Implant Will Change Lives

Incontinence is a condition thousands of people in North Staffordshire suffer from every single day.  

Bowel control problems, or faecal incontinence, can destroy a person's quality of life and often restricts what they can physically do.  

Some people who suffer with faecal incontinence do learn how to cope but others can become depressed and anxious about their condition.  

It can cause them to feel isolated and alone leading them to avoid any kind of social occasion or event, avoid relationships and everyday activities.  

Mr Martin Farmer, Consultant General Surgeon at University Hospital of North Staffordshire, is now giving many people renewed hope.  

The surgeon has started to offer an electronic implant that gives people back control of their bowel.  

Mr Farmer said: "The implant involves sacral nerve stimulation, which means inserting a wire that will stimulate muscles in the sphincter. The wire is powered by a battery that sits in a pocket in the buttock giving a person complete freedom of movement. Some people have been suffering for decades and this implant will give them back their life. Incontinence doesn't just affect the elderly, I've operated on people in their 20's."  

Mr Farmer has now set-up a clinic twice a month to identify people who may be able to benefit from the implant.   He said: "Some people have been passed from pillar to post over the years without being given this type of opportunity. The alternatives are using a colostomy bag or pads, something people can feel very degrading and often causes anxiety. Although this procedure cannot help everyone with incontinence, I want people to be aware that this implant is available and could change their life. Previously patients were being referred to London for this service, so people from the entire region could benefit from the work we are doing at University Hospital of North Staffordshire."