The new Axonics F15 implant is a TGA-approved pacemaker device that stimulates the sacral nerves to improve bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Last month at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital, Urologist Dr Ailsa Wilson Edwards implanted the pacemaker device into Gill Gibbons, who lives with an overactive bladder. The surgery means she no longer has to plan her entire life around her condition.

“I’d go out and I’d have to take another set of clothes because I didn’t know what was going to happen when I was out. In the week since the pacemaker was implanted, I haven’t had any problems,” Gill said.

“Even being able to get a full night’s sleep has been amazing. I used to be up five to six times a night.”

Joined by a Calvary North Adelaide team, Dr Wilson Edwards said the procedure took just 45 minutes.

“Previous models have not lasted long before the device needs to be changed and the patient has to undergo another operation,” Dr Wilson Edwards said.

“This new device doesn’t need any component to be recharged at all, and should last 15 years at normal settings. Apart from an appointment every one to two years, Gill can live her life without worrying about her condition.”

In a consumer survey by the Continence Foundation of Australia last year, 46 per cent of people said they had not discussed their continence related issues with friends and family and 74 per cent believed community awareness around bladder and bowel health was lacking.

“Having an overactive bladder is so common, but people don’t talk about it. Things like not making it to the bathroom in time, interrupted sleep and having to manage your whole day around trips to the toilet,” Dr Wilson Edwards said.

“Bladder and bowel conditions can be disabling, intrusive and embarrassing but the technology and treatments now available are incredible. To be able to free people from the worry and help them enjoy life through treatments such as sacral neuromodulation is tremendous.”