Name of the Procedure:

Non-implanted Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulator, Complete System (E0740)

• Common Name(s): Pelvic Floor Stimulator, Electrical Stimulation Therapy
• Technical Term: Non-invasive Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation System

Summary

A non-implanted pelvic floor electrical stimulator is a device used to treat various conditions related to the muscles of the pelvic floor. It involves the application of mild electrical currents to stimulate and strengthen these muscles, which can help improve bladder control and alleviate pelvic pain.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed:
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Pelvic pain
• Goals/Expected Outcomes:
  • Strengthening pelvic floor muscles
  • Reducing symptoms of incontinence
  • Minimizing pelvic pain
  • Improving quality of life

Indications

• Chronic urinary or fecal incontinence
• Weak pelvic floor muscles
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Inadequate response to other treatments like physical therapy or medication

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions:
  • Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the timing of the session.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • No significant fasting or dietary restrictions are typically required.
• Diagnostic Tests:
  • A thorough pelvic exam may be conducted.
  • Patients may be asked to complete bladder diaries or questionnaires to assess symptoms.

Procedure Description

1. Patient Positioning:
   • The patient is asked to lie down in a comfortable position.
2. Electrode Placement:
   • Adhesive electrodes or a vaginal/anal probe are placed on or near the pelvic floor muscles.
3. Device Activation:
   • The electrical stimulator is turned on, and gentle electrical currents are applied.
4. Stimulation Session:
   • The device operates for a set duration, delivering impulses that cause the pelvic floor muscles to contract and relax.
   • Technology Used:
   • Electrical stimulator device with adjustable intensity settings.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation:
   • Not required, the procedure is typically painless; patients may only feel slight muscle contractions.

Duration

• Each session typically lasts between 20 to 30 minutes.

Setting

• Conducted in an outpatient setting such as a clinic, hospital department, or a specialized treatment center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved:
  • Trained physical therapist
  • Pelvic floor specialist
  • Nurse or other qualified healthcare provider

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks:
  • Mild discomfort during stimulation
  • Skin irritation (if adhesive electrodes are used)
• Rare Risks:
  • Infection (rare, especially when using internal probes)
  • Electrical burns (extremely rare)
• Complications Management:
  • Adjusting stimulation intensity
  • Switching electrode placement
  • Monitoring for any adverse reactions during the session

Benefits

• Expected Benefits:

  • Strengthened pelvic floor muscles
  • Improved bladder and bowel control
  • Reduction in pelvic pain
  • Enhanced quality of life

• Timeframe for Benefits:

  • Some improvement may be noticed within a few sessions, with significant benefits often observed over a few weeks to months of regular use.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care:
  • No significant post-procedure care needed
  • Resume normal activities immediately
• Expected Recovery Time:
  • Immediate, as it is non-invasive
• Follow-up:
  • Regular sessions may be recommended, depending on the severity of symptoms
  • Follow-up appointments to assess progress

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:
  • Pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Medication for incontinence
  • Surgery for severe cases
• Pros and Cons of Alternatives:
  • Physical Therapy:
    • Pros: Non-invasive and holistic approach
    • Cons: May require time and effort for exercises
  • Medication:
    • Pros: Can provide quick symptom relief
    • Cons: Potential side effects and long-term reliance
  • Surgery:
    • Pros: Effective for severe cases
    • Cons: Invasive with longer recovery time and potential complications

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure:
  • Mild, tolerable muscle contractions similar to a gentle workout
• After the Procedure:
  • No significant discomfort
  • Immediate resumption of day-to-day activities
• Pain Management:
  • Typically not required, but over-the-counter pain relief can be used in case of any rare post-procedure discomfort