Take Back Your
Confidence.
Phoenix's center for sacral neuromodulation — specialty treatment for fecal incontinence, urge soiling, bowel urgency, and accidental bowel leakage. The only implanted therapy with long-term efficacy data, FDA-approved for bowel control since 2011.
bowel control
Bowel control problems are common
but rarely discussed.
The right treatment depends on which pattern of symptoms you experience. We evaluate each case carefully and without judgment.
Urge Fecal Incontinence
Sudden, intense urge to defecate followed by leakage before reaching the bathroom.
Passive Soiling
Leakage of stool or mucus without warning — often discovered on undergarments without sensing it.
Bowel Urgency
A sudden, hard-to-control need to defecate — restricting work, travel, and social life.
Bowel Frequency
Multiple bowel movements per day or chronic loose stools that interfere with daily activities.
Mixed Fecal Incontinence
A combination of urge and passive leakage. Treatment is matched to the dominant pattern.
Functional Constipation
Difficulty fully emptying the bowel or chronic slow-transit constipation, when conservative care has failed.
SNM for bowel control when
other treatments haven't worked.
Sacral neuromodulation for bowel control is most often considered when conservative therapies haven't provided enough relief. Many of our patients arrive with at least one of the following.
- ✓You leak stool unexpectedly or with sudden urgency.
- ✓You have at least one fecal-incontinence episode per week.
- ✓You have tried fiber, dietary changes, and antidiarrheal medications.
- ✓You have completed pelvic-floor biofeedback without lasting relief.
- ✓You wear pads or protective garments to manage leakage.
- ✓You avoid travel, social events, or foods because of bowel control.
- ✓You have a history of obstetric injury or sphincter damage.
- ✓You also experience overactive-bladder symptoms (a common pairing).
- ✓You want to test the therapy before committing to a permanent implant.
The only implanted therapy with long-term efficacy data for fecal incontinence.
A 2018 meta-analysis of 302 patients showed SNM improved bowel control scores by 2.27 points more than PTNS — with zero serious adverse events in the head-to-head trials.
Source: Thaha MA et al. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2018
Schedule a Free Consult →A bowel pacemaker that
retrains nerve coordination
The same S3 sacral nerve that regulates the bladder also coordinates anal sphincter tone, rectal sensation, and pelvic-floor function. SNM is the only implanted therapy with long-term efficacy data for fecal incontinence. We use the Axonics System (Boston Scientific) and Medtronic InterStim — both FDA-approved.
External Trial
A 1–2 week test phase using a temporary lead and external stimulator. You track whether incontinence episodes, urgency, and bowel-control confidence improve. Fully reversible — no permanent commitment.
Permanent Implant
If your trial is successful, a small rechargeable device is implanted in a same-day outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation. Many patients resume light activity the same day.
Programming & Follow-up
Settings are fine-tuned in the office to match your symptoms. Adjustments are made over time. The device is rated for up to 20 years of rechargeable battery life.
Trial first. Always.
Every patient completes the external trial before any permanent device is placed. If you don't see meaningful improvement, the lead is removed in the office. You are never locked in to proceeding with a permanent implant.
The most-studied implanted therapy
for fecal incontinence
Source: Thaha MA et al. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2018 — meta-analysis, 302 patients, SNM vs PTNS for fecal incontinence.
How SNM compares to other
bowel control treatments
Bowel control treatments range from dietary changes to surgery. Here is how each option compares for adults with refractory fecal incontinence.
| Treatment | Best For | What the Evidence Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary & Fiber Changes | Mild symptoms, first-line | Helpful starting point but rarely resolves moderate-to-severe fecal incontinence on its own. |
| Antidiarrheal Medications | Loose-stool-related incontinence | Reduces stool frequency but doesn't address sphincter or nerve dysfunction. Limited long-term benefit for urge FI. |
| Pelvic Floor Biofeedback | Mild–moderate FI with intact sphincter | Helpful adjunct. Requires ongoing sessions; benefit wanes without maintenance. Does not address neurogenic FI. |
| PTNS | Office-based, no implant | Some evidence for FI. Meta-analysis shows SNM improves Wexner scores 2.27 points more than PTNS with fewer episodes per week. |
| Sphincteroplasty | Acute sphincter tears | Effective for fresh obstetric tears; results deteriorate significantly at 5–10 years. Not suitable for neurogenic FI. |
| Sacral Neuromodulation ✦ | Urge FI, passive soiling, bowel urgency, mixed FI | Only implanted therapy with long-term FI efficacy data. FDA-approved since 2011. Outperforms PTNS in meta-analysis. Works even with mild-to-moderate sphincter damage. Same device treats bladder and bowel. |
Sources: Thaha et al., Int J Colorectal Dis 2018 — meta-analysis of SNS vs PTNS for fecal incontinence (302 patients).
Treated by the
#1 Axonics provider in the world
Dr. Tory L. McJunkin, MD
Dr. McJunkin is a triple board-certified neuromodulation specialist, former Mayo Clinic faculty member, and author/editor of the definitive sacral neuromodulation textbook. He personally implants Axonics and Medtronic InterStim systems daily for both bladder and bowel control — and performs every trial and every permanent implant himself.
No judgment. No pressure.
Just an honest conversation.
We understand how difficult it is to talk about bowel control. The first visit is private, unhurried, and focused entirely on you.
Your story
We start by listening — symptom history, what you've already tried, and how bowel leakage affects your daily life. No judgment, ever.
Honest candidacy review
Not everyone is a candidate for sacral neuromodulation. Dr. McJunkin tells you directly which therapies match your situation, including non-implant options.
Clear next steps
You leave with a written plan, timing, and insurance details. Our team handles prior authorization. Your first appointment can be telehealth — from the privacy of your home.
Telehealth available for the initial consultation.
You don't have to come in to start the conversation. We send the video link 24 hours before your appointment. Medicare and most major plans accepted. No referral required.
Medicare and most major plans
cover SNM for bowel control.
Blue Shield
Healthcare
No referral required. SNM for fecal incontinence is FDA-approved and covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans when medical-necessity criteria are met. Our team handles prior authorizations on your behalf and verifies your benefits before any procedure.
Your bowel control
questions, answered honestly.
You don't have to
manage this alone.
Most patients start with a short consultation and, when appropriate, a temporary trial before making any permanent decision. Your first appointment can be telehealth — from the privacy of your home.
Schedule a Free ConsultationNo referral required · Medicare accepted · Telehealth available