Michigan Hospital Services | Marko Gudziak, MD

MICHIGAN ADDITIONAL SERVICES

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Marko Gudziak, MD

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
Urologist

THE FACTS ABOUT PELVIC NERVE STIMULATOR

Background

There is an intricate web of muscles in the pelvic area—including
the urethral sphincters, bladder, and anal sphincter muscles. If
these muscles aren’t functioning optimally then individuals may
experience varying levels and occurrences of urinary incontinence.
According to Marko Gudziak, MD, a SJMO urologist, “Women are
especially at risk for urinary incontinence because of pelvic floor
weakness directly related to childbirth and menopause.” Those
that suffer from urinary urge incontinence (a strong sudden urge
to urinate that is often accompanied by urine leakage), urine
retention, and or urgency-frequency (urgently needing to use the
toilet and going frequently) often have to change their schedules to
accommodate their condition—resulting in a severely diminished
quality of life.

Podcast Posted: 5/23/2008
Duration: 00:57

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Most patients can be treated with medications and behavior
modification, but some do not improve. However, there are new
advances in urology that have been providing relief. One such
procedure is the pelvic nerve stimulator. This device, about the
size of a stopwatch, is inserted beneath the skin of the lower back
and stimulates the sacral nerves prompting greater control of the
bladder, sphincter, and pelvic floor muscles.

This treatment method is a three-step process including: test
stimulation, surgical implant, and post implant follow-up.

Test stimulation: The physician and patience access the effectives
of the pelvic nerve stimulator through a diagnostic trial conducted
over several days. This trial serves as the basis for the patient and
physician to design a long-term treatment plan.

Surgical implant: If the test stimulation is successful, the stimulator
is implanted in the skin of the upper buttock. A small incision is
then made over the sacrum and a lead is placed near the sacral
nerve to influence bladder control.

Follow up: Following the implant, the stimulator is activated
and begins to send mild pulses of electricity to the sacral nerve
helping to control abnormal impulses in the nerves that cause
the incontinence.

ADVANTAGES
This new procedure can help to significantly alleviate the symptoms
of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. One study
detailing individuals using a pelvic nerve stimulator illustrates that
82% of urgency frequency patients reported a reduced degree
of urgency. After 6 months, nearly 50% of patients with urinary
urge incontinence were completely dry and approximately 75%
reported no episodes of unexpected, heavy wetting. The pelvic
nerve stimulator can also be used to treat urinary retention (the
inability to void).

CAUTIONS
As with any surgery, there is the risk of complications and or
infection. Additionally, this procedure should only be considered
when conservative options have not been effective.

REFERRAL
Please contact the SJMO physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to
find an SJMO urologist near you.

THE MEDICAL REPORT LIBRARY:

MICHIGAN ADDITIONAL SERVICES

	Pyrocarbon Hemi Arthroplasty For The Thumb Firas Karmo, MD Posted: 5/30/2008
	Shockwave Therapy Jeffrey Klein, MD Posted: 5/30/2008
	Minimally invasive Hernia repair Malik McKany, MD Posted: 5/30/2008
	Pelvic Nerve Stimulator Marko Gudziak, MD Posted: 5/23/2008
	Balloon Sinuplasty Sam Bahu, MD Posted: 12/28/2007
	Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Michael Cotant, MD Posted: 12/28/2007

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