You Deserve Better Than This
When Bowel Control Becomes a Daily Challenge
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing unexpected leakage that can significantly disrupt daily activities and quality of life.
The condition affects millions of adults and is far more common than many people realize. It can result from nerve or muscle damage, aging, childbirth injuries, or other underlying conditions that affect the muscles and nerves responsible for bowel control. Because fecal incontinence is often underreported out of embarrassment, many patients wait years before seeking evaluation — even though effective, minimally invasive treatment options are available.
Patients who have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments such as dietary changes, medication, or physical therapy may be candidates for sacral neuromodulation, an advanced therapy that helps restore communication between the brain and the nerves that control bowel function.
Two Steps Toward Lasting Control
Sacral Neuromodulation with InterStim X
Sacral neuromodulation works by delivering gentle electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, helping restore the signals that regulate normal bowel function.
At Albany Surgical, this treatment is offered using the Medtronic InterStim X system and follows a structured two-step process. The first step is a trial phase performed in Albany Surgical’s outpatient surgery center with the patient awake. During the trial, a small set of wires is placed and the patient wears an external stimulator for three to seven days to determine whether the therapy produces meaningful symptom improvement.
If the trial demonstrates sufficient improvement, the patient proceeds to the second step — a permanent implant procedure performed under general anesthesia. The implant functions similarly to a pacemaker, delivering continuous gentle stimulation to support bowel control over the long term. Patients receive clear guidance throughout both stages of treatment, including preparation instructions, what to expect during the trial period, and recovery planning before the permanent implant procedure.
You Are in Good Hands
Compassionate Care at Albany Surgical
For patients living with fecal incontinence, the most meaningful outcome is the ability to move through daily life with confidence, without the anxiety and disruption that the condition creates.
The InterStim X system has helped many patients achieve significant improvement in bowel control, and for those who respond well to the trial phase, the permanent implant offers a long-term solution that does not require ongoing medication or invasive procedures. At Albany Surgical, the two-step process is designed to give patients the information and time they need to make confident decisions about their care at every stage.
Our board-certified surgeons take time to explain the trial and implant process thoroughly, answer questions with honesty and compassion, and ensure patients feel genuinely supported throughout both stages of treatment. Albany Surgical is committed to providing a more personal healthcare experience where sensitive concerns are handled with the respect and discretion every patient deserves.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am a candidate for InterStim X treatment?
Patients who have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments such as dietary changes, medication, or physical therapy may be candidates for sacral neuromodulation. The trial phase is designed to evaluate whether the therapy is effective for each individual patient before committing to the permanent implant procedure.
What happens during the trial phase?
The trial is performed in our outpatient surgery center with the patient awake. A small set of wires is placed and connected to an external stimulator that the patient wears for three to seven days. During this period, patients track their symptoms to help the surgical team determine whether the therapy is producing meaningful improvement before proceeding to the permanent implant.
How long does recovery take after the permanent implant procedure?
The permanent implant is placed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting, and most patients are able to return to light daily activities within a short period following the procedure. Your surgical team will provide specific activity guidelines and a follow-up schedule based on your individual recovery needs.
