Lasting relief after a successful trial
The InterStim™ Sacral Neuromodulation Device is a proven, life-changing solution for people whose lives are disrupted by overactive bladder or urinary retention — and who had a successful percutaneous trial. This minimally invasive surgical procedure targets the nerves controlling bladder function for lasting symptom relief.
A proven solution for two conditions
The InterStim Sacral Neuromodulation Device is a minimally invasive, proven solution for individuals whose lives are disrupted by:
By targeting the sacral nerves that control bladder function, the device offers lasting relief for patients who have difficulty with urinary control — particularly those who haven’t been adequately helped by medications or other conservative treatments.
The implantation procedure
Four precise steps — performed with X-ray guidance for accurate placement near the sacral nerves.
Position & locate
You lie on your stomach while the surgeon uses X-ray imaging to locate the sacral nerves in your lower back.
Lead placed
A small wire (lead) is gently placed near the sacral nerves and tunneled under the skin.
Battery implanted
The wire connects to a small battery pack implanted under the skin in the lower back area.
Incisions closed
All incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches — no need for a separate removal visit.
This is a surgical procedure
Unlike the in-office percutaneous trial, the permanent implantation is a surgical procedure with incisions and a battery pack placed under the skin. Standard pre-operative instructions apply, including fasting and arranging transportation home.
Your provider will review every detail of the procedure, anesthesia plan, and recovery expectations before surgery.
The essentials
Stomach-down
Performed with you lying on your stomach
X-ray guided
Precise imaging-guided placement of the lead
Battery pack
Small pack implanted under skin in lower back
Dissolvable
Stitches dissolve on their own — no removal
The staged approach option
In some cases, the procedure is performed in two separate stages — allowing for an additional in-body trial period before the permanent battery is implanted. Your provider will discuss whether this approach is right for your situation.
Lead placed, battery delayed
The surgeon places the wire (lead) near the sacral nerves, but doesn’t implant the battery yet. Instead, the wire remains externalized for a trial period of approximately two weeks.
During this trial, you’ll evaluate how effectively the device improves your bladder function in everyday life.
Based on your results
After the two-week trial, your provider evaluates the results with you. Based on how well the therapy worked, the next step is either:
→ Removal of the wire (if the trial didn’t show enough improvement), or
→ Implantation of the battery pack (finalizing the procedure if the trial was successful).
A short healing period
After the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort or pain at the incision sites. These effects are typically temporary and should improve as the incisions heal.
Your provider will give you specific instructions on activity, wound care, and follow-up. Once healed, the device is designed to provide long-lasting relief and significantly improve quality of life for those struggling with bladder control.
Take the next step toward lasting relief
If you’ve completed a successful percutaneous trial — or want to discuss whether InterStim therapy may help — schedule a consultation with our urology team. We’ll address your specific concerns and help map out your personalized treatment plan.