Sacral nerve stimulation can improve bowel control by gently stimulating nerves involved in pelvic floor function. It’s usually done in stages to confirm benefit before a permanent implant.
A temporary test lead is placed first to see if symptoms improve. If the trial is successful, a small device may be implanted under the skin for ongoing therapy. Follow-up visits adjust settings for the best results.
The procedure is done with local anesthesia and/or sedation depending on the plan. Risks can include infection, discomfort, or device/lead issues that may require adjustment. Your care team reviews candidacy and expectations before starting.
Because sacral nerve stimulation is done under anesthesia, you’ll follow standard surgery prep instructions. In most cases, you’ll need to stop eating and drinking after midnight before the procedure and may be asked to shower with a special antibacterial soap. Your care team will review your medications—especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and certain pain or anti-inflammatory drugs—and let you know which doses to adjust or hold.
You will also receive instructions about clothing, what to bring, and how to arrange for a driver and someone to stay with you after surgery. Always follow the specific written directions provided by your Idaho Gastro and surgical team for your scheduled date and location.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll check in, review your health history, and meet the anesthesia and surgical teams. An IV will be started, and you’ll be taken to the operating room and positioned face down or slightly on your side. After you’re asleep, the surgeon makes a small incision in the lower back near the sacrum (tailbone) and places a thin lead (wire) close to the sacral nerve that helps control bowel function.
For the trial phase, the lead is connected to a small external stimulator that you wear on a belt or waistband. For the permanent implant, a small pulse generator is placed under the skin in the upper buttock and connected to the lead under the skin. The device is tested and programmed while you are still in the operating room so the team can confirm everything is working before you go to recovery.
After the procedure, you’ll wake up in a recovery area where your vital signs and comfort are monitored. It’s normal to have some soreness or bruising in the lower back or buttock area where the lead and device were placed. Pain is usually manageable with oral pain medicine, and many people go home the same day (or after a brief overnight stay for the permanent implant).
During the trial phase, you’ll be asked to track your symptoms and follow instructions to keep the external equipment dry and avoid bending, twisting, and heavy lifting so the lead stays in place. If the trial is successful, you’ll move on to the permanent implant. After the permanent device is in place, you’ll receive teaching on how to use the handheld controller, when to return for programming adjustments, and what to watch for at the incision sites (such as increasing redness, drainage, or fever). Call your care team right away or seek urgent care if you notice signs of infection, severe pain, sudden loss of benefit, or problems with bowel or bladder function after the procedure.
Si su seguro exige una remisión o una autorización previa, nuestra oficina de facturación hará todo lo posible por obtenerla antes de que se presten los servicios. Si decide continuar sin la autorización requerida, es posible que el seguro deniegue la cobertura. Si es usted un paciente de Medicare, es posible que se le pida que firme un Aviso Previo al Beneficiario (ABN) en el que reconozca su responsabilidad financiera en caso de que el seguro no pague. Si está afiliado a un plan de seguro privado, se le pedirá que firme un formulario de servicios no cubiertos.