Question 1

What is InterStim for bowel control?

Accepted Answer

InterStim is Medtronic sacral nerve stimulation used for chronic fecal incontinence. A small device stimulates the sacral nerves in the pelvis, the nerves that help coordinate bowel control. It is considered after conservative care, not as the first step. Our urologists at the Alpharetta / Roswell office explain whether this therapy fits the pattern you describe, and go over the risks before anything is scheduled.

Question 2

What is the InterStim test phase?

Accepted Answer

The test phase uses a temporary wire, usually for 3 to 14 days, so you can see how symptoms change before deciding on a longer-term implant. During that stretch a thin lead is placed and attached to a small device worn outside the body, and a programmer lets you turn stimulation up, down or off. You continue ordinary days and keep a record of leakage and urgency so the follow-up visit has a clear picture. Movement of the wire, technical issues with the device and short-lived discomfort can occur; our urologists review those risks and any activity limits before the test starts.

Question 3

Who is a candidate for InterStim bowel control treatment?

Accepted Answer

InterStim for bowel control is considered for adults with chronic fecal incontinence whose symptoms have not improved enough with conservative care. If leakage or urgency improve about 50% or more during the test phase, a permanent implant may be discussed. If they do not, the temporary wire is removed and other options are reviewed. Our urologists make that decision with you after the test, not from a questionnaire alone.

Question 4

Is the InterStim implant reversible, and which devices are offered?

Accepted Answer

The implant can be switched off, and it can be taken out later if you decide you do not want to keep it. Two systems are offered: rechargeable InterStim Micro and recharge-free InterStim X. Our urologists go over how each is used, how follow-up works at this office, and the risks of the implant procedure before a date is set.

Question 5

What conservative care is tried before InterStim?

Accepted Answer

First-line care usually includes diet and fiber changes, spotting foods that trigger symptoms, bowel retraining and pelvic floor work. Medicine may be added if those steps have not been enough; medicines can have side effects and do not help everyone. InterStim is discussed when those conservative steps have been tried and control is still a problem. Bringing a short log of meals, leakage and urgency to the visit at 11660 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 700 helps that conversation.

Question 6

Can InterStim help if I also have bladder leakage?

Accepted Answer

The InterStim system is also used for certain bladder conditions, including some patterns of urinary leakage and overactive bladder. If you have bladder and bowel leakage together, our urologists can evaluate both at the same Alpharetta / Roswell visit. That does not mean one device is automatically the plan for both; the test phase and the findings guide what is offered. For bladder-focused treatment, see overactive bladder care and bladder leakage.

Question 7

Where is InterStim for bowel control offered for Alpharetta and Roswell patients?

Accepted Answer

Our Alpharetta / Roswell office evaluates and treats fecal incontinence, including counseling about InterStim for bowel control. Patients from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple, Mountain Park and nearby are seen at 11660 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 700, Roswell. If a test phase or implant is planned, our urologists explain where that procedure is done and how follow-up is handled at this office. Call 678-344-8900 or book online to start with an evaluation, or read our bowel leakage page first if you want more on symptoms and when to come in.

InterStim for bowel control at our Alpharetta / Roswell office.