HAMLET — Janet Harris-Hicks, M.D., of FirstHealth Urogynecology, is the first urogynecologist in North Carolina to offer a new solution to patients who suffer from overactive bladder and incontinence. InterStim therapy with SureScan technology enables more patients to pursue safe and effective treatment therapy and an improved quality of life.
More than 37 million adults in the United States — almost one in six — suffer from overactive bladder and nearly 18 million Americans — about one in 12 — have fecal incontinence.
“Treatment of these conditions is life-altering because many sufferers limit their lives socially, professionally and personally,” said Dr. Harris-Hicks. “Fortunately, there is treatment available.”
InterStim Therapy, also known as sacral nerve stimulation or sacral neuromodulation, uses an implantable device to send mild electrical impulses to stimulate the sacral nerves. Those nerves control the bladder and the muscles related to urinary and bowel function.
“If the brain and sacral nerves can’t tell the bladder and bowels to function properly, this communication problem can lead to symptoms such as overactive bladder or incontinence,” said Dr. Harris-Hicks.
Medtronic developed sacral nerve stimulation more than 25 years ago in partnership with physicians who specialize in treating incontinence. Recent technology advancements from Medtronic now gives patients lifestyle-friendly choices in the type of InterStim system they choose including improved battery technology, conditional full-body MRI and the smallest and fastest charging device on the sacral nerve stimulation market.
Thanks to the SureScan MRI leads that the InterStim relies on, patients are now able to safely receive full body MRI scans as long as certain preparatory steps are taken.
“This is a major benefit for our patients,” Dr. Harris-Hicks added.
FirstHealth Urogynecology focuses on providing care and a variety of treatments for urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic-organ prolapse, overactive bladder, painful bladder syndrome and chronic pelvic pain.
Dr. Harris-Hicks is board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and OB/GYN. She is also a member of American Urogynecology Society, Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology, International Urogynecological Association, American College of OB/GYN, American Medical Association and the North Carolina Medical Society.
For more information about InterStim Therapy and other treatments offered at FirstHealth Urogynecology, call 910-205-8909.
