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Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms affect millions of people across Europe and can have a significant impact on everyday life, affecting confidence, sleep, work and social activities.
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive therapy that may help reduce symptoms such as urgency, frequency and urge incontinence.
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy uses electrical stimulation to help regulate the sacral nerves involved in bladder control. These nerves help control signals between the bladder and the brain.
A small device is implanted under the skin in the upper buttock area to deliver this stimulation, which may help reduce symptoms such as urgency, frequency and urge incontinence.
Sacral neuromodulation involves a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor can explain what the procedure involves and whether this treatment may be suitable for your symptoms.
In a clinical study, 94% of patients were satisfied with their therapy and 93% of patients who completed two-year follow-up experienced over 50% reduction in urinary urge incontinence symptoms.¹
SNM therapy can be adjusted over time based on your symptoms and needs. Depending on the system, rechargeable and recharge-free options may also be available, so your doctor can discuss what may work best for your day-to-day routine.
Some SNM systems are Full-body MRI Conditional, which means MRI scans may be possible under specific conditions. Your healthcare team should review the MRI guidance before any scan.
As with any medical procedure, sacral neuromodulation has potential risks and side effects. These include, but are not limited to:
Before treatment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history and whether Sacral Neuromodulation may be suitable for you. Many patients are able to try the therapy first with a temporary test phase to see whether their symptoms improve before moving forward with long-term treatment.
During the procedure, a thin lead is placed near the sacral nerves involved in bladder control. If long-term treatment is recommended, a small neurostimulator is placed under the skin to deliver stimulation to the nerves that communicate between the bladder and the brain.
Most patients are able to return home shortly after the procedure. Your healthcare team will explain how to use your SNM system, manage your therapy settings and attend follow-up appointments as needed. Your doctor will also advise you on recovery and when you can return to normal activities.
How to use your Axonics therapy remote
Learn how to connect your remote, understand the indicator lights and adjust your stimulation level.
How to change your stimulation program
Learn how to change stimulation programs and adjust your stimulation level using your Axonics therapy remote.
How to charge your Axonics stimulator
Learn how to position your charger, check that your stimulator is charging correctly and know when charging is complete.
Your doctor can help you understand the cause of your incontinence and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Sacral neuromodulation may be an option for people with overactive bladder symptoms, including urgency, frequency and urge incontinence, who have not found enough relief with more conservative treatments. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and medical history to help determine whether SNM therapy may be suitable for you.
Before moving forward with a long-term SNM implant, your doctor may discuss a temporary test phase to see whether the therapy may help improve your symptoms. During this test phase, a temporary lead is placed and connected to an external device worn outside the body for a short period of time. If your symptoms improve, you and your doctor can then discuss whether a long-term implant may be suitable for you.
SNM therapy is designed as a long-term treatment option. Different systems may have different battery and charging requirements, including rechargeable and recharge-free options. Your doctor can explain which options are available and what they may mean for your day-to-day routine.
Some SNM systems are Full-body MRI Conditional, which means MRI scans may be possible under specific conditions. Always tell your healthcare team that you have an SNM system before any scan, so they can review the correct MRI guidance.
References:
1. Pezzella A, McCrery R, Lane F, et al. Two-year outcomes of ARTISAN-SNM study for the treatment of urinary urgency incontinence using the Axonics rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system. Neurourol Urodyn. 2021
CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France. This material is for informational Purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician.
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