Bowel Control Therapy for Fecal Incontinence

A medical condition that often causes public embarrassment, fecal incontinence is defined by the sudden urgency to have a bowel movement, with lack of control to prevent it—something that can happen, anytime, anywhere.

Symptoms of fecal incontinence include:

1. Frequent bowel accidents
2. Inability to resist the urge to go
3. Inability to feel when you need to go
4. Planning activities around the bathroom
5. Monitoring what and how much you eat
6. Using pads and protective garments

About 20 million adults in the U.S. struggle with chronic fecal incontinence even though it’s a treatable condition. It’s not a normal part of aging and you shouldn’t have to deal with it on your own.

What is Bowel Control Therapy via InterStim™?
For patients who don’t respond to dietary changes and conservative management treatments, there is the Medtronic bowel control therapy through the InterStim system. Once implanted by a colorectal surgeon in the sacral spinal nerves within the pelvic area that control bladder and bowel function, the
InterStim device transmits gentle stimulation to these nerves, restoring brain and bowel communication, and ultimately reducing symptoms. The stimulation can be adjusted so it feels comfortable.

This technology, approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), is an adjustable treatment for fecal incontinence that can produce long-lasting results. With this discreet therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, more confidence, and more freedom.