Implant / SARS

A higher-intervention route that the site treats seriously, but ultimately as a step to weigh carefully against less invasive options.

SARS implant information banner
Surgical implant

The sacral anterior root stimulator is described as an implanted receiver and external transmitter system with different settings for bladder, bowel, and erection control.

I was offered the option of having the implant when I was in hospital. There is a receiver placed somewhere in your lower stomach and connected to a few strands of your spinal chord, and a transmitter to trigger the required reaction.

The transmitter has three optional dial settings and, when placed on your stomach and activated, stimulates the relevant organ to respond.

The Three Positions

  • Position one: helps stimulate the bladder to release its contents.
  • Position two: helps stimulate the bowel to release its contents.
  • Position three: helps stimulate the penis into an erection.

Why It Was Not Chosen

I was most interested in position three until I was told that there was only something like a 75% chance of it being operational.

In the end, I concluded that my spinal chord had been through enough and that I would explore all other avenues first.

Further Reading

A fuller explanation of the SARS implant can be found at spinalinjurycentre.org.uk.