Mr. Van Balken et al., Posterior tibial nerve stimulation as neuromodulative treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction, J UROL, 166(3), 2001, pp. 914-918
Purpose: Recently, intermittent percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimula
tion was introduced as a treatment modality filling the gap between conserv
ative and surgical therapies in patients with certain types of lower urinar
y tract dysfunction.
Materials and Methods: In a prospective multicenter trial posterior tibial
nerve stimulation was evaluated in 37 patients who presented with symptoms
of bladder overactivity, that is the urgency and frequency syndrome and/or
urge incontinence, and 12 with nonobstructive urinary retention. Results we
re recorded in voiding diaries and on quality of life questionnaires before
and after treatment. Patients were classified as responders, including tho
se in whom therapy was successful and chose to continue treatment after the
initial 12 weeks, and nonresponders, those who chose to stop treatment.
Results: Overall, a positive response was seen in 60% of all patients. In p
atients with bladder overactivity a statistically significant decrease was
observed in leakage episodes, number of pads used, voiding frequency and no
cturia, and an equal increase in mean and smallest volume voided. Improveme
nts were also seen in nonobstructive urinary retention, including number of
catheterizations, total and mean volume catheterized, and total and mean v
olume voided. Disease specific quality of life and some domains of general
quality of life improved, especially of bladder overactivity. Only mild sid
e effects were observed.
Conclusions: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive and
successful treatment option for patients with certain types of lower urina
ry tract dysfunction.