Bowel Control Options
Surgeries Performed:
Achalasia Surgery
Adrenalectomy (Adrenal Gland Surgery)
Appendectomy (Appendix Surgery)
Bariatric Surgery
Bile Duct Surgery
Breast Surgery: Lump/Mass, Breast Cancer
Cancer Surgery
Crohn's Disease
Colon Surgery: Polyps, Colon Cancer
Colonoscopy
Colostomy, Colitis, Ileostomy
Diverticulitis Surgery
Esophageal Cancer
GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gallbladder Surgery
Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band)
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Hernia Surgery
Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgery
Hemorrhoid Surgery (Hemorrhoidectomy)
Parathyroid Surgery
Rectal Cancer Surgery
Rectal Surgery - Anal Surgery
Rectocele Repair Surgery
Robotic Surgery
Sarcoma Surgery
Skin Cancer Surgery - Melanoma
Small Bowel Intestinal Surgery
Spleen Surgery (Splenectomy)
Stomach Surgery (Gastrectomy)
Thyroid Surgery
FIND YOUR WAY TO REAL RELIEF
There are many ways to manage bowel control problems. Remember, if conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you need, you have more options.
Step 1: Diagnosis
"WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?"
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of bowel control problems, it’s time to meet with a bowel incontinence specialist. This doctor may ask you to fill out a symptom tracker to get a better idea of your daily experience and help confirm your diagnosis.
Symptoms of chronic fecal incontinence (FI) include:
Frequent bowel accidents
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inability to resist the urge to go
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inability to feel when you need to go
Planning activities around the bathroom
Monitoring what and how much you eat
Using pads and protective garments
Step 2: Conservative Treatments
"WHAT SHOULD I TRY FIRST?"
Conservative treatments can help some people, but may not work very well (or at all)
for others. All of these are relatively simple behavioral changes that you may already
be doing.
Dietary modification: Changes may include adjusting fiber intake or eliminating troublesome foods,
Bowel restraining: Also called biofeedback, this aims to improve bowel sensation, coordination, and strength.
Medication: Anti-diarrheal medication may provide some relief
Step 3: Advanced Therapies
"WHAT IF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS DON’T WORK FOR ME?"
If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you want, you have more options.
MEDTRONIC BOWEL CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIM SYSTEM
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Try it during evaluation
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Proven long-term relief
Implanting an InterStim™ system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks. Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Your doctor or nurse will provide you with the information regarding how to operate the test device, and inform you of other precautions related to the evaluation and activity restrictions.
DEXTRANOMER AND SODIUM HYALURONATE
This gel is injected as an implant into the anal canal to thicken the tissues and improve symptoms of chronic FI.
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Does not address bowel-brain communication
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May cause unpleasant side effects
OTHER SURGICAL OPTIONS
Several other surgical options are available, all of which bring their own unique set of risks.
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Anal sphincter repair
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Artificial sphincter
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Colostomy
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Antegrade colonic enema (ACE)
Important Safely Information
SACRAL NEUROMODULATION FOR BOWEL CONTROL
Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system treats chronic fecal incontinence (an accident or leaking involving stool). It should be used after you have tried other treatments such as medications and dietary modifications and they have not worked, or if you are not a candidate for them.
You must demonstrate an appropriate response to the evaluation to be a candidate. You cannot have diathermy (deep heat treatment from electromagnetic energy) if you have an InterStim™ device.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pregnancy and delivery; patients under the age of 18; or for patients with progressive, systemic neurological diseases.
In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment such as MRI, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).
This therapy is not for everyone. This treatment is prescribed by your doctor. Please talk to your doctor to decide whether this therapy is right for you. Your doctor should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you. Although many patients may benefit from the use of this treatment, results may vary. For further information, please call Medtronic at 1-800-328-0810 and/or consult Medtronic’s website at www.medtronic.com.
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