New Technologies Alert

Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Sacral Nerve Stimulation has been advocated for the management of fecal incontinence.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Interstim device (Medtronic, Inc.) for the application of fecal incontinence on March 14, 2011, subject to a 5 year post approval study. The post-approval study will be called the InterStim Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Bowel Control: Fecal Incontinence Post Approval Study (FI-PAS). The primary objective is to continue evaluation of incontinent episodes per week at yearly intervals through five years post-implant. Both device and therapy adverse events will also be tracked during this time period.

Medtronic Inc. is offering training to colorectal surgeons who are interested in learning this technique. For training and education information from Medtronic call 800-328-0810.