When Ginette Brabant first began experiencing bladder issues five years ago, she never imagined how much it would disrupt her life. The frequent urination, unexpected leaks, pain and inability to fully empty her bladder affected her work, sleep, and confidence.
“I missed a lot of work, I was constantly in pain, and I couldn’t sleep through the night,” she said. “I was just so sick.”
Despite trying multiple medications and undergoing three rounds of bladder Botox injections, nothing worked.
“The spasms were unbearable,” she said. “I was in pain every time I stood up. I couldn’t function.”
Her urologist referred her to Dr. Seyed Hossein Saadat at Health Sciences North (HSN), who is helping to transform care for people in Northeastern Ontario living with overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence—common yet often under-treated conditions that affect millions.
A New Option Close to Home
After joining HSN, Dr. Saadat drew on his specialized training in sacral neuromodulation therapy with Dr. Dean Elterman at Toronto Western Hospital. He quickly recognized a critical gap in care across Northern Ontario.
“Until I started working here, I didn’t realize the true burden patients face in trying to access care,” said Dr. Saadat. “The need was clear. Referring people to Toronto wasn’t realistic, because nobody wanted to go.”
Only six centres in Canada offer this advanced therapy, and just one is in Ontario. Therefore, Dr. Saadat brought the test phase of the treatment — called a Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) — to HSN. The therapy uses a small, battery-powered device, similar to a pacemaker, which sends controlled electrical impulses to nerves regulating bladder or bowel function. This can help modulate and normalize nerve activity to improve these functions.
The PNE phase allows patients to test the therapy first through a short outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. A thin wire is placed near the sacral nerves and connected to an external device worn under clothing. Patients use a smartphone-like remote to adjust the stimulation over three to 14 days at home.
If symptoms improve by 50 per cent or more during this trial period, they qualify for permanent implantation. That now only requires a single trip to Toronto, thanks to a new collaboration between HSN and University Health Network (UHN). Prior to this initiative at HSN, patients had to make two or three separate trips to Toronto just for the PNE trial—and, if they qualified, a fourth time for permanent implantation.
Ginette’s Journey: From Pain to Possibility
Brabant underwent the PNE on June 16 at HSN. She went home with the device for nine days, refraining from sweating and avoiding showers to protect the wires and device.
“But it was all worth it. I felt better than I had in years.”
For the first time in five years, Brabant slept through the night.
“I used to stop drinking water after 5:30 p.m. because I knew I’d be up all night. But with the device, I could drink water at 7:30 and sleep peacefully.”
Her experience was so profound that she cried when the trial device was removed.
“I told Dr. Saadat I never wanted it to come out. It changed my quality of life 100 per cent.”
A Breakthrough in the North
Brabant is one of seven patients who have taken part in the PNE trial at HSN as part of a feasibility project launched by Dr. Saadat with in-kind support from Medtronic and funding support from Sudbury Surgical LEG. Six have seen life-changing improvements. Some patients have gone from using five adult diapers a day to none.
“Many healthcare providers are not aware of this therapy,” Dr. Saadat said. “But it’s a vital option for people with refractory overactive bladder or fecal incontinence such as those from neurological conditions, or birth trauma-related injuries. This is about expanding access and restoring quality of life.”
The approach is also adapted for pediatric patients with potential to bring it to Sudbury in the future.
Looking Ahead
Brabant is now eagerly awaiting her permanent implant in Toronto.
“I’m back to square one without the device, but now I know what’s possible,” she said. “I’m so excited to get the permanent version. It gave me my life back.”
She has even agreed to share her story publicly to raise awareness.
“If my story helps one more person find relief, it’s worth it. I cannot say enough good things about this therapy, and about Dr. Saadat.”
‘This has truly been a team effort’
Dr. Saadat offered his sincere gratitude to the people who helped make this initiative possible.
“A special thank you to Dr. Dean Elterman for his continued surgical support and guidance, and to Dr. Pankaj Bhatia, Chief of Staff, Dr. Grace Ma, general surgeon, and Dr. Jeff Yao, urologist, for their collaboration and expertise,” said Dr. Saadat.
“I’m also deeply appreciative of Roch Baronette, Administrative Director, Surgical Program, for his leadership and support, and to Paige Dougan, interim Clinical Manager, ACU, Medical Day Care and the MSK Assessment Centre, and Kim Robitaille, RPN, whose co-ordination, commitment, and behind-the-scenes efforts have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. This has truly been a team effort, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together to improve access and quality of care for patients in Northern Ontario.”