Axonics Therapy provides effective and long-lasting relief from symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), urinary retention, and bowel incontinence. It involves the use of electrical stimulation to modulate your sacral nerves. Located near the tailbone, the sacral nerves are instrumental in controlling your bladder and bowel function.
Incontinence is a common problem, impacting about a quarter to a third of men and women across the United States. Despite the availability of many treatment options, a significant number of people continue to experience persistent symptoms of incontinence.
In such cases, advanced treatments like Axonics Therapy emerge as a promising option. When traditional approaches fall short in providing relief and symptoms persist, Axonics Therapy offers a viable solution to address your challenges with incontinence.
At Northwest Continence Center, we specialize in Axonics Therapy. This treatment helps provide lasting relief from symptoms and enhances the quality of your life by helping you regain control over your urinary and bowel functions.
Understanding Sacral Neuromodulation
Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) or Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) offers a minimally invasive and advanced treatment approach that involves the electrical stimulation of your sacral nerves to manage incontinence effectively.
Sacral neuromodulation has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and bowel incontinence since 1997.
The network of sacral nerves originates from the lower part of your spine, the sacral region. These nerves play a crucial role in controlling your bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscles.
The sacral nerves facilitate communication between your brain and organ muscles. Sensations such as bladder or rectal fullness are also transmitted to the brain through these nerve pathways. SNM works by modulating these nerve reflexes.
During the procedure, a device similar to a pacemaker is surgically implanted in your lower back region to stimulate the sacral nerves. The implanted device sends gentle electrical signals to the nerves controlling your bladder and bowel function. It helps restore communication between your brain and bladder/bowel muscles to improve overall functions.
Unlike oral medications, which target the muscular component of bladder control, sacral neuromodulation provides symptom control by directly influencing nerve activity.
The Axonics Therapy
At Northwest Continence Center, we offer Axonics Therapy for the management of incontinence problems. Axonics Therapy provides a more efficient, durable, and simplified approach to sacral neuromodulation than the conventional methods.
During the Axonics Therapy procedure, a minimally invasive approach is used to implant the miniaturized Axonics device near the nerve roots in your lower back. It is positioned just beneath the skin in the upper part of your buttock.
The procedure is characterized as a quick, safe, and minimally invasive surgery. The surgery requires a high level of expertise and precision to ensure optimal outcomes.
Our expert surgeons, Dr. Robert Heros and Dr. Jason Anderson, specialize in spine-related surgeries. With years of experience and extensive training, our surgeons perform the Axonics implant procedure with precision and meticulous attention to detail.
The Axonics System
The Axonics System includes a miniature, rechargeable implantation device designed to provide therapy for at least 15 years. Alongside this implant, the system includes a recharge-free remote control and a wireless charging system, allowing for convenient mobility during charging.
The implant requires wireless charging for approximately an hour once a month. The Axonics remote is user-friendly, designed for one-handed operation, and does not need recharging. This system reduces the necessity for repeat surgeries and provides enduring relief for the long term.
Read More About Your Axonics Therapy JourneySuitability for Axonics Therapy
Axonics Therapy offers effective treatment for a range of bladder and bowel dysfunctions and conditions. It can deliver significant benefits and relief if you are experiencing:
Axonics Therapy serves as a valuable option when conservative treatments, such as lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, or medications, fail to provide relief.
Read More About Axonics Therapy vs. Conservative TreatmentsWho is not suitable for Axonics Therapy?
Axonics Therapy may not be a suitable treatment option if you:
- Primarily suffer from stress incontinence
- Experience urinary symptoms caused by mechanical obstructions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, cancer, or urethral stricture
- Have limited cognitive function
- Have neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes
Additionally, Axonics Therapy may not be recommended for pregnant and pediatric patients. We also provide medications for managing incontinence symptoms.
Referrals for Axonics Therapy at Northwest Continence Center
Axonics Therapy is typically recommended when conservative treatments have failed to produce the desired results. Various healthcare professionals, including urologists, urogynecologists, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians, can recommend Axonics Therapy.
If you are a healthcare provider referring a patient to Northwest Continence Center for Axonics Therapy, please complete our referral form to initiate the process.
Axonics Therapy in Portland, OR
At Northwest Continence Center, we adopt a comprehensive and patient-centric approach to your Axonics Therapy journey. From the initial consultation through to an easing of symptoms and post-implantation care, our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
We prioritize personalized care and attention to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.
To arrange a consultation with our team, please call us at 503-885-1515 or request an appointment online. We look forward to assisting you on your journey to improved well-being.