Impact of staged InterStim implantation on the postoperative activities of daily living and pain

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the short-term effects of staged InterStim implantation on activities of daily living (ADL) and pain.

Methods: This prospective study assessed women undergoing staged InterStim implantation. The Older Americans Resources and Services Program Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire asked participants about their ability to complete activities without help or what help they needed following stage I lead placement and stage II neurostimulator implantation. Narcotic use and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were recorded daily.

Results: Thirty-eight women underwent stage I with 33 (86.8%) progressing to stage II. On stage I postoperative day (POD) 2, more women required help shopping compared with baseline (40 vs 17%, p < 0.004). The median pain score increased on Stage I POD1 (P < 0.001) and the use of narcotics increased on POD1 and 2 compared with baseline (50% vs 14%, p = 0.001). The same trends were seen following stage II.

Conclusions: Staged InterStim implantation has minimal impact on ADL, pain or narcotic requirements.