Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation

Percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) is an evaluative test done in patients with bladder control problems to find out who is a good candidate for sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy, or sacral nerve stimulation.

What You Need to Know

This therapy, sometimes referred to as InterStim therapy, is an FDA-approved therapy for sacral nerve stimulation for refractory overactive bladder (OAB), frequency-urgency syndrome and nonobstructive urinary retention.

An individual’s eligibility for sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy is determined through a screening process, one of which is percutaneous nerve evaluation, and the other is a staged test.

Doctors look for candidates who show more than 50% reduction in urinary symptoms during either of these tests as it is a reliable indication that these individuals are good candidates for SNM therapy.

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Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Sacral nerve stimulation is designed for individuals for whom other more conservative treatments have failed or are not tolerated.

Bladder control issues that may be improved with SNM therapy include:

Overactive bladder
Urge incontinence
Urgency-frequency
Urinary retention
Fecal incontinence

InterStim therapy is not intended to treat or be used by people who have:

Stress incontinence
Mechanical obstructions such as an enlarged prostate, cancer or a narrowing of the urethra
Individuals with pacemakers
Women who are pregnant
Individuals with diabetes
Individuals with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis
Anyone under the age of 16

Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation and InterStim

And How Advanced Gynecology Can Help

If you are suffering from bladder control issues, Advanced Gynecology is here for you. Our board-certified team of women's health experts are ready to help you with diagnostic care and a range of treatment options. We will counsel you about the best options for you and your health.

For more information, schedule an appointment today or call 678-324-9550 to speak with one of our patient coordinators.

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Candidates for Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation

Sacral nerve stimulation is only effective for a certain number of individuals. Percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) is a diagnostic test undertaken to discern who is a good candidate for InterStim. PNE testing is done under local anesthesia.

PNE has a 50 percent rate of false negative results due to electrode migration which can be detected subjectively by changing the type and location of stimulation and objectively by using radiography.

A staged test trial is the other type of diagnostic exam undertaken to detect PNE. In a staged test trial, a tined electrode is surgically implanted to mitigate the risk of electrode migration. The patient undergoes the test for 14 days (2 weeks) which runs the risk of wound infection. This evaluative test requires 2 surgeries and can be cost prohibitive.

Effectiveness of InterStim

As with any therapy, individual results vary from person to person and case to case. Many individuals implanted with an InterStim device are relieved of many of their painful and uncomfortable symptoms and can experience a greater quality of life.

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Common Side Effects of InterStim

There are relatively few side effects of InterStim. Common side effects include:

New pain
Pain at the implant site
Unwanted device interactions
Device complications or problems
Skin irritation and/or uncomfortable stimulation