Current practice patterns and knowledge among gynecologic surgeons of InterStim® programming after implantation

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment for bladder dysfunction.
• InterStim® is a common device for sacral neuromodulation.
• Standardized programming practices among surgeons are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe current InterStim® programming practices by surgeons.
• To assess surgeons' knowledge of InterStim® programming parameters.
• To test the hypothesis that surgeons performing reprogramming have greater knowledge.

Main Methods:

• A written survey was distributed to surgeons at the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Meeting.
• The survey included questions on surgeon demographics, InterStim® experience, and programming knowledge.
• Ninety-nine surveys met inclusion criteria for analysis.

Main Results:

• Surgeons with formal InterStim® programming training were more likely to perform programming (32% vs 13%, p=0.03).
• Most surgeons (69%) answered all knowledge questions correctly, with no significant association with surgeon characteristics.
• Patient comfort and symptom relief were cited as primary factors for reprogramming.

Conclusions:

• Formal training correlates with performing InterStim® programming.
• No specific surgeon characteristic was linked to enhanced programming knowledge.
• Surgeons prioritize patient comfort and symptom relief during reprogramming decisions.