New technology that can help treat overactive bladder and faecal incontinence

A North Shore Private Hospital Urologist says millions of Australians no longer need to suffer in  silence thanks to new technology that can help treat overactive bladder and faecal  incontinence.  

Doctor Amanda Chung is the first surgeon in the Southern Hemisphere to implant the new Interstim  MRI SureScan device - which electrically stimulates nerves in a sacral spinal root, and sends signals  to the brain, that may restore normal bladder and bowel function. 

The prevalence of incontinence is undeniable, with 4.2 million Australians (1 in 5) suffering from an  overactive bladder and 1.3 million (1 in 15) living with faecal incontinence. 

Dr Chung said despite those figures, incontinence and bladder conditions are still a stigma in society  and many people suffer in silence instead of seeking help. 

“I really want people to be empowered to know that there is hope and they can get appropriate help.  The solutions can be simple and minimally invasive and there are new technologies, like the Interstim  MRI SureScan that can help,” Dr Chung said. 

“It’s basically a pacemaker for the bladder. There’s a wire or a lead that goes into the lower back and  then the battery is implanted into the upper buttocks and send messages to the nerves that control  the bladder. It’s underneath the skin so you can essentially lead a normal life and nobody can see it.” 

Doctor Chung said her first patient to receive the device was a 33-year-old man who had suffered  from urinary symptoms, such as very high frequency and leakage, for several years. 

“It had been getting him quite down and depressed, and I’ve had other patients who couldn’t get  through a 1-hour meeting without needing to go to the bathroom, which even led to workplace  bullying, so it really can impact their quality of life,” Dr Chung said. 

“I think a lot of people are embarrassed and don’t realise there are treatments available so if anyone  is suffering, I would urge them to take that first step and speak to their GP.” 

Chief Executive Officer Richard Ryan said Dr Chung’s Australia-first surgery was another milestone  for North Shore Private Hospital. 

“North Shore Private is proud to be at the forefront of the latest medical technology and  innovations so we’re very pleased to be the first hospital in Australia to have the Interstim  MRI SureScan option for patients,” Mr Ryan said. 

More than 325,000 patients have received Interstim therapy worldwide over the past 25 years.  

The new MRI SureScan opens up treatment to a broader range of patients who were previously  ineligible due to MRI testing needs.