Long-term results of interferential current stimulation in the treatment of detrusor instability

Objective: To study the late results of interferential current stimulation in the treatment of detrusor instability. Material and Methods: 62 patients with detrusor instability refractory to m edical treatment by anticholinergic drugs were treated by interferential cu rrent simulation. This technique combines the advantages of retraining stim ulation with external application. This retrospective study was based on 62 patients (43 children, 11 men and 8 women) presenting with detrusor instab ility between January 1990 and December 1997. All patients were assessed cl inically and by a radiological, bacteriological and urodynamic work-up prio r to treatment. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range: 18 months to 10 year s). Results: The results of this technique were excellent, with 80% of cures at one year, but they tended to fade over time to 40% of cures at 5 years. Ho wever, results which deteriorate after one year can generally be maintained by performing 5 maintenance sessions every 12 or 18 months. Conclusion: Treatment of detrusor instability by interferential current is a reliable technique which constitutes an alternative In the other methods of retaining stimulation and can be performed in cases of instability refra ctory to anticholinergic drugs, before considering neuromodulation or surge ry. Five to 10 maintenance sessions every 12 or 18 months ensure stable lon g-term results in the majority of cases.