The LION Procedure

Applied to the pudendal nerve (pudendal nerve), the LION procedure is suitable for the treatment of hyperactive bladder or irritable bladder as well as urinary and faecal incontinence - especially if both symptoms occur simultaneously.

In combination with laparoscopy, implantation of the microstimulator system on the pudendal nerve can be performed on a  minimally invasive basis. A tiny camera is used for this ( laparoscopic surgery). The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and can be performed by a gynecologist or urologist on an outpatient basis. Stimulation of the pudendal nerve causes contraction of the sphincters of the bladder and intestine, relaxing both the rectum and the bladder, allowing for improved bladder and intestinal control.

The pudendal nerve is one of the most important genital nerves that controls sexual function and the erection of the clitoris and/or the penis. The LION procedure can therefore also be applied to the treatment of sexual and erectile dysfunction. Electrical stimulation of the genital nerve (GNS / genital nerve stimulation) significantly improves sexual satisfaction in patients of both sexes.

The LION procedure has revolutionized the treatment of paraplegic patients

In patients with spinal paralysis, electrodes and a rechargeable pacemaker - a pacemaker comparable to a cardiac pacemaker - are implanted laparoscopically into the body. The pacemaker supplies the electrical current to the pelvic nerves for muscle movements by means of electrical cables (electrodes). By stimulating the nerves that activate the gluteal muscles in the buttocks, the pelvis is stabilized. In addition, the stimulation of the nerves that control the muscles of the thighs causes an extension of the knee joints and thus a leg extension. The patient performs individual steps by rotating the trunk and then stretching the knee. The individual parameters and different stimulation programs are steered by the patient himself using a remote control device.

While direct muscle stimulation triggers jerky, convulsive movements, nerve stimulation, which acts indirectly on the muscles, leads to more balanced and coordinated movements, is more gentle on the tendons and joints and prevents premature muscle fatigue. This type of exercise  requires sufficient strength in the lower arms to stabilize the upper body. Since the introduction of this new technology, researchers have found that nerve stimulation also has the potential to promote nerve growth and thus the reconnection of nerve fibers.