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CWC offers Interstim Therapy for Bladder Control Problems
Posted on: 08/23/2011
CWC is pleased to offer innovative treatments for patients with urinary incontinence.
Bladder Function is a delicate balance between nerves and muscles. The nerves tell the bladder and muscles involved with urination when to relax and when to contract. When these signals are balanced, the bladder will remain in a relaxation phase until it is full, then nerves send signals to the brain telling it the bladder is full. At that point, we are able to make a decision about when to urinate.
When the balance is upset there is incorrect communication between the bladder, brain and muscles that can cause dysfunction such as:
1) Frequent urination resulting from an overactive nerve signal telling the brain the bladder is full when it is not.
2) Leakage of urine often accompanied by a strong sense of urgency resulting from the bladder automatically emptying without warning.
3) The inability to empty completely sometimes resulting in the use of a catheter.
4) Non-obstructive retention
Conservative Therapies such as kegel exercises and medications are designed to target the muscular behavior of the bladder. Unfortunately, these often do not improve symptoms very much and many people stop taking the medications or performing exercises. The reason these treatments are not likely to provide relief is quite simple. Experts estimate that approximately 85% of all voiding dysfunction is a result of the bladder nerves misfiring.
There is only one way to evaluate potential nerve dysfunction. The evaluation is known as a Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation or PNE.
What is the PNE?
The PNE or Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation is a way for us to diagnose whether the root of the problem is nerve related rather than a muscle problem. Very often the bladder dysfunction is a result of overactive or incorrect nerve signaling. This diagnostic test is much different than other tests we perform because it can actually improve your symptoms.
The PNE consists of placing a hair thin catheter next to the nerves controlling the bladder. These nerves are located about 3 inches from the tail bone and are easily accessible. This test is performed in the office and only requires local anesthetic. An energy source is connected to the other end which provides gentle stimulation to these nerves. When the evaluation is successful, patients will notice improvements in their bladder symptoms which are usually dramatic. After 4-5 days of testing, the tiny catheter is removed in the office. The evaluation is completely reversible and non-destructive to the nerves.
For those who experience an improvement in their bladder symptoms, your doctor will talk to you about maintaining that benefit long term with Interstim Therapy. For those who have an inconclusive evaluation, a more accurate test can be performed in a surgery center.
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