Having trouble controlling your bowel movements? Learn about Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS)

Do you also have to go to the toilet often? Or do you feel embarrassed and embarrassed about going out in public because of things like urine or feces that you don't even know you have? This is a problem that many people have, but they are embarrassed to talk about with others. Due to such conditions, there may be times when you are bored with life and are afraid to even leave the house. So today we are talking about a special and modern treatment method that can help with such conditions.

What is Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS)?

Simply put, it uses a very small device implanted inside our bodies to send very mild electrical impulses to the nerves that control our bladder and bowels. These nerves are what help us control when we urinate and defecate.

Imagine, our brain and spinal cord are the ones that send signals to our bladder and bowels that say "it's time." Sometimes, due to some problem in this signaling system, urine or feces can come out uncontrollably. At such times, this SNS device "resets" those signals and helps you take control back into your own hands. Some doctors also call this `(sacral neuromodulation therapy)`.

What conditions does this treatment help with?

This treatment method is mainly used for the following two conditions that have not been cured by other treatments.

Only you know how much these situations affect your life. Being constantly afraid and embarrassed can also lead to depression. So, in cases where other treatments, such as medications, have not been successful, this SNS treatment may bring you great relief.

How is the treatment done?

This is not something you do all at once. Before permanently installing the device, you will do a little experiment to see if it suits you.

First Step: Evaluation Phase

This is like a test drive. Before the permanent device is implanted in your body, we'll see if it helps relieve your symptoms.

• What happens?: You are not anesthetized , but only the area where the device will be inserted is numbed (local anesthesia). Then a very thin wire (lead) is inserted under the skin in the upper part of your buttocks. This wire is connected to a small external device that is worn on a belt under your clothes.
• Duration: This trial period can range from one week to two weeks (7-14 days).
• What you need to do: During this time, you will be given a small controller that will allow you to control the level of electrical signals coming from the device. The doctor will also ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms.

Step Two: Implantation Phase

If the experiment is successful, the surgeon will implant the permanent device (neurostimulator) in your body.

• What happens?: This is also a minor procedure that involves numbing the area. A small incision is made in the same area where the previous test was performed, and a very small device, about the size of two coins, is implanted under the skin, in the upper part of the buttocks. It is then connected to the nerves and the incision is closed.
• Time: This surgery takes between 40 and 60 minutes.
• Device:This permanent device is very small, usually about 2 inches long and weighing about 22 grams.

What are the benefits, success rates, and risks of this treatment?

The biggest advantage is that you don't have to live in fear of the toilet all the time. This will help you take control of your life again.

Looking at the success, research has shown that this is a very successful treatment.

• After giving this treatment to people with fecal incontinence , those who had the problem about 6 times a week have seen their condition decrease to about once every two weeks.
• About 67% of people with overactive bladder have had significant reductions in symptoms after 5 years.

If we talk about complications or risks,

• The main thing that can happen is that the device sometimes stops working.
• There may be an infection or pain at the site of the device insertion.
• Very rarely, if symptoms recur, the doctor will examine the device and perhaps make a small change to its program to fix it.

What happens after treatment?

It can take 2-8 weeks to fully heal after surgery. Your doctor will likely tell you to avoid activities like swimming, running, and lifting weights for a while during this time. You will need to take care of your incision until it heals.

The battery in the device can usually be used for about 15 years. When it is necessary to replace the battery, it also requires a minor surgery. Your doctor will inform you about all of this.

If your symptoms recur, it may mean that the device is not working properly. If this happens , contact your doctor immediately .