NEUROMODULATION OF SACRAL NERVES FOR INCONTINENCE AND VOIDING DYSFUNCTIONS - CLINICAL-RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS

Neuromodulation of sacral nerves is a new form of treatment for patien ts with refractory voiding dysfunctions such as incontinence, retentio n and chronic pelvic pain. Electrical stimulation of S3 activates the pelvic floor and modulates innervation of the bladder, sphincter and p elvic floor, restoring the balance and coordination in sacral reflexes . 19 of 23 patients with an implanted neuroprosthesis for neuromodulat ion have a more than 50% improvement in their main symptoms after a me dian follow-up of 12 months. In urge-incontinent patients the number o f leakings decreased from 7.4 to 1.5/day. and the functional capacity increased from 135 to 227 ml.