The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given approval to Medtronic InterStim Therapy for Bowel Control for the treatment of chronic fecal incontinence in patients who have failed or are not candidates for more conservative treatments.

InterStim Therapy was previously approved to treat the symptoms of overactive bladder and non-obstructive urinary retention.

InterStim Therapy uses an implantable system, consisting of a thin wire lead and a neurostimulator, or pacemaker-like device, as well as external clinician and patient programmers.

Data from the Medtronic-sponsored pivotal study that led to FDA approval show InterStim Therapy for Bowel Control reduced fecal incontinent episodes and increased quality of life in patients with the condition.