Sacral neuromodulation stands out from other surgeries as it allows testing the clinical efficacy before installing a permanent device. In this article, I discuss the stages of bladder pacemaker surgery.
Phase 1: Temporary Trial Phase
Under local or general anesthesia, a temporary lead is placed near the sacral nerve. The lead is connected to an external generator. The patient keeps a voiding diary for 1-3 weeks. If symptoms improve by 50% or more, it is considered successful.
Phase 2: Permanent Battery Implantation
For patients who pass the trial, the permanent battery is implanted in a subcutaneous pocket in the upper buttock. No external components remain.