Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
Published on: June 23, 2020
Sacral Neuromodulator InterStim Surgical Site Infection: Two Case Reports
Azin Shahryarinejad1, Michael D Vardy, Gilad Filmar
1From the *Division of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY; and ‡Englewood Hospital Infection Control Committee, Englewood, NJ.
A Medtronic representative manipulating sacral neuromodulator settings may have caused surgical site infections (SSIs) in two patients. Enhanced infection control practices are recommended to prevent future Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Disease
- Surgical Site Infections
Background:
- Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment for refractory urge urinary incontinence.
- The reported surgical site infection rate for sacral neuromodulator placement ranges from 5% to 7.9%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of surgical site infections in two patients who underwent sacral neuromodulator placement.
- To identify potential causes for similar postoperative sacral cellulitis.
Main Methods:
- Infection control surveillance was conducted on two patients with similar postoperative sacral cellulitis.
- Nasal cultures were performed on all involved personnel.
- Genetic analysis was used to compare bacterial strains.
Main Results:
- Both patients developed Staphylococcus aureus infections with identical antibiograms.
- A Medtronic representative manipulating the InterStim device settings was the only personnel with the same Staphylococcus aureus strain in nasal cultures.
- Genetic analysis confirmed an identical bacterial strain in one patient's infection.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative manipulation of sacral neuromodulator device settings may be a source of surgical site infections.
- Enhanced infection control practices, including strict hand hygiene and personal protective equipment, are warranted.
