First Scandinavian experience of electrical sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of the overactive bladder

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electrical sacral n erve stimulation (SNS) in the treatment of urinary incontinence and urinary retention refractory to conservative treatment, and to assess the impact o f urodynamic abnormalities and electrode position. Material and methods: Th irty patients (10 men, 20 women) with a mean age of 59 years (range 21-79 y ears), all of whom had longstanding symptoms ranging from 2 to 46 years (me an 12.4 years), were subjected to a percutaneous rest stimulation. Ten pati ents responded well, resulting in a permanent implant in nine patients. Ele ctrode positions were determined by plain X-ray and computed tomography. Re sults: Radiologically, a variety of positions of the temporary electrodes w as seen. In the implanted patients, long-term symptom reduction varied over time, ranging from total relief to partial or total recurrence of symptoms . Conclusions: SNS is a new promising option for the treatment of urge inco ntinence. Refined instruments for proper patient selection and the optimal way to position the electrode remain to be developed.