What You Need to Know about Interstim Risks, Side Effects and Complications

If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151

Side Effects and Complications of Interstim Implantation

When discussing the risks of the Interstim for treatment of OAB symptoms, it is important to keep in mind that every medical therapy is associated with side effects. In this respect, the percentage of patients who experienced adverse effects with Interstim was 30.5% versus 27.3% of patients on medical therapy (oral medications such as Detrol, Vesicare, Myrbetriq, oxybutynin) alone.

Rare complications of the procedure include undesirable stimulation resulting in small shock sensations and changes in bowel function. The electrical signal strength may need some fine-tuning in these cases, which will require a follow-up visit. Until the site has healed properly, you will be advised to take it easy and may need to limit your physical activity. But, the idea is that you can return to a better quality of life after everything heals. In fact, a study published in 2014 concluded that not just the physical symptoms, but other psychological factors, also improved after using Interstim. The women interviewed in the study were less depressed and their perception of body image had improved dramatically.

Overall, the complication rate associated with Interstim is low. A larger study involving over 1400 patients showed that less than 10% of patients suffered complications at the 90-day mark after the procedure and 73.9% of them still had their original devices intact after 5 years.  Another study followed up patients over 12 months. 16% and 30% of patients had complications from the procedure in stage 1 and 2 respectively. However, 80% of the patients included in the study still reported an overall improvement of symptoms at 12 months. Although every type of surgery has some risks involved, the benefits of Interstim clearly outweigh them.

In general surgical risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Lead migration
• Pain

The best person to give you more information about the Interstim system is the surgeon. Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger, an experienced urologist, cannot only weigh the benefits versus the risks in your personal case but also address your concerns about possible side effects and complications. Our surgeons at New York Urology Specialists are trained in the proper techniques required for safe implantation of the device. We are more than willing to answer your questions and spend time with you to discuss it in more detail.

If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating men and women with urinary problems including frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency and incontinence.