Urinary Retention
InterStim for Urinary Retention: what happens during the trial?
The short answer
A thin wire is placed near the sacral nerves in a short procedure.
Over days to a couple of weeks, you track how well you empty, often by measuring catheter volumes.
Worth knowing
If emptying improves enough, the long-term implant is an option.
When to come in
If you use a catheter for retention, ask about a trial.
Talking it over with us
We’d be glad to talk this through with you at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, or our Conyers Clinic, 1366 Wellbrook Circle Suite B, Conyers, GA 30012. You can ask for a particular urologist by name, or let our scheduling team find the first opening.
How our urologists approach this
Trouble emptying the bladder has many possible causes, so our urologists first rule out a blockage such as an enlarged prostate or a narrowed urethra. If the problem is with the signals between the bladder and the nerves, InterStim may help. We like that it starts with a trial: you see how your bladder responds in everyday life before deciding on a long-term implant. We’ll explain each step, including how the trial works and how we judge the results together.
What to expect when you see us
Expect questions about how you empty now, whether you use a catheter, and any nerve or back conditions. We may check how much urine stays in your bladder and review earlier test results. Bring your catheter log or bladder diary if you keep one.
Getting ready
Bring your catheter log or bladder diary, earlier test results and a medicine list. Plan for the trial week by noting your usual routine. Tell us about any back surgery, nerve conditions or past bladder procedures.
When to call us
Call us during the trial if you can’t empty at all, the lead site looks red or drains, or you have fever or chills. With fever, go to the ER first.
Watch a short video
This Advanced Urology episode explains how InterStim works for the bladder.
Keep reading
This is general education, not a diagnosis. All articles