Improving Quality of Life with Neuromodulation: A Novel Treatment for Incontinence

KEY POINTS / CLINICAL PEARLS

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is peripheral nerve stimulation used for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and fecal incontinence.
SNM is recommended by both the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) as third-line therapy for the treatment of OAB.
Given the large number of implantations and history of SNM, improvements in urinary symptoms are established and of long duration in those who respond to treatment.
SNM use in patients with fecal incontinence is more recent, but several large studies have demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms.
Fecal incontinence and overactive bladder are both debilitating medical conditions that can impair quality of life and limit day-to-day activities.
Sacral neuromodulation is authorized by Health Canada and the FDA as treatment for both bladder and bowel conditions.
SNM is a minimally invasive out-patient surgery that has consistently been demonstrated to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with OAB or fecal incontinence.

References

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Related Terms: Men’s Health, sacral neuromodulation, overactive bladder, urge incontinence, fecal incontinence
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This article was published as part of Managing the Health of Your Aging Patient: Therapies that Could Help Improve Quality of Life eCME resource.
The development of Managing the Health of Your Aging Patient: Therapies that Could Help Improve Quality of Life eCME resource was supported by an educational grant from Medtronic Canada.