins and supplements with their dosages and strengths.
DO take your heart or blood pressure medications with a very small sip of water as soon as getting out of bed the day of your procedure.
DO bring any inhalers that you use even if not used daily.
Please bring your insurance cards, driver’s license or other photo ID.
You will receive a call from the Center to confirm your appointment 1-3 days prior to the procedure and to review any questions.
You may be required to see your Primary Care Provider for a History and Physical within 30 days of your scheduled procedure, and have required laboratory and diagnostic testing completed.
If followed by Cardiology you may be required to have cardiac clearance prior to your scheduled procedure.
You should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your procedure unless instructed otherwise. It’s fine to brush your teeth, but do not drink any fluids.
DO NOT wear your contact lenses.
Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
If you are receiving a sedative drug to make you calm or asleep during the procedure it will be required to you to have someone to drive you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put on. If you tend to be sensitive to cold temperatures, please come prepared.
Please bring a list of your current medications, vitamins and supplements with their dosages and strengths.
DO take your heart or blood pressure medications with a very small sip of water as soon as getting out of bed the day of your procedure.
DO bring any inhalers that you use even if not used daily.
Please bring your insurance cards, driver’s license or other photo ID.
You should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your procedure unless instructed otherwise. It’s fine to brush your teeth, but do not drink any fluids.
DO NOT wear your contact lenses.
Your physician will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise, and medications. You will be provided with a written summary of these discharge instructions.
A nurse from the Surgery Center will attempt to call you the day after your surgery to check on your progress and discuss any questions you may have. If you have any unexpected problems, please call your doctor. If he/she does not respond, please go to the nearest emergency room.
Wisconsin Institute of Surgical Excellence is dedicated to service through compassionate patient centered care, Our goal is to promote a partnership between provider, patient, and community, while adhering to the highest standards of integrity and excellence. We are committed to progressive and innovative care, using state of the art technology with the most cost effective means possible.