Sacral Nerve Stimulator

[francene del]

Hi - I am booked to go into Hospital next week to have the first of the two part procedure regarding a Sacral Nerve Stimulator, to assist in controlling my incontinence. My question is can this Stimulator treat both Bladder and Bowel at the same time. If so would it require two separate stimulators or could the leads for both bladder and bowel, be run from the one stimulator.

[June Rogers]

Sacral Nerve stimulation does not work for everyone and a lot depends on what the underlying problem is. Therefore it is difficult to be precise in individual patients - however we know that when the stimulation is directed at either the bladder or bowel it can have an indirect action on the other. I suggest you discuss this with your doctor. Hope everything goes ok with the implant.

[Debbie Gordon]

Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) can have a positive effect on both bladder and bowel but is generally implanted with the intention of targeting one or the other. Klaus Matzel has published a number of papers describing SNS and its coincidental efficacy on both bladder and bowel.

You may find it helpful to speak to one of the Bladder & Bowel Foundation helpline team; all experienced clinicians, who will be able to talk through any further concerns that you may have. If you would like to do this please call 0845 345 0165, leave your name and number and a helpline clinician will call you back.