PREDICTORS OF SUCCESS WITH NEUROMODULATION IN LOWER URINARY-TRACT DYSFUNCTION - RESULTS OF TRIAL STIMULATION IN 100 PATIENTS

Chronic lower urinary tract dysfunction can be treated by sacral neuro -stimulation, Clinical parameters for selection of patients for this e xpensive and invasive treatment modality are not well defined to date. Therefore, before implantation of a permanent stimulator, the effect is tested by temporary implantation of a wire electrode connected to a n external stimulator. According to the literature, many patients do n ot respond during temporary implantation and a mean of 25% of the pati ents with a permanent stimulator implanted fail to respond as well. To improve patient selection, we attempted to define clinical parameters to predict the outcome of sacral neurostimulation in 100 consecutive patients who were tested with temporary sacral stimulation. A total of 34 patients achieved a complete cure on trial stimulation. It appeare d that detrusor overactivity and urethral instability responded best b ut they were not predictors of success. We conclude that neither gende r, patient age, history nor diagnosis are predictors of success in sac ral neuro-stimulation of lower urinary tract dysfunction.