Sacral Neuromodulation Joins the Therapeutic Arsenal of Laniado’s Urology Service
Laniado Hospital expands its healthcare offerings with the introduction of sacral neuromodulation surgery within its urology department. This cutting-edge procedure is performed at only a select number of specialized medical centers in Israel.
What is a sacral pacemaker?
Similar to a cardiac pacemaker, this small device is discreetly implanted under the skin of the lower back. Its mission: to send gentle electrical signals to the nerves that control the bladder and pelvic floor. By regulating these nerve impulses, it enables patients to regain natural control over urinary and bowel functions.
Who is the treatment for?
This therapy particularly addresses individuals facing uncontrollable urinary urgency, incontinence related to overactive bladder, or bowel control disorders. Many patients find their daily lives disrupted and become socially isolated. The neuromodulator offers them a chance to resume a normal and fulfilling life.
The procedure is performed primarily under local anesthesia with light sedation. Generally outpatient, it allows patients to return home the same day. This state-of-the-art device – no larger than half a credit card – combines exceptional reliability and longevity. Its major advantage? An intuitive remote control that patients can use independently.
Fully covered by health insurance funds, this procedure becomes accessible to all eligible patients at no additional cost.
Dr. Matan Mekeiten, Director of the Urology Department at Laniado Hospital, is the surgeon performing the surgery at the hospital and explains the advanced surgery: “There is a very high percentage of the population that suffers from complex problems with the urinary bladder. Many of these patients do not undergo sacral pacemaker implantation surgery, due to a shortage of centers that perform the advanced surgery, and also due to a lack of awareness of the solution offered by the pacemaker. This is the place to thank Dr. Weinreb, an experienced and senior urologist, who is accompanying the introduction of the surgery into the department’s services, for his exceptional training and guidance. This is a surgery with a relatively quick recovery time, and the improvement in bladder function is almost immediate. In addition, after the surgery, the patient receives a digital remote similar to a cell phone, with the ability to adjust the pacemaker’s action plan and intensity to suit individual needs. It is important to note that the pacemaker also provides a solution to the problem of not passing stool, which causes great embarrassment to patients and makes it difficult to function normally on a daily basis.
Professor Zvi Shmeoni, Medical Director of Laniado, welcomes this innovation: “Our urology department has experienced remarkable development over the past two years, both in recruitment and cutting-edge equipment. Soon, it will move into completely renovated facilities. This progress addresses the needs of half a million residents of Netanya and the Sharon region, who deserve excellence in urological care. This momentum is part of our institution’s overall growth, with clinical activity experiencing spectacular expansion.”
Eshael Shachaf
Spokesperson Laniado
