What InterStim is
InterStim, made by Medtronic, is a form of sacral neuromodulation. The sacral nerves, near the tailbone, carry signals between the brain and the bladder and bowel. When those signals are not working well, the bladder or bowel may not behave as it should. InterStim uses a thin wire (lead) placed near a sacral nerve and a small device placed under the skin of the upper buttock to send mild electrical pulses that help those signals work more normally.
What it is used for
The InterStim system is FDA-approved for:
- Overactive bladder, including urge incontinence and significant urgency and frequency
- Urinary retention that is not caused by a blockage, meaning the bladder does not empty well
- Chronic bowel (fecal) incontinence
It is for people who have not improved enough with, could not tolerate, or are not candidates for more conservative treatments. It is not intended for urinary problems caused by a physical blockage, such as an enlarged prostate, cancer or a urethral stricture.
Who may be a candidate
Good candidates usually have overactive bladder or non-obstructive urinary retention that has not improved enough with bladder habits and medicines, or who could not tolerate those medicines. Dr. Neal Patel, a board-certified urologist, reviews your history, bladder diary and testing to confirm that a blockage is not the cause and that InterStim is a reasonable option compared with bladder Botox or tibial nerve stimulation.
Step one: the trial
A key advantage of InterStim is that you can try it before committing to a long-term implant. During the evaluation, a thin wire is placed near the sacral nerve and connected to a small external stimulator that you wear. Depending on the type of evaluation, the trial lasts from several days to up to about two weeks, and you keep a diary of your symptoms. If your symptoms improve meaningfully, you can move on to the implant. If they do not, the trial wire is removed and other options are discussed.
Step two: the implant
If the trial helps, the small neurostimulator is placed under the skin of the upper buttock in a short outpatient procedure. Therapy is adjusted with a handheld programmer, and settings can be changed in the office. Current InterStim systems include rechargeable and recharge-free options, and the system can be turned off or removed if needed. Current systems allow MRI scans under specific conditions, so always tell the imaging team that you have an implant.
Possible risks
As with any implant, risks can include pain at the device or wire site, wire movement, infection, a change in how the stimulation feels, and the need for a revision or removal. People with InterStim should not have diathermy (a deep heat treatment). These risks, and how they compare with other options, are discussed in detail before treatment.
Recognized for advanced OAB care
Advanced Urology is recognized as a Medtronic World Center of Excellence on Advanced Overactive Bladder Therapies. Learn more about the full range of overactive bladder treatments. Source: Medtronic InterStim indications, safety and warnings. Call 678-344-8900 or book online with Advanced Urology.
Frequently asked questions
Does InterStim hurt? The trial and the implant are short procedures done with anesthesia or numbing medicine. Most people feel the stimulation as a mild tingling or pulling in the pelvic area, and it should not be painful. Settings can be adjusted if it is uncomfortable.
How long is the InterStim trial? Depending on the type of evaluation, the trial lasts from several days to up to about two weeks. You track your symptoms in a diary during that time.
Can InterStim be removed? Yes. The device can be turned off, and it can be removed with a minor procedure if needed.
Can I have an MRI with InterStim? Current InterStim systems allow MRI scans under specific conditions. Always tell your imaging team that you have an InterStim device before any scan.
Is InterStim used for bowel control? Yes. InterStim is also FDA-approved for chronic fecal (bowel) incontinence in people who have not improved with, or are not candidates for, more conservative treatments.
Where Dr. Neal Patel sees patients
Dr. Neal Patel sees patients from across metro Atlanta at two Advanced Urology offices:
- Johns Creek: 10730 Medlock Bridge Rd, Ste 110, Johns Creek, GA 30097
- Cumming: 4150 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd, Ste 180, Cumming, GA 30040
His Advanced Urology team also sees patients in Decatur and Braselton. Call 678-344-8900 to book. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
Preparing for your visit with Dr. Neal Patel
Bring a list of your current medications and supplements, any prior urine, blood or PSA results, and the reports (or discs) from recent imaging. If you can, arrive with a comfortably full bladder, because a urine sample and a bladder scan are often part of the first visit. Write down your main questions so nothing is missed. A family member is welcome to join you. If you prefer Spanish or Korean, let the office know when you book so language support is ready.
Your chart is reviewed before you arrive, and insurance requirements for likely imaging or procedures are checked up front so approvals can move sooner. Before you leave, your orders, prescriptions and follow-up plan are reviewed with you, and you receive education materials tailored to your condition.
At the end of the visit you will receive a written summary in your preferred language that explains what was found, what was ordered and what happens next. Your primary care physician or referring doctor receives a clear update letter with findings, plan and next steps, so everyone caring for you stays informed. Dr. Neal Patel sees patients at the Johns Creek and Cumming offices; call 678-344-8900.
Reviewed by Dr. Neal Patel, MD, board-certified urologist. This page is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.