Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy as a New Hope for Patients with Urinary Incontinence due to Nerve Damage

Explanation of Dr. Meizar Rizaldi, M.Ked.Klin., MM., MBA., FISQua about Sacral Neuromodulation therapy for urinary disorders. (Dinno/VOI)

JAKARTA - Urinary incontinence is often considered a problem with the bladder. In fact, in some patients, the condition is actually triggered by a disorder in the nervous system that controls the function of the organ.

As a result, treatments that only focus on symptoms are often not able to provide optimal results. Unfortunately, for years, the choice of therapy for patients with urinary disorders due to nerve damage in Indonesia is still limited.

Not a few patients who eventually choose to undergo treatment abroad to get therapy that is not yet available in the country.

Now, new hope is beginning to open with the arrival of Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) in Indonesia. In February 2026, a team of neurosurgical specialists at Primaya Hospital Bekasi Timur successfully performed the first SNM procedure in Indonesia.

This action is one of the new steps in the development of neuromodulation therapy for patients with bladder, bowel, and pelvic organ dysfunction caused by nerve damage.

SNM is a therapy that works by providing stimulation to the sacral nerve, which is a collection of nerves that play a role in regulating pelvic organ function. Unlike conventional therapies that focus more on addressing complaints, this method targets the main cause of the disorder, namely the nervous system.

Primaya Hospital Bekasi Timur Neurosurgery Specialist, dr. Muhamad Aulia Rahman, Sp.BS-FTB, FINS, explained that there are still many patients who are not aware of the source of the disorder they are experiencing.

"Often we only try to replace the light bulb, but the source of the problem is the disconnected electrical current. The same is true for this patient. The main problem is not in the bladder, but in the nerves that control the function. Through Sacral Neuromodulation, we provide direct stimulation to the nerve so that organ function can work more optimally," he said.

According to dr. Aulia, this procedure is considered minimally invasive with a duration of action of around 30 minutes to one hour. In addition to improving organ function, this therapy is expected to help patients return to daily activities more comfortably.

"Before this technology was available, Indonesian patients generally had to seek treatment abroad. We hope that the presence of SNM will be the beginning of the development of neuromodulation services in Indonesia so that more patients can get the same therapy without having to leave their country," he added.

The success of the first action was also appreciated by PINS Medical, a neuromodulation technology company from Beijing, China, which awarded the team of doctors who handled the procedure.

Director of Primaya Hospital Bekasi Timur, Dr. dr. Meizar Rizaldi, M.Ked.Klin., MM., MBA., FISQua, said that the presence of urinary disorders therapy with this technology adaptation is expected to expand public access to medical services that are not yet available in Indonesia.

"The success of the first SNM action in Indonesia is a tangible proof of the development of Brain & Neuro services as one of Primaya Hospital's Centers of Excellence. We want to ensure that the Indonesian people have access to the latest medical technology without having to seek treatment abroad. We will continue to bring innovations supported by competent medical personnel and the best service standards so that more patients can have a better quality of life," said dr. Meizar.

The benefits of the therapy were also felt by Ratna Ira Andriyanti (40), one of the patients who underwent SNM after experiencing urinary disorders due to an accident. Previously, he had tried various treatments, but his condition had not improved because the source of the problem was in the nervous system.

"Previously I was always worried when I was active because it was difficult to hold back urination after the accident. After undergoing SNM, my condition is much better. Now I can go back to being active with more confidence and feel that I have regained my quality of life. I am very touched and grateful," said Ratna.

The presence of neuromodulation therapy in Indonesia is expected to be an alternative treatment for patients with bladder dysfunction due to nerve damage.

In addition to expanding the choice of therapy in the country, the development of this technology also opens up opportunities for more patients to receive appropriate treatment without having to undergo treatment abroad.