Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) or “InterStim" is an advanced method for treating fecal incontinence performed by Dr. Atallah (watch: 7 min video explains SNS in detail). It's been used extensively in Europe with excellent results for this purpose, as well as for treating other dysfunctions of the large intestine. It is a surgical procedure which has only recently been approved in the United States. Not all patients with fecal incontinence are candidates for this procedure and appropriate consultation and testing is required prior to implantation. InterStim uses electric signals to stimulate the sacral nerves and thereby improve anorectal muscle tone. For many, this greatly improves continence. The procedure is done in two stages. The first being a trial stage to see if it will work. If patients report improvement, the small device is implanted. The specific sacral nerve is targeted under fluoroscopic guidance during surgery to be sure the probe is excactly in position (as shown in the photograph below).
You can also watch Dr. Sam Atallah’s video on InterStim. See more videos on Fecal Incontinence and SNS
