Nerve stimulation to treat chronic pain has been around for some time, Dr. Lemer said. But during the last three years since Federal Drug Administration approval, nerve stimulation has been adapted specifically for poor bladder function as well as problems of the bowel. Dr. Lemer explained that Sacral Nerve Stimulation involves stimulating the nerves to the bladder by means of an electrode placed adjacent to the nerves. The electrode is attached to a pacemaker, similar to the pacemaker for the heart, Dr. Lemer said. The pacemaker is implanted in the buttocks and cannot be felt or seen.
Nothing is done permanently to the nerves.
The pacemaker can be regulated or turned off even removed without any permanent damage. In his practice, Dr. Lemer has found that 90 percent of patients undergoing the Sacral Nerve Stimulation Procedure improved at least 50 percent or more. So it was with Dr. Lemer s first Westchester patient, Mr. Giorgi. He now can wait three to five and one-half hours between bathroom visits. I d consider it a tremendous blessing, he said.