Sacral Neuromodulation for Bowel Control: Who It Helps in Houston, TX

By Ritha Belizaire, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Quick Insights

Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to stimulate nerves near the tailbone. These nerves help control bowel function. The device may reduce fecal incontinence episodes in patients who have not improved with diet changes, medications, or pelvic floor therapy. It requires a trial period to determine if it works for you. Persistent bowel leakage often requires evaluation by a colorectal surgeon to identify the underlying cause.

Key Takeaways

• Research shows sacral neuromodulation may reduce weekly incontinence episodes compared to conservative care alone.
• The treatment may help patients with sphincter muscle damage or nerve-related bowel control problems.
• A temporary trial period tests whether the stimulation improves your symptoms before permanent placement.
• Long-term studies suggest benefits may persist up to 36 months in patients who respond to therapy.

Why It Matters

Living with bowel leakage affects your confidence, social life, and daily comfort. Understanding whether sacral neuromodulation might help gives you a path forward when other treatments have not worked. Knowing your options helps you make informed decisions with your colorectal surgeon about managing this condition.

Learn more about Dr. Belizaire's credentials as a board-certified colorectal surgeon to understand the level of expertise behind your care decisions.

Introduction

As a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, I've helped many Houston-area patients regain confidence after bowel leakage disrupted their daily lives.

Sacral neuromodulation is a nerve-based treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to improve bowel control. This therapy may help when diet changes, medications, and pelvic floor exercises have not provided relief. Research shows that sacral nerve stimulation may reduce fecal incontinence episodes in patients who have not responded to conservative treatment.

At Houston Community Surgical, I evaluate whether this approach fits your specific situation. The treatment requires a trial period to determine if it works for you before permanent placement.

Understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about managing persistent bowel leakage with a colorectal surgeon.

What Is Sacral Neuromodulation?

Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment that uses a small device to send gentle electrical pulses to nerves near your tailbone. These nerves help control bowel function. The device works like a pacemaker for your bowel, helping restore communication between your brain and the muscles that manage continence.

The FDA has approved sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence when conservative treatments have not provided relief. In my Houston practice, I evaluate whether this therapy fits your specific situation after reviewing your medical history and symptom pattern.

The system consists of two parts: a thin wire placed near the sacral nerves and a small battery-powered generator implanted under your skin. The generator sends mild electrical signals that help regulate bowel function. You cannot see the device once it's in place, and most patients report minimal awareness of it during daily activities.

Who May Benefit from Sacral Nerve Stimulation in Houston?

I consider sacral neuromodulation for patients who continue experiencing bowel leakage despite trying diet changes, medications, and pelvic floor therapy.

Professional guidelines support sacral nerve stimulation as a first-line surgical option for patients with or without sphincter muscle damage.

You may be a candidate if you experience frequent accidents that limit your daily activities. The therapy may help whether your incontinence stems from nerve problems, muscle weakness, or previous childbirth injuries.

Studies suggest sacral neuromodulation may improve continence in patients with anal sphincter defects, a group that often faces challenging treatment decisions.

I've found that patients who respond best typically have some remaining muscle function and realistic expectations about outcomes.

The treatment may not eliminate all episodes, but many patients report significant improvement in their ability to control bowel movements. Age alone does not disqualify you from consideration.

How Sacral Neuromodulation Works for Bowel Control

The sacral nerves carry signals between your brain and the muscles that control bowel function. When these signals become disrupted, you may experience urgency, accidents, or difficulty sensing when you need a bowel movement. Sacral neuromodulation helps restore this communication pathway.

The electrical pulses from the device modulate nerve activity rather than directly stimulating muscles. This approach helps normalize the signals controlling your bowel. Research demonstrates that sacral nerve stimulation may reduce weekly fecal incontinence episodes compared to conservative management alone.

In my experience, patients often notice gradual improvement over several weeks as the therapy takes effect. The device settings can be adjusted to optimize your response. You receive a small programmer that allows minor adjustments to comfort levels, though I handle the clinical programming during follow-up visits.

What to Expect: The SNM Evaluation Process in Houston

The evaluation begins with a thorough assessment of your bowel symptoms and medical history. I review what treatments you've already tried and examine the severity of your incontinence. This helps determine whether you're a good candidate for the trial period.

The trial involves placing a temporary wire near your sacral nerves during a brief outpatient procedure. You wear an external stimulator for one to two weeks while tracking your symptoms. Ongoing research continues evaluating the safety and effectiveness of this testing approach.

If you experience at least 50 percent improvement during the trial, we proceed with permanent placement. The permanent device goes under your skin during a second outpatient procedure. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. I schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and adjust settings as needed.

If you want to explore specialized colorectal care, learn more about Dr. Belizaire's advanced colorectal surgery and treatment services tailored to your individual needs.

Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes

Clinical studies show that many patients who respond to the trial period maintain improvement over time. Long-term data suggests benefits may persist up to 36 months in patients who initially responded to therapy.

Success rates vary based on individual factors like the cause of your incontinence and overall health. Some patients experience significant reduction in accidents, while others notice more modest improvement. The trial period helps predict your likely response before committing to permanent placement.

In my practice serving Houston, I've observed that patients who actively participate in follow-up care tend to achieve better outcomes. Device-related issues like infection or lead displacement occur in a small percentage of cases. Most complications can be managed with minor adjustments or, rarely, device removal. The therapy does not prevent you from pursuing other treatments if needed in the future.

If you are dealing with fecal incontinence and are interested in innovative treatments, consider Axonics sacral neuromodulation, an advanced treatment for fecal incontinence available in Houston.

A Patient's Perspective

I've found that hearing directly from patients often helps others feel less alone when facing bowel control challenges.

"Extremely impressed with the high quality, down to earth feel of this clinic. My PCP referred me and I was called the next day and offered a same day appointment! Talk about service! Dr. Belizaire truly listened to my concerns and clearly outlined a plan of action. I will definitely refer my family and friends!"

                                                                                                         — Alicia

This is one patient's experience; individual results may vary.

Alicia's experience reflects what I strive to provide at my practice: accessible care and clear communication. When patients feel heard, they're more comfortable discussing sensitive concerns and exploring treatment options that might help restore their quality of life.

Conclusion

Sacral neuromodulation offers hope when conservative treatments have not controlled your bowel leakage. Research shows that patients mayexperience lasting improvements in continence and quality of life with this nerve-based therapy. The trial period helps determine whether this approach works for your specific situation before permanent placement.

I've helped many patients regain confidence through careful evaluation and personalized treatment planning. Understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions about managing persistent fecal incontinence. Comparing available therapies with your colorectal surgeon helps identify the best path forward for your individual needs.

I serve Houston and nearby communities such as Houston Heights, Midtown Houston, and surrounding areas. If you're experiencing persistent bowel leakage despite trying other treatments, don't wait.

Schedule a same-day consultation to discuss your bowel control options. Not local? I also offer virtual second opinion case reviews at www.2ndscope.com — so no matter where you are, expert help is just a click away.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

If you'd like more tips, news, and guidance about bowel nerve stimulator advances and patient options, subscribe to my colorectal health newsletter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for sacral neuromodulation?

You may be a candidate if you continue experiencing frequent bowel accidents despite trying diet changes, medications, and pelvic floor therapy. The treatment may help whether your incontinence stems from nerve problems, muscle weakness, or previous childbirth injuries. I evaluate your medical history and symptom pattern to determine if this approach fits your situation. The trial period tests whether the stimulation improves your symptoms before permanent placement.

How long does it take to see results from sacral nerve stimulation?

Most patients notice gradual improvement over several weeks as the therapy takes effect. During the one to two week trial period, you track your symptoms to measure response. If you experience at least 50 percent improvement during the trial, we proceed with permanent placement. The device settings can be adjusted during follow-up visits to optimize your response and comfort levels.

What are the risks of sacral neuromodulation?

Device-related issues like infection or lead displacement occur in a small percentage of cases. Most complications can be managed with minor adjustments or, rarely, device removal. The therapy does not prevent you from pursuing other treatments if needed in the future. I discuss all potential risks and benefits during your evaluation to help you make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you.

Where can I find sacral neuromodulation in Houston?

Dr. Ritha Belizaire at Houston Community Surgical provides physician-led evaluation and treatment for sacral neuromodulation. Located in Houston, my practice focuses on clear answers, respectful care, and evidence-based options. If you're unsure whether this therapy might help your bowel control symptoms, scheduling a visit can help you understand next steps.