Sacral Neuromodulation

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an advanced treatment option for individuals suffering from bladder and bowel dysfunction that has not responded to conventional therapies. This includes patients with overactive bladder (OAB), urinary retention, faecal incontinence, and neurogenic bladder disorders. If you experience frequent urination, sudden urgency, incomplete bladder emptying, or loss of bowel control, and medications or behavioural therapies have failed, sacral neuromodulation may provide significant relief. Dr. Johan Venter offers this specialized treatment at Netcare Pretoria East Hospital, providing a personalized approach to improve your quality of life.

SNM works by delivering mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, which control bladder and bowel function. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin near the lower back. This device sends signals to the sacral nerves, helping to restore normal communication between the brain and the bladder or bowel. The procedure is minimally invasive and performed in two phases: a trial phase, where a temporary device is used to determine effectiveness, followed by a permanent implant if the patient experiences significant improvement.

The procedure involves placing a thin electrode lead near the sacral nerves through a small incision in the lower back. In the trial phase, the lead is connected to an external stimulator worn on a belt for about two weeks. If symptoms improve by at least 50%, a second procedure is performed to implant the permanent stimulator under the skin. The system is adjustable and can be fine-tuned to maximize symptom control.

One of the biggest advantages of SNM is that it offers a reversible, adjustable, and long-term solution for bladder and bowel dysfunction. Unlike medications, it does not have systemic side effects, and it can dramatically improve a patient’s daily life. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some disadvantages. The implant carries a small risk of infection, discomfort at the implant site, or device malfunction. Additionally, while SNM is highly effective for many patients, not everyone responds to the therapy. Dr. Johan Venter and his team at Netcare Pretoria East Hospital carefully evaluate each patient to determine if sacral neuromodulation is the right choice for their specific condition.