Axonics Neuromodulation for Urinary Incontinence: FAQs
Bladder leaks or bowel control problems are not only embarrassing, they can completely disrupt your life. Sadly, many people suffer in silence with urinary or fecal incontinence because they are uncomfortable seeking help – or because they are unaware of the new and advanced technologies that can remedy these problems.
But if you suffer from incontinence you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from urine and bowel leaks. At Northwest Ohio Center for Urogynecology Women’s Health in Perrysburg, Ohio, we offer the latest, and most advanced treatments for overactive bladder and fecal incontinence.
In this article we answer our Toledo area patient’s questions about one of the newest, state-of-the-art urinary and fecal incontinence treatments: Axonics Neuromodulation.
What is Neuromodulation for Urinary Incontinence?
Neuromodulation therapy is a minimally-invasive treatment that involves the insertion of a tiny “pacemaker” device (about the size of a quarter) that is connected to the pelvic floor. This pacemaker sends electrical impulses to the specific nerves that control your bladder.
Why is Axonics Neuromodulation Better than Other Urinary Incontinence Treatments?
Neuromodulation focuses on the source of the problem– rather than just treating symptoms – like medications do. And, because it is a “one and done” procedure, once the device is inserted you no longer have to remember daily pills.
Unlike Percutaneous (or Posterior) Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) – which uses external therapy and requires multiple office visits – Axonics neuromodulation is a long-term solution that utilizes a hidden, internal pacemaker for the bladder.
Axonics is also superior to other neurostimulators, because the device is only 5cc volume in size. This is 60% smaller than other devices on the market (such as the InterStim II neurostimulator which is 14cc.)
What Types of Incontinence does Axonics Neuromodulation Treat?
Axonics neuromodulation can be used to effectively treat overactive bladder (OAB), urinary urgency, urinary frequency, urge incontinence (bladder leaks), nonobstructive urinary retention, and fecal (bowel) incontinence.
Does Neuromodulation for Urinary Incontinence Require Surgery?
Insertion of the Axonics Neuromodulation device is performed by a urinary and bowel specialist (urogynecologist) like Dr. Croak, who has been specifically trained on the insertion of this state-of-the-art device. The procedure only requires local anesthetic (numbing). Patients do not need to be “put under”. The procedure is less invasive that typical surgery – requiring only a 2.5cm incision for the implant, due to the small size of the neurostimulator.
How often does the Axonics Neurostimulator for Urinary Incontinence need to be Replaced?
The Axonics Neurostimulator for Urinary Incontinence is approved to provide therapy for at least 15 years. This timeframe includes a 15-year life for the neurostimulator and tined lead. However, in many cases the system may operate well beyond 15 years, if your treating physician approves.
Can Patients with an the Axonics Neurostimulator safely get an MRI?
Yes! Unlike heart pacemakers, the Axonics System is safe for MRIs. More specifically, the device is full-body MRI 1.5T and 3T conditionally safe, and head coil MRI 1.5T and 3T conditionally safe.
However, if you are undergoing an MRI for any reason, always inform your physician that you have an Axonics neurostimulator so he or she can carefully follow the MRI guidelines, precautions, and instructions.
Are there side effects or contraindications of Axonics Neuromodulation Therapy?
Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy is not designed for patients whose incontinence is due to a “blockage” (mechanical urinary obstruction).
However, because the Axonics Neurostimulator simply helps the bladder and bowel function normally again, there are no known side effects when used appropriately.
How effective is Neuromodulation for Urinary Incontinence?
85 percent of patients achieve bladder & bowel control success in the first year after receiving Neuromodulation for urinary incontinence. And, in most cases, patients experience three times greater improvement than from medications!
Neuromodulation for Urinary Incontinence | Toledo, OH
For more information about Axonics Neurostimulation for Urinary Incontinence, schedule an appointment at Northwest Ohio Center for Urogynecology Women’s Health in the greater Toledo, Ohio area.
We offer the latest, and most advanced treatments for urine leaks, overactive bladder and fecal incontinence, including Axonics Neuromodulation and many others.
Remember, you do not need to live with the embarrassment and frustration of urinary incontinence! Talk Perrysburg, OH board certified urogynecologist Dr. Andrew Croak, to learn which treatments will work for you – so you can get your life back!
