Sacral Neuromodulation
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM), also known as sacral nerve stimulation, is a minimally invasive treatment for individuals suffering from chronic pelvic floor disorders. These disorders include conditions like overactive bladder (OAB), urinary and fecal incontinence, and non-obstructive urinary retention. The procedure involves implanting a small device to stimulate the sacral nerves, which control the muscles related to bowel, bladder, and pelvic function. By sending mild electrical impulses to these nerves, SNM helps to modulate and improve communication between the brain and the affected pelvic organs.
The device used in sacral neuromodulation is akin to a pacemaker but designed for the pelvic region. It consists of a neurostimulator (a small generator) and thin, flexible leads or wires. The neurostimulator sends pulses through the leads to the sacral nerves, which can help restore normal function to the bladder or bowel and relieve symptoms that haven't responded to other treatments. Patients are often able to control the level of stimulation through a remote control, providing a personalized approach to their treatment needs.
Initially approved as a treatment for urinary control issues, SNM has evolved to address a range of pelvic dysfunctions. It has gained recognition due to its potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals whose symptoms have severely affected daily activities and social interactions. The procedure is recommended for patients who have not found relief through more conservative methods like medication, pelvic floor exercises, or lifestyle modifications.
Procedure Duration
Sacral neuromodulation is typically performed in two phases: a trial period and a permanent implantation.
Phase 1: The Trial Phase
The initial stage is a testing period to determine the efficacy of the treatment for the patient. During this phase, a temporary lead is placed near the sacral nerves, and an external neurostimulator is connected to assess the response to stimulation. This trial can last for several days to a few weeks, depending on the individual's condition and the healthcare provider's protocols. Patients are closely monitored to evaluate improvements in their symptoms, which can vary from person to person. If there is a significant reduction in symptoms, the patient may proceed to the permanent implantation phase.
Phase 2: Permanent Implantation
If the trial phase is successful, the patient undergoes a minimally invasive procedure to implant the permanent neurostimulator. This involves placing the small device under the skin, typically in the upper buttock area. The leads are connected to the neurostimulator, which then provides continuous stimulation to the sacral nerves. The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis and can take one to two hours.
Recovery and Follow-Up
After the permanent implantation, patients may need a short recovery period of a few days to a couple of weeks before resuming regular activities. Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the device and make any necessary adjustments to the stimulation settings. Some individuals may need occasional device reprogramming to optimize their symptom relief, which is a relatively quick and painless process.
Benefits
- Improved Quality of Life: Reduction in symptoms like incontinence, urgency, and retention can greatly enhance daily living and comfort.
- Minimally Invasive: Compared to other surgical interventions for pelvic disorders, SNM is less invasive, offering quicker recovery times.
- Customizable Treatment: The level of stimulation can be adjusted to meet the patient's needs, allowing a tailored approach to managing symptoms.
- Long-Term Relief: Many patients experience sustained relief from their symptoms over time, reducing reliance on medications.
- Reversible Procedure: If the device is not effective or causes issues, it can be turned off or removed without causing permanent changes to the nerves or surrounding tissue.
Potential Destinations
- Turkey: Renowned for its advanced medical facilities and skilled professionals, Turkey offers sacral neuromodulation at competitive prices. The country's healthcare infrastructure is well-developed, and many hospitals have international accreditations, making it an attractive option for medical tourists.
- India: With its highly qualified surgeons and cost-effective healthcare system, India is a top destination for various neuromodulation procedures. The country boasts cutting-edge technology and a wide range of options for pre- and post-operative care, all provided at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
- South Korea: Known for its advancements in medical technology and treatment, South Korea has become a leader in neuromodulation therapies. The nation's healthcare institutions are recognized for their expertise in minimally invasive procedures and personalized patient care.
- Mexico: As a destination that combines quality medical care with affordability, Mexico offers excellent facilities for sacral neuromodulation. Proximity to the U.S. and the availability of bilingual medical staff make it a convenient choice for North American patients seeking treatment abroad.
- Thailand: With a strong emphasis on medical tourism, Thailand provides world-class healthcare at accessible prices. The country is known for its patient-centered approach, ensuring a comfortable experience for those seeking treatments like sacral neuromodulation.
Risks & Considerations
- Device Malfunction: Although rare, there is a risk that the neurostimulator may stop working or malfunction, which could require additional surgery to fix or replace the device.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a potential risk of infection at the implantation site, which may necessitate treatment or removal of the device.
- Pain or Discomfort: Some patients may experience discomfort, pain, or irritation at the site of the neurostimulator or along the leads.
- Nerve Damage: There is a slight risk of nerve damage during the placement of the leads, which could result in temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in sensation or muscle function.
- Changes in Symptoms: Some patients might experience changes in their symptoms, either improvement or worsening, over time, requiring device reprogramming or additional treatments.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for sacral neuromodulation, it is crucial to seek a healthcare provider with experience and specialization in neuromodulation and pelvic floor disorders. The ideal specialist should have a proven track record of successful procedures and be able to provide personalized care based on the patient's specific condition.
Patients should also look for a hospital that offers comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, as well as the necessary facilities for device programming and follow-ups. Checking for international accreditations, patient reviews, and the availability of advanced medical technologies can also help in making an informed decision about the best place for treatment.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
