Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) for Fecal Incontinence

Do the following sound familiar?

• Frequent bowel accidents

• Monitoring what and how much you eat

• Using pads or protective garments

• Planning activities around the bathroom

These are symptoms of fecal incontinence. Unfortunately, many people experience problems with bowel and bladder continence — about 1 in 12 adults in the US has fecal incontinence, and 21 million adults in the US are affected by fecal incontinence. These symptoms can cause problems emotionally, physically, and even socially.  Although discussing the problem can be embarrassing, there are a variety of treatment options that the providers at IGIC can offer you.  These options can range from simple solutions such as fiber supplementation and optimization of your medications to more nuanced and individualized approaches including physical therapy and neurostimulation. 

Our on staff physical therapists have extensive training and expertise in the specific treatment of pelvic floor problems.  These are private sessions that focus on your comfort and gradual improvement. 

Neurostimulation is an approach to bowel continence problems that focuses on improving the communication that your lower body has with your brain and nervous system. 

Our doctors can offer a treatment called Peripheral Nerve Evaluation, or PNE.  This is a simple, in-office procedure done with the help of local anesthesia.  It requires no preparation and can be done in the order of minutes.  During this evaluation, a provider will use a small needle to numb the skin on your back and insert a very thin caliber lead into the tissue under the skin. This lead is then left in place for about one week along with an external stimulator that the patient wears on a belt.  During this week, we monitor your symptoms and compare them to the symptoms you had prior to the stimulation.  

If the test is successful, which it is in about 70-80% of the appropriately selected patients, we can discuss having a more permanent treatment that can deliver a similar level of stimulation. 

Please let your IGIC provider know if you have ever had any problems with bowel continence, such as leakage of stool, frank stool related accidents, or even severe urgency that limits your social interactions and life. Fecal Incontinence (FI) is a treatable condition. It’s not a normal part of aging. And you shouldn’t have to deal with it on your own.

Dr. Bridget Seymour, MD

Dr. Seymour (she/her) was born and raised in New York. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees through a combined BA/MD program with Siena and Albany Medical Colleges in 2003. She went on to complete her internship and residency in internal medicine as well as a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA in 2009. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr Seymour has been practicing gastroenterology and hepatology in the Merrimack Valley for the last 15 years and joined Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants in 2024. She sees patients with a variety of gastrointestinal issues including liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, functional disorders of the gi tract, colorectal cancer screening, and motility disorders. She enjoys spending time with her family including her husband Peter and their four teenagers. She especially loves watching them play sports, travel, skiing, and volunteering.

Bethany Rich, NP

Bethany Rich (she/her) earned an Associates degree in nursing in 1989, working as RN in acute care settings before transitioning to APRN. She graduated in 2015 from Rivier University with Masters in Nursing.  She has been working as a Primary Care NP for the past 9 yrs.  After her own weight loss journey, she found a passion for helping others with the same health issue. She trained with the Obesity Medicine Association and developed a weight management program at her last practice before joining IGIC. Her approach to medical care is using clinical guidelines along with holistic remedies to treat the whole person. She specializes in the Metabolic and Lifestyle Medicine Clinic at IGIC. In her spare time she likes to spend time with her husband, her two children, family and friends. 

Pivio Health

IGIC is excited to start offering Pivio, a complete health improvement program! Pivio is built on the foundation of CHIP, the first lifestyle medicine program certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM).

What is Pivio?

Pivio is a lifestyle medicine program focused on whole-person health. Pivio is a 12-18 session program over 30-90 days in an in-person group environment with dynamic group discussions and peer support. Pivio integrates optimal nutrition, exercise and behavioral psychology principles and tools.

What does Pivio include?

• Pre-and post-health status assessments

• Weekly facilitated group sessions

• Edutainment style video content to teach participants how to apply lifestyle medicine to your daily life and build lasting, healthy habits

• A journal to track your progress and reflect on your journey towards better health

• A cookbook to find healthy, nutritious recipes and a meal delivery option to simplify and ease participants into healthy eating

• Educational materials such as articles, fact sheets and explainer videos on topics related to lifestyle changes and healthy living

How can I join Pivio?

We are hosting info sessions for you to learn more about the program. Check on our news page for upcoming dates or contact us using the form below.

Intragastric Weight Loss Balloon: Orbera

The intragastric weight loss balloon is the only non-surgical weight loss strategy proven to help people lose weight. Your weight loss journey begins with a personalized evaluation. You’ll start receiving the education you need to prepare you for success. After that, the Orbera balloon is inserted into your stomach during an upper endoscopy. This is a non-surgical procedure where you will be completely asleep and comfortable. The balloon will remain in place for six months, helping to control portion size and curb appetite. With the help of the weight loss balloon and personalized coaching, you’ll focus on healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle habits to maximize your success. The weight loss balloon is removed from your stomach at six months. After the weight loss balloon is removed, you’ll continue receiving support to help you achieve and maintain your optimal weight and healthy lifestyle.

Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants uses the Orbera Weight Loss System. Orbera is a year-long program for helping you lose weight by changing your habits. See more about the Orbera balloon, including FAQ videos, below.

Our advanced endoscopist, Dr. Allen Hwang, is the only doctor in the US north of New York who places intragastric weight loss balloons. Call (978) 459-6737 for a consultation on weight management and the weight loss balloon.

How the Orbera Weight Loss System Works

It’s a Tool, Not a Shortcut

How Much Weight Did You Lose?

What’s Life Like After It’s Out?

Does It Really Work?

Does It Require Surgery?

Is It Worth It?

What Does It Feel Like?

The First Thing That Works

More Than a Balloon

Intragastric Weight Loss Balloon: Spatz

The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System is the world’s first and only adjustable gastric balloon. This non-surgical weight loss solution offers patients a higher weight loss success rate than ever before. With the highest weight loss results and highest success rates of all 8-month gastric balloons, the Spatz3 has proven to have an 84% success rate and 15% weight loss, far exceeding every non-adjustable balloon in non-comparative studies. In addition, FDA Clinical Trials show that Spatz balloon patients lost five times as much weight as those on diet alone.Spatz Medical is committed to the patient’s journey, helping them achieve their weight loss goals, while learning to listen to body cues that ultimately contribute to long-term weight management success.

Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants now offers the Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System as one option for intragastric balloons. See more about the Spatz3 balloon below.

Our advanced endoscopist, Dr. Allen Hwang, is one of the only doctors in the US north of New York who places intragastric weight loss balloons. Call (978) 459-6737 for a consultation on weight management and the weight loss balloon.