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BLADDER CONTROL CENTER
In April 2010, Dr. Pugach was invited to the headquarters of Medtronic, to tour facility and meet with engineers. .
Dr. Pugach is now recognized as one of the most experienced physicians in the western United States in the
treatment of overactive bladders.  Read more

Overactive bladders can control your life.  Dr. Pugach sees many new patients every week whose lives are significantly and negatively affected by this common condition.  People report limiting their activities or planning their days around the locations of bathrooms, being in embarrassing situations because of sudden loss of urine and limiting activities or contact with friends and family because of this.

Overactive bladders spare no one and can occur at any age.  Both women and men are affected.  For women, the problem often starts around the time of menopause.  As estrogen levels decline, tissues in the vaginal area may shrink and contract.  The urethral tube then decreases in size and the bladder muscle changes to compensate.  These changes can distort the nerve receptors in the bladder wall that tell us when we should urinate, resulting in rapid and inappropriate nerve signals that cause urinary urgency. 

For men, similar bladder changes occur because of prostate enlargement.  Beginning around age 25, prostate growth causes progressive obstruction of the bladder.  The changes in the bladder muscle are virtually identical to those seen in women and, again, the result is an Overactive Bladder.  

Initial treatment is usually with medication.  Common ones include Detrol, Vesicare, Enablex, Sanctura and Ditropan (the common generic name for this is Oxybutinin).  While some patients report good responses, most do not stay on these medications, either because they are not effective enough in relieving overactive bladder symptoms or because of side effects.  Common side effects include constipation, a dry mouth, blurred vision and dizziness.  In fact, a study done in England reported that only 10% of patients given these medications stay on them; 90% discontinue them.

What’s the solution?  Increasing, patients are having an Interstim Therapy.  An electrical signal goes to the bladder nerves to dramatically decrease or completely cure an Overactive Bladder.  A 30 minute office test is all that’s needed to see if you can be helped like the 70,000 people who have Interstims working to help them. 

Another new therapy is PTNS – stimulation of a nerve in your ankle.  Early results are promising and we are awaiting insurance company approval so that we can begin offering it to our patients.    

So, if you’re seeking help for the bothersome symptoms of an Overactive Bladder just give us a call to schedule a convenient appointment.  We’re here to help you and look forward to seeing you soon! Call: 1-888-735-4336.
 

MORE ABOUT Interstim Therapy In April 2010, Dr. Pugach was invited to the headquarters of Medtronic, the leader in overactive bladder treatment technology.  Medtronic is the creator of the remarkable Interstim © device that is 8 times more effective than treatments utilizing medications or other therapies. Overactive bladders are almost an epidemic.  It is estimated that 34 million Americans suffer from overactive bladders.  The symptoms, from which many of our patients suffer, include: The visit to Medtronic was truly eye opening and amazing.  Dr. Pugach toured one of the production facilities where they make the components for the Interstim batteries.  “I was amazed at the complexity and intricacy of the production and assembly process.  The sterile clean rooms and technicians using high powered microscopes to precisely create these remarkable devices were remarkable.  To see the actual assembly re-affirmed my belief that Medtronic is the leader in this wonderful technology.” Dr. Pugach devoted a lot of time working with Medtronic engineers on future ideas for new technologies to improve the treatment for overactive bladders.  “The Medtronic engineers are extremely creative,” said Dr. Pugach, “and the opportunity to discuss and improve their concepts can take their good ideas and allow all of us to create new devices that will improve the lives of patients who suffer from overactive bladders.”  This is the same process that has allowed Dr. Pugach to work with engineers from other minimally invasive technology companies - including microwave thermotherapy for BPH and HIFU and cryoablation for prostate cancer – so  that our patients receive the best in minimally invasive urological care.   Dr. Pugach is now recognized as one of the most experienced physicians in the western United States in the treatment of overactive bladders.