Long-term effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation for refractory urge incontinence

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for refractory urinary urge incontinence. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Urge incontinent patients qualified for surgical implantation of a neurostimulator system after trial screening with percutaneous test stimulation. Surgical implantation of the InterStim System (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., USA) was performed in cases where a >50% reduction in incontinence symptoms was documented during the 3- to 7-day test stimulation period. The InterStim System consists of an implantable pulse generator, a transforamenally placed quadripolar lead, and an extension that connects these two devices for unilateral stimulation of the S3 or S4 sacral nerve. Efficacy for 96 implanted patients was based on urinary symptom changes as quantified in voiding diaries collected at baseline and annually after surgical implantation. RESULTS: As compared to baseline, the group of 96 implanted patients demonstrated significant reductions in urge incontinent symptoms at an average of 30.8+/-14.8 (range 12-60) months with respect to the number of urge incontinent episodes per day, severity of leaking, and the number of absorbent pads/diapers replaced per day due to incontinence (all p<0.0001, respectively). Gender, pretreatment variables, and age were not found to be relevant factors that affected these results. 11 of the 96 patients underwent device explant due to lack of efficacy, pain or bowel dysfunction. These data were conservatively included in the efficacy results. No permanent injuries associated with the devices or therapy were reported. CONCLUSION: Sacral nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for refractory urge incontinence with sustained long-term benefit through an average of 30.8 months.     

骶神经刺激治疗膀胱排尿功能障碍

目的：观察骶神经刺激治疗膀胱排尿功能障碍的疗效。方法：采用经皮穿刺刺激骶3神经治疗4例排尿功能障碍患者,其中1例接受永久性神经刺激器植入治疗。通过排尿日记及患者症状评价疗效。结果：3例难治性尿频尿急综合征的患者症状有显著改善,且排尿次数显著减少,平均排尿量增加,尿急程度减轻;另1例膀胱收缩无力患者无效。结论：骶神经刺激可以显著地改善部分患者膀胱排尿功能障碍。     

DETRUSOR INSTABILITY IN MEN: CORRELATION OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS WITH URODYNAMIC FINDINGS

PURPOSE: We evaluated the correlation of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of detrusor instability with urodynamic findings in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled in our prospective study were 160 consecutive neurologically intact men referred for urodynamic evaluation of persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. All patients had storage symptoms suggestive of detrusor instability. Patients were further clinically categorized according to the chief complaint of urge incontinence, frequency and urgency, nocturia or difficult voiding. The clinical and urodynamic diagnosis in all patients as well as specific urodynamic characteristics of those with detrusor instability were analyzed according to the these 4 clinical categories. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 61 +/- 15 years. The chief complaint was urge incontinence in 28 cases (17%), frequency and urgency in 57 (36%), nocturia in 30 (19%) and difficult voiding in 45 (28%). Detrusor instability was diagnosed in 68 cases (43%). A higher incidence of detrusor instability was associated with urge incontinence than with the other clinical categories (75% versus 36%, p <0.01). Of the patients 109 (68%) had bladder outlet obstruction, including 50 (46%) with concomitant detrusor instability. The prevalence of bladder outlet obstruction was similar in all patients regardless of the chief complaint. All other urodynamic diagnoses were also similar in the 4 clinical categories. The mean bladder volume at which involuntary detrusor contractions occurred were lower in patients with urge incontinence and frequency and urgency than in those with nocturia and difficult voiding (277.1 +/- 149.4 and 267.7 +/- 221.7 versus 346.7 +/- 204.6 and 306.2 +/- 192.1 ml., respectively, not statistically significant, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Detrusor instability and bladder outlet obstruction are common in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. The symptom of urge incontinence strongly correlated with detrusor instability. Other lower urinary tract symptoms did not correlate well with any urodynamic findings. Therefore, we believe that an accurate urodynamic diagnosis may enable focused and more efficient management of lower urinary tract symptoms in men.     

Sacral neuromodulation decreases narcotic requirements in refractory interstitial cystitis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of long-term sacral neuromodulation (InterStim(R), Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN) in treating chronic pelvic pain associated with interstitial cystitis (IC, a symptom complex of urinary urgency, frequency and pelvic pain, often necessitating narcotics) refractory to standard therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (17 female, four male, mean age 45.5 years, range 17-68) with refractory IC with chronic pelvic pain were reviewed retrospectively. In these patients a mean of six previous treatments for IC had failed. All patients had had cystoscopy and hydrodistension to confirm their diagnoses. All had a permanent InterStim device implanted by one surgeon (K.M.P.) between 2000 and 2002, after responding to a temporary test. Data were collected from chart reviews and patient questionnaires. Intramuscular morphine dose equivalents (MDEs) were calculated before and after implantation. RESULTS: All 21 patients responded to the questionnaire; the mean (range) follow-up after implantation was 15.4 (7.4-23.1) months. Eighteen patients used chronic narcotics before the InterStim and 20 reported moderate or marked improvement in pain afterward. The mean MDE decreased from 81.6 to 52.0 mg/day (36%) after implantation (P = 0.015). Four of 18 patients stopped all narcotics after InterStim implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral neuromodulation decreases narcotic requirements and subjective pelvic pain in patients with refractory IC. Further decreases in MDE are anticipated as dose reductions continue in patients who improved.     

Preliminary results of sacral neuromodulation in 23 children

PURPOSE: Sacral nerve stimulation with InterStim is approved in the United States for use in adults. Limited data on the effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation in children are available. We report our experience with patients who underwent InterStim placement for the treatment of severe dysfunctional elimination syndrome, which is defined as a constellation of functional urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients without anatomical anomalies or obvious neurological disease, in whom intensive medical and behavioral therapies have failed to improve symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients 6 to 15 years old with presenting symptoms of dysfunctional voiding, enuresis, incontinence, urinary tract infections, bladder pain, urinary retention, urgency, frequency, constipation and/or fecal soiling were followed for a mean of 13.3 months after InterStim placement. RESULTS: Of the 19 patients with urinary incontinence 3 (16%) had complete resolution, 13 (68%) had improvement, 2 (11%) were unchanged and 1 (5%) was worse (sign test, p = 0.002). Among the 16 patients with nocturnal enuresis 2 (13%) had resolution, 9 (56%) improved, 4 (25%) were unchanged and 1 (6%) was worse (sign test, p = 0.0063). Of the 15 patients with urinary retention requiring intervention 9 (60%) had improvement and 1 had worsening symptoms (sign test, p = 0.022), while 2 of 6 patients (33%) on intermittent catheterization were able to stop. One patient had development of new incontinence and enuresis. Bladder pain, urgency, frequency and constipation improved in 67% (8 of 12), 75% (12 of 16), 73% (11 of 15) and 80% (12 of 15) of the patients, respectively. Medications required postoperatively decreased by an average of 3 per patient (p < 0.001). The overall patient satisfaction rate was 64%, while that of the caregiver was 67%. Two leads were explanted from the 23 patients. Complications encountered included 1 seroma, 1 episode of skin sensitivity, 2 device failures and 1 lead revision. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral nerve stimulation in children is an option for carefully selected patients who have failed other therapies. Our results show that sacral nerve stimulation was effective in the majority of patients with the dysfunctional elimination syndrome. However, longer followup is needed.     

Behavioral training for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence

We treated 20 men with persistent post-prostatectomy incontinence by biofeedback-assisted behavioral training procedures. Initially, scheduled 2-hour voiding resulted in a mean 33.1 per cent increase in urge incontinence, a mean 28.5 per cent decrease in stress incontinence and no change in continual leakage. Subsequently, biofeedback was used to teach selective control of the sphincter muscles and/or inhibition of detrusor contractions. Individualized home practice included a voiding schedule, sphincter exercises, active use of the sphincter to prevent urine loss and strategies to manage urgency. After 1 to 5 biofeedback sessions patients with urge incontinence demonstrated an average 80.7 per cent decrease in incontinence, while stress incontinence was decreased an average 78.3 per cent and patients with continual leakage were less successful, with a mean 17.0 per cent improvement. The findings indicate that biofeedback training is an effective intervention for episodic stress or urge incontinence after prostatectomy. However, its usefulness appears to be limited in patients with postoperative incontinence characterized by continual leakage.     

Measurement of trigonal sensitivity as a test of bladder function

A method has been developed for the measurement of sensory receptors that respond to pressure at the base of the bladder and posterior urethra. The application of force to a balloon catheter placed at that part of the bladder regularly results in an urge to urinate. People with normal voiding perceive the urge to void when 245 +/- 47 gm. (standard deviation) of force are applied. Patients with irritative symptoms (urinary frequency and urgency) perceive the urge to void when 132 +/- 50 gm. (p equals 0.0003) are applied. After enucleative prostatectomy more force is required to cause the urge to void (344 +/- 48 gm., p equals 0.0003) and even more force is required after radical prostatectomy (469 +/- 54 gm., p equals 0.0002). Patients with acute urinary retention or urinary stress incontinence were not distinguishable from the normal group. Patients with chronic urinary retention may be divided into 2 subgroups: 1 with normal sensory perception and 1 with reduced perception (526 +/- 32 gm., p equals 1.6 X 10(-9)). Three patients with urinary urgency not associated with frequency did not perceive the urge to void until 541 +/- 21 gm. (p equals 6.2 X 10(-7)) had been applied. Some elderly patients could not reproducibly report the urge to void. When lidocaine was applied topically within the bladder sensitivity was reduced by 210 +/- 114 gm. (p equals 0.003). It is suggested that pressure sensitive receptors in the mucosa or submucosa of the bladder base and posterior urethra have a role in micturition, that their activity can be quantitated and that protocols designed to manage them may have impact on the care of patients with voiding disorders.     

Sacral nerve neuromodulation in the treatment of patients with refractory motor urge incontinence: long-term results of a prospective longitudinal study

PURPOSE: Conservative treatment rarely results in a durable cure of patients with urge incontinence and bladder overactivity. Instrumental and surgical procedures often have significant side effects and less than optimal results. We developed a technique of sacral nerve neuromodulation using chronic unilateral electrical stimulation of the S3 sacral nerve to inhibit the micturition reflex to provide effective nondestructive alternative therapy for patients whose condition is refractory to conservative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 85 patients 45 who responded to a test with a temporary electrode underwent implantation of a permanent S3 sacral nerve electrode coupled to a pulse generator. Treatment results were evaluated by urodynamic studies and voiding/incontinence diaries documenting pad use, incontinence episodes, voiding frequency and voided volume. Partial success and cure were defined as 50% to 90% and more than 90% improvement, respectively, in pad use and/or incontinence episodes. RESULTS: Of 45 patients 18 (40%) were cured at an average followup of 47.1 months and 9 (20%) achieved partial success. Median number of pads used and median number of incontinence episodes daily had decreased from 5.4 to 1.2 (p = 0.0001) and 7.1 to 1.3 (p = 0.0001), respectively, 6 months after implantation. Subsequently these results remained almost constant for 5 years. Bladder overactivity disappeared in 19 of the 44 patients (43%). The repeat intervention rate was 37.7% and there was no permanent injury or nerve damage. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral nerve neuromodulation is safe, effective and durable in patients with urge incontinence refractory to conservative treatment.     

Failure of sacral nerve stimulation due to migration of tined lead

PURPOSE: Stimulation of the sacral nerves is a commonly used treatment for frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, retention and other types of voiding dysfunction. Minimally invasive placement of a percutaneous permanent quadripolar tined lead into the sacral foramen has been described. No lead migration has been reported. We report on our experience with lead migration and the subsequent failure of InterStim in a large cohort of patients with a focus on possible diagnostic and salvage techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2002 and April 2005 tined lead electrodes were implanted in the S3 foramen in 235 patients using the InterStim system. Patients with a good response during the testing phase (greater than 50% improvement) underwent placement of an implantable pulse generator. Position was confirmed by radiographic evaluation intraoperatively. Sacral radiographs were obtained at the first postoperative visit, after IPG placement and whenever there was a change in symptomatic response. RESULTS: There were 5 patients (2.1%) in whom treatment failed after a successful trial of stimulation due to lead migration. This was seen as early as 3 weeks and as late as 8 months. Migration of the lead occurred between first and second stage implantation in 1 of the 5 cases, and occurred after the second stage in 4 of 5. Anterior migration was noted in 4 patients and posterior migration was noted in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Lead migration after placement of the tined lead can occur and thus sacral radiographs should be routinely used. This complication can be easily resolved without significant morbidity to the patient.     

Sacral neuromodulation for nonobstructive urinary retention--is success predictable?

PURPOSE: We investigated whether there are factors which can predict successful stage II (permanent) sacral nerve stimulator (InterStim) implantation for patients with nonobstructive urinary retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our sacral neuromodulation database from January 1, 1999 to January 1, 2006. A total of 29 patients were referred to the William Beaumont Hospital Department of Urology for nonobstructive urinary retention. All patients completed a 3-day voiding log followed by test stimulation. Patients underwent test stimulation for a 2-week trial period. Those who experienced 50% improvement in void volume and/or catheterization frequency subsequently underwent permanent implantation. We reviewed patient charts with respect to age, sex, duration of retention, underlying diagnosis for retention and voiding ability. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients 15 were men and 14 were women. Mean patient age was 58.8+/-16 years (range 18 to 82). The mean age of the men in the study was 55.5+/-18 years while the mean age of the women was 62.3+/-14 years. Although all the patients performed intermittent self-catheterization 18 were able to void (more than 50 cc per void). The remaining 11 patients had minimal (50 cc or less) or no ability to void. Of the 18 patients who were able to void 12 (67%) underwent successful permanent implantation. However, voiding improved after test stimulation in only 2 of the 11 patients (18%) who had been unable to void. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.02) and suggests that pre-implantation ability to void can predict success of test stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Patient ability to void predicts success of first stage test stimulation. Although we would still offer a trial of sacral neuromodulation to those with nonobstructive urinary retention and the inability to void, this study would allow better counseling regarding the likelihood of successful outcome.     

Efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for urinary retention: results 18 months after implantation

PURPOSE: We investigate the efficacy of sacral neurostimulation in patients with idiopathic urinary retention in a prospective, randomized multicenter trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 177 patients with urinary retention refractory to standard therapy were enrolled in the study. Greater than 50% improvement in baseline voiding symptoms during a 3 to 7-day percutaneous test stimulation qualified a patient for surgical implantation of an InterStim parallel system. Of the patients who qualified for implantation 37 were randomly assigned to a treatment and 31 to a control group. Patients in the treatment group underwent early surgical implantation of the sacral nerve stimulation system, while implantation was delayed in the control group for 6 months. Followup evaluations, including voiding diary analysis and temporary deactivation of the stimulator at 6 months, were conducted at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after implantation in the treatment group, and after 3 and 6 months in the control group. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, patients implanted with the InterStim system had statistically and clinically significant reductions in the catheter volume per catheterization (p <0.0001). Of the patients treated with implants 69% eliminated catheterization at 6 months and an additional 14% had a 50% or greater reduction in catheter volume per catheterization. Therefore, successful results were achieved in 83% of the implant group with retention compared to 9% of the control group at 6 months. Temporary inactivation of sacral nerve stimulation therapy resulted in a significant increase in residual volumes (p <0.0001) but effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation was sustained through 18 months after implant. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this prospective, randomized clinical study demonstrate that sacral nerve stimulation is effective for restoring voiding in patients with retention who are refractory to other forms of treatment.     

Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbosacral Spinal Cord in Patients with Voiding Dysfunction

Purpose

We evaluated the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spinal cord in patients with voiding complaints and abnormal urodynamic findings but normal neurological and lower spine examinations.

Materials and Methods

We studied 17 women and 13 men 17 to 50 years old (mean age 32.2) who presented with voiding complaints. All patients had a completely normal neurological examination and no evidence of prostatic enlargement. Of the 30 patients 18 had incontinence (17 urge, and 1 stress and urge), 9 frequency and urgency alone, and 3 urinary retention. Seven patients had persistent enuresis (2 primary and 5 secondary). All 30 patients underwent multichannel urodynamics and MRI of the lower spinal cord.

Results

On urodynamic testing, 25 patients had bladder instability, 3 a hypocontractile or weak detrusor, 1 significantly decreased sensation only and 1 stress incontinence. No patient had detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia or outflow obstruction. Only 1 patient with frequency and urgency had a significant finding on MRI (tethered cord) that required surgery.

Conclusions

In young adults who have voiding complaints and abnormal urodynamic findings, with normal neurological and lower spine examinations, the value of MRI of the lumbosacral spine is limited.     

Intermediate-term results of a prospective,multicenter study on remote programming sacral neuromodulation for refractory overactive bladder

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel remote programming sacral neuromodulation (SNM) system (BetterStim system) in the treatment of patients with refractory overactive bladder (OAB) for 3 years.MethodsA total of 8 centers in China enrolled 84 patients with OAB. Following test stimulation 70 patients underwent implantation using BetterStim. All patients returned for follow-up at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. After that, the visits were conducted by telephone. Outcomes of voiding diaries, the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), questionnaires regarding OAB-related quality of life (OAB-qol), and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated at each visit. The clinical therapeutic success was defined as ≥50% improvement from baseline in any of the voiding diary variables or average voids/day return to normal voiding (<8 voids/day). The analysis is a modified Completers analysis.ResultsAt the 36-month follow-up, the success rate was 79% for overall OAB symptoms, 69% for urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and 42% for urgency frequency (UF). The average number of voids/day decreased from 29.2±14.9 at baseline to 17.6±11.2 at 3 years, the average volume/void increased from 94.7±54.2 to 151.4±80.8 mL, the urgency reduced from 3.0±1.4 to 1.8±1.7 (all P<0.001). For patients with urge incontinence, mean leaking episodes/day decreased from 8.1±7.6 at baseline to 2.1±3.5 at three years (P<0.05). The devices were explanted in 8 (11.4%) patients. There were no remote programming-related AEs or device-related serious AEs that occurred.ConclusionsThe Intermediate-term results demonstrated that BetterStim SNM system with remote programming is safe and effective for patients with refractory OAB.     

Does concomitant stress incontinence alter the efficacy of tolterodine in patients with overactive bladder?

PURPOSE: Muscarinic antagonists such as tolterodine are the treatment of choice for overactive bladder (OAB). We determined the impact of concomitant stress incontinence (SI) on the therapeutic effects of tolterodine in patients with OAB with and without concomitant SI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from an open label, observational study involving 2,250 patients with OAB symptoms were analyzed for baseline frequency, urgency and incontinence, and alterations in these symptoms while on 12-week treatment with 2 mg tolterodine twice daily. Data are shown as the mean +/- SD. The statistical significance of differences in treatment effects was determined by multiple regression analysis, adjusting for gender, age and baseline symptom intensity. RESULTS: Concomitant I to III degree SI according to the Stamey grading was present in 31%, 15% and 2% of patients, respectively, and it was associated with increasing basal incontinence, although only III degree SI was associated with greater baseline frequency or urgency. In the overall group tolterodine decreased frequency, urgency and urge incontinence from 12.4 +/- 4.3 to 7.7 +/- 2.7, 8.4 +/- 5.1 to 2.0 +/- 3.0 and 3.4 +/- 4.2 to 0.8 +/- 2.0 episodes daily, respectively. On multiple linear regression analysis I and II degree SI had a minor, if any, effect on this improvement, while III degree SI was statistically associated with a smaller decrease in frequency (by 1.4 +/- 0.4 micturitions daily, p = 0.0002) and incontinence (by 2.1 +/- 0.3 episodes daily, p < 0.0001) but with similar alterations in the number of urge episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant I or II degree SI has little effect on the efficacy of tolterodine in OAB cases. Only patients with concomitant III degree SI have significantly less improvement.     

Sacral nerve stimulation for voiding dysfunction: One institution's 11-year experience

AIM: The purpose of this study was to review our institution's 11-year experience with SNS for the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunction. Dating back to 1993, it covers a span of time which describes the evolution of SNS as it includes PNE trials, non-tined (bone-anchored or fascial-anchored) leads, percutaneous tined leads with two-staged procedures, and even percutaneous pudendal trials. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on SNS patients who received an implantable pulse generator (IPG) in our practice from 12/1993 to 12/2004. After Institutional Review Board approval, consents for chart review were obtained from 104 patients, representing 44% of this neuromodulatory patient population. RESULTS: Of our population, 87% were female and 13% were male. Average age at implant was 50 years +/- 13.4 years. Duration of symptoms before implantation was 116 months (range 9-600 months). Eighty percent were implanted for a predominant complaint of urinary urgency and frequency (U/F). Overall, 22% had U/F only, 38% had concomitant urge incontinence (UI), and 20% had concomitant mixed incontinence (MI). Twenty percent were treated for non-obstructive urinary retention (UR), with half of these associated with a neurogenic etiology. Additionally, 46.2% had pelvic pain, 58.6% had bowel complaints, and 51% reported sexual dysfunction. In patients with U/F, mean voiding parameters as described by pre-implant voiding diaries revealed the following: 12.4 (+/-5.1) voids per 24 hr; 2.3 (+/-1.8) voids per night; 5.0 (+/-4.7) leaks per 24 hr; and 2.3 (+/-2.6) pads per 24 hr. Statistically significant improvements post-implantation were noted with mean decreases in the following: 4.3 voids per 24 hr; 1.0 void per night; 4.4 leaks per 24 hr; and 2.3 pads per 24 hr (all P < 0.05). In the UR group a statistically significant improvement post-implantation was noted only in voids per night, with a mean decrease of 0.8 (P < 0.05). With a mean follow up of 22 months (range 3-162 months), sustained subjective improvement was >50%, >80%, and >90% in 69%, 50%, and 35% of patients, respectively. By quality of life survey, 60.5% of patients were satisfied and 16.1% were dissatisfied with current urinary symptoms. Only 13% (14 patients) abandoned therapy, making up a significant portion of those dissatisfied with current urinary symptoms. Good overall lead durability was seen (mean 22 months, range 1-121 months), with the first successful lead proving to be the most durable (mean 28 months, range 1.4-120 months). Lead durability decreased progressively with subsequent trials. Overall, 53% of patients experienced at least one reportable event (RE) attributable to either lead or IPG. A total of 126 REs were noted, with 97% mild-to-moderate in severity. REs included lack of efficacy, loss of efficacy, infection, hematoma/seroma, migration, pain, undesirable change in sensation, and device malfunction. In this population, 47.1% of leads were tined while 52.9% were non-tined. Tined leads had an overall lower RE rate as compared to non-tined leads: 28% and 73%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SNS is an effective method for treating certain types of voiding dysfunction. Although 53% of patients experienced at least one RE, 97% were mild-to-moderate and did not appear to affect the continued use of this therapy. With improved technology, such as percutaneous tined leads, the RE rate is decreasing. Further analyses of subsets of this population are currently underway.     

Peripheral afferent nerve stimulation for treatment of lower urinary tract irritative symptoms

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of posterior tibial nerve stimulation for treatment of lower urinary tract irritative symptoms (urgency, frequency, urge incontinence and pelvic pain). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 51 female patients with a mean age of 55 years were enrolled in the study. The patients presented with the following symptoms: Frequency/urgency 26 patients (50.98%), urge incontinence 22 (43.13%) and interstitial cystitis 3 patients (5.88%).The technique consists in administering low voltage electric stimulation via a 3-5cm needle placed above the tibial malleolus. Patients received weekly stimulations of 30 minutes for a 10-week period. Quality of life questionnaires and voiding diaries before and after treatment were completed. Moreover, the results were evaluated by patients. The variables analysed include: daytime and nighttime voiding frequency, daytime and nighttime voiding volume, daytime and nighttime leakage episodes and hypogastric pain. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was seen in all variables, especially remarkable in relation to frequency/urgency, impact on women quality of life and hypogastric pain, being less marked in relation to leakage episodes and voiding volume. CONCLUSIONS: Afferent nerve stimulation offers an alternative treatment for managing lower urinary tract irritative symptoms. However, it would be advisable to confirm the results obtained by means of long-term randomized, follow-up studies.     

Sacral neuromodulation for refractory detrusor overactivity in women with an artificial urinary sphincter

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation as an alternative therapeutic option in women with an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) who had de novo irritative urinary symptoms (urgency/frequency) refractory to conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 2002 we implanted an AUS in 350 women and detrusor overactivity developed in 14. Six of the 14 patients responding positively to a percutaneous nerve evaluation test (greater than 50% subjective/objective improvement) were implanted with an S3 neuromodulator within 42.8 weeks (range 21 to 106) of AUS implantation. Followup included analysis of the voiding diary, a pad test and urodynamic assessment. RESULTS: After 30.5 months followup (range 14 to 40) 1 patient was dry, 4 were improved and treatment failed in 1. At 12 months mean voiding frequency daily had decreased from 17 (range 12 to 23) to 8 (range 4 to 12) and the mean number of leakages episodes daily had decreased from 14.7 (range 8.5 to 17) to 6 (range 4 to 10). Mean voided volume had increased from 121.7 (range 90 to 170) to 180 ml (range 120 to 225), mean first desire to void volume had increased from 117 (range 88 to 190) to 183 ml (range 130 to 275) and mean functional bladder capacity had increased from 325 (range 200 to 530) to 372 ml (range 250 to 580). Uninhibited bladder contractions had resolved in 4 of 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In women who already have an AUS with urge incontinence sacral neuromodulation can help resolve symptoms. Because this therapy does not compromise the potential for future treatment, it appears to be an alternative option in these patients. It can postpone or avoid more mutilating surgery and self-catheterization.     

Risk Factors for an Elevated Postvoid Residual Urine Volume in Women with Symptoms of Urinary Urgency, Frequency and Urge Incontience

The aim of this study was to identify factors in patients with symptoms of urgency/frequency or urge incontinence that predict that the postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) will be elevated. A restrospective chart review was carried out of all patients new to our urogynecology practice between June 1998 and May 1999, with symptoms of urgency, frequency and/or urge incontinence. Demographic variables, symptoms and physical findings were correlated with the presence of an elevated PVR (>100 ml) using logistic regression analysis. An elevated PVR was found in 10% (33/336) of patients with urge incontinence (UI), and in 5% (3/57) of patients with urgency/frequency without UI. In patients with UI the presence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥stage II, symptoms of voiding difficulty and the absence of the symptom of stress incontinence, predicted 82% of patients with an elevated PVR.     

Investigation of dysfunctional voiding in children with urgency frequency syndrome and urinary incontinence

PURPOSES: Dysfunctional voiding may result in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in children and is associated with urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This study analyzed the videourodynamic investigations in children with urgency frequency syndrome and/or urinary incontinence. METHODS: Forty children, 1-13 years old, with urgency frequency syndrome and/or incontinence were investigated to determine their LUTS or for the assessment of VUR. Videourodynamic study was performed in all patients and the results were analyzed with clinical characteristics and underlying pathophysiology. RESULTS: Dysfunctional voiding was present in 75.7% of the children with detrusor overactivity, in 73.3% of the children with VUR, in 63% of the children with urinary incontinence, in 77% of the children with episodic urinary tract infection, and in all of the children with diurnal enuresis. Compared to children without dysfunctional voiding, the voiding pressure was significantly higher in children with dysfunctional voiding (with VUR, 61.1 +/- 29.8 vs. 24.8 +/- 15.8 cm H(2)O, p = 0.004; without VUR, 53.4 +/- 24.1 vs. 24.8 +/- 15.8 cm H(2)O, p = 0.010). Biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training and treatment with antimuscarinic agent effectively decreased detrusor pressure, increased bladder capacity and maximum flow rate, and reduced the grade of VUR in 5 children who had post-treatment urodynamic studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that dysfunctional voiding is highly prevalent in children with symptoms of urgency frequency and incontinence. Biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training is effective in treatment of dysfunctional voiding in children.     

Urgency is the core symptom of female overactive bladder syndrome, as demonstrated by a statistical analysis

PURPOSE: We determined overactive bladder symptoms in combination with other lower urinary tract symptoms and illustrated their relationships using a statistical analysis. Furthermore, we also describe the potential contributory factors and adaptation strategies in patients that are associated with overactive bladder subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,930 women with a mean age +/- SD of 46 +/- 15 years (range 15 to 91) with troubling lower urinary tract symptoms were successfully interviewed with a validated questionnaire at the urology and urogynecology clinics at 14 medical centers in Taiwan. The questionnaire was constructed to evaluate 6 lower urinary tract symptoms and 7 adaptation strategies. A log linear statistical model and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to assess the associations among lower urinary tract symptoms and the potential overactive bladder contributory factors, respectively. RESULTS: No single or isolated symptom presented in patients with overactive bladder. Most patients reported a combination with other lower urinary tract symptoms. These female patients can be categorized into 3 groups, including 1 is associated with dry symptoms (urgency, frequency and nocturia), 1 associated with wet symptoms (urgency, urge incontinence and mixed stress incontinence) and a small group that may have overactive bladder symptoms combined with voiding difficulty symptoms. in contrast to patients with dry overactive bladder (urgency associated with frequency and/or nocturia without urge incontinence), after multiple logistic regression analysis patients with wet overactive bladder (urgency with urge incontinence) had a greater average age and higher body mass index, and made more adaptation efforts (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We used statistical analysis to determine and suggest that urgency is the core symptom of female overactive bladder syndrome and there are 3 distinctive overactive bladder subtypes, which differ in their symptom combinations. Different symptom combinations and patient characteristics affect female adaptation to overactive bladder syndrome.