Overactive Bladder
InterStim for OAB: who's a good candidate?
What is the short answer?
InterStim may fit adults with overactive bladder, urinary retention without blockage, or bowel leakage who haven't done well with other treatments.
First comes a trial, so you see if it works before a long-term implant.
Is a visit a good idea?
People who need frequent body MRIs should ask about compatibility.
If pills haven't worked, schedule a visit to see if InterStim fits you.
What else should I know?
The device is placed in a short outpatient procedure.
Asking about PTNS?
If you’ve read about PTNS needle sessions, we don’t provide them. The tibial nerve treatment we offer is the implantable Altaviva system from Medtronic, which sits under the skin near the ankle.
Ready to come in?
From McDonough to Stockbridge and Locust Grove, Henry County families visit us at our Conyers Clinic (1366 Wellbrook Circle Suite B, Conyers, GA 30012), and procedures take place at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center (1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078). Our team will be glad to help you book.
How do our urologists approach this?
InterStim is a good fit for some adults, and our urologists take time to find out whether you’re one of them. We review the treatments you’ve tried, how much urgency or leakage affects your life, and other health needs such as future MRI scans. If InterStim makes sense, you start with a trial so you can judge the results in everyday life. Other options, including Botox and Altaviva, stay on the table if the trial isn’t right for you.
What happens at a visit?
For the first visit, bring a bladder diary from the last few days and a list of every bladder medicine you’ve tried. We’ll check your urine and may suggest a bladder test. You’ll have plenty of time to ask how the trial and the implant work.
When should I call?
Call us during an InterStim trial if you notice fever, redness or drainage at the lead site, or if your symptoms change in a way that worries you.
Is there a video on this?
Learn how InterStim works on bladder nerve signals in this Advanced Urology episode.
- Watch: #003 - Rewiring Bladder Control: How InterStim Transforms Overactive Bladder What the video covers: A podcast episode on InterStim (sacral neuromodulation) for overactive bladder when medicines and lifestyle changes haven’t helped: how it works and who may be a candidate.
Where can I learn more?
Meant for learning, not for diagnosing yourself. See all Henry articles