Spontaneous extrusion of sacral nerve implant secondary to massive weight loss

Sacral neuromodulation (Interstim, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) is a recognized treatment for refractory urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence. Revision rates range from 10-33% mainly for pain over the implantable pulse generator site (IPG) or lead migration [Hassouna et al. J Urol 163:1849-1854, 2000; Schmidt et al. J Urol 162:352-357, 1999; Spinelli et al. J Urol 166:541-545, 2001; Swinn et al. Eur Urol 38:439-443, 2000; Weil et al. Eur Urol 37:161-171, 2000; Evaraert et al. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct 11:231-236, 2000]. We report a case of spontaneous extrusion of the IPG through the subcutaneous fat and skin secondary to marked weight loss after gastric bypass surgery. Continued weight loss resulted in multiple surgical interventions and eventual removal of the device.