Trending
Dear Dr. Roach: My daughter, who is 50, recently went to a urologist for bladder retention issues. She had several tests performed. My daughter's doctor told her that the diagnosis is "overactive stable bladder." The doctor said that she would benefit from a procedure called "Medtronic bladder control therapy." A device is implanted through the lower back. It is supposed to stimulate the bladder to aid in urination. We had not known of this particular treatment. We have questions about this: Is this safe? How long will the device last? Will it be necessary to use this for the rest of her life? -- Anon.
Answer: Medtronic is a medical-device company that makes the Interstim system, which delivers electrical impulses called "sacral neuromodulation." The theory is that it helps the brain connect better with the bladder.
In practice, 86 percent of people who got this device were "improved" or "greatly improved," compared with 44 percent of those on medical treatment.
People considering this treatment undergo a two-week trial to see if it's likely to work.
About two-thirds of people respond favorably during the trial and have the device placed.
The procedure does involve surgery, and surgery always involves risks, including bleeding, infection, migration of the electrical wires and pain at the implant site. About a third of people undergoing the procedure had at least one of these adverse events, most commonly pain. As the procedure becomes more common, complication rates are going down.
I don't know how long the device can stay in. Trials have reported continued response even after three to five years.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGood
Health@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.