Long-term real-life adherence of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in over 400 patients.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is used as a treatment to reduce the complaints of overactive bladder (OAB). Although it is rewarding therapy patients need maintenance treatment to preserve the beneficial effect. AIM: This real-life retrospective study was performed to assess the feasibility of PTNS adherence. MATERIALS & METHODS: All patients who underwent PTNS were retrospectively included. We analyzed the following: indication, kind of treatments (pharmacologic and third-line therapy) before and after PTNS treatment, time and reason for quitting therapy. Statistical analysis was done by performing competitive-risk analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves. Patients were categorized into four groups. Group 1: all patients; group 2: all patients on maintenance PTNS therapy (continuing after 12 weeks); group 3: patients on maintenance PTNS therapy excluding the following: (a) patients with initial good response who seized treatment due to death, (b) patient who successfully switched to transcutaneous stimulation, (c) patients who were cured of their OAB symptoms, or (d) patients who relocated; and group 4: group 3 but excluding those who stopped treatment because of nonmedical reasons (physical strain, inconveniencies associated with visiting the hospital). RESULTS: Four-hundred two patients (70% female) with a median age of 70 years underwent PTNS. Underlying treatment indications were: OAB-wet (54%) and OAB-dry (29%). The median follow-up (FU) of group 1 was 4 months. Fifty-seven percent (N = 228) of the patients received maintenance PTNS therapy. Median FU in group 4 was 46 months (range, 3-111 months). Over 40% of the maintenance patients stopped PTNS because of logistic reasons and physical strain during an FU time of 6 years. CONCLUSION: The real-world data described here with is in line with earlier published work in terms of the success rate of OAB treatment. However, over 40% quit their therapy due to nonmedical reasons.

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on nocturia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of nocturia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) who received continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) treatment was studied as well as the effect of CPAP treatment on nocturia. METHODS: All patients that were referred to the pulmonology department of a large teaching hospital in the Netherlands and received a CPAP mask for OSAS were interviewed and invited to take part in the study (N = 274). After informed consent, all patients were asked about the number of nocturia episodes before and after CPAP. RESULTS: In this prospective analysis, 274 patients (190 male and 84 female) were included. The mean age was 60.3 years (SE = 0.7). Sixty-four patients (23.4%) reported no nocturia episodes before CPAP and 210 patients (76.4%) reported ≥1 nocturia episode(s). Treatment of OSAS with CPAP reduced nocturia with one or more episodes per night in 42.3% of the patients. Clinically relevant nocturia (≥2 voids per night) was reduced from 73.0% to 51.5%. There were no statistically significant gender differences. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of nocturia in patients diagnosed with OSAS is 75.8% in both sexes. After treatment with CPAP, almost half of patients experienced a decrease in the nocturia frequency of one or more voids. Clinically relevant nocturia was reduced with one-third after CPAP. CPAP not only reduced the number of voids during the night but also improved the associated quality of life.

Effectiveness of a newly developed online self-management program for male patients with uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms.

AIMS: To explore the effect of an online self-management program in secondary care for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: We performed a prospective nonrandomized double-cohort pilot study of consecutive adult men referred with uncomplicated LUTS to three urology outpatient departments. Men in both cohorts received care as usual from a urologist, but men in the intervention cohort also had access to an online self-management program. Outcomes were assessed after 6 and 12 weeks: LUTS severity was assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABq), and the Perceived Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). The main outcome of interest was a clear improvement in the PGI-I scores ("much better" or "very much better"). RESULTS: Age, symptom severity, and quality of life scores were comparable between the intervention (n = 113) and standard care (n = 54) cohorts. Clear improvement in the PGI-I scores was reported after 12 weeks in 19.4% and 26.1% of men in the intervention and standard care cohorts, respectively. However, logistic regression analysis indicated that the difference between cohorts was not significant. Multivariable linear regression analysis also indicated no significant differences between cohorts for the IPSS or the OABq score at either assessment point. Notably, the uptake of the intervention was low (53%). CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant benefit from adding an online self-management program to standard care for men with LUTS, probably due to the low uptake of the intervention that may have resulted from the timing in the care pathway.

Development of an online personalized self-management intervention for men with uncomplicated LUTS.

AIMS: To develop an online platform to facilitate evidence-based self-management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. METHODS: Using the PubMed database (search until January 2017) and relevant guidelines, we reviewed evidence for the self-management of LUTS and identified suitable components for the intervention. Next, we built an algorithm that provided individualized advice based on patient characteristics and symptoms for use on an online platform. Men with LUTS tested the usability of the intervention and provided feedback. Finally, we surveyed urologists and general practitioners to identify potential areas for improvement of the intervention. RESULTS: We identified nine self-help interventions from 48 eligible publications. These were as follows: information and education about LUTS, pelvic floor muscle training, bladder training, urethral milking, double voiding, caffeine management, alcohol management, fluid management, and exercise advice. The level of evidence for each item was low due to the paucity of research available. Six men with LUTS reported difficulties understanding and completing the frequency-volume chart online. The 158 surveyed physicians agreed (≥50% positive ratings) on the inclusion of seven advice items, but not for double voiding and fluid management. Respondents noted that some advice should be provided to all men with LUTS, while other advice should only be presented to certain groups. Some recommendations for additions were offered. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a lack of evidence for the self-management advice, physicians agreed with most of the included advice. The online platform needs further development. Therefore, adjustments will be made and we will assess its impact in future studies.

Is the laser mightier than the sword? A comparative study for the urethrotomy.

PURPOSE: The knife is the most common used instrument for endoscopic urethrotomy. Unfortunately, there are high recurrence rates; it is thought that a laser reduces those rates. We compared the two techniques in this retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 127 patients were operated on with the knife (KG) and for 65 patients, the laser (LG) was used. We scored the complexity of the stricture using the UREThRAL stricture score (USS) and we scored if a treatment was successful. A failure was determined as recurrence, but also starting clean intermittent catheterization was stated as failure. RESULTS: There was no difference in USS between the two groups (KG: 5.7 vs LG: 6.0); the laser was more often used in a patient with a recurrence stricture (25.2 vs 43.1%). No difference was found in postoperative increase in flow-rate (9.5 vs 10.5 ml/sec), the number of complications (all Clavien I and one Clavien III in the KG) or the failure rate (58.3 vs 68.8%). When looked separately at patients treated for primary stricture and for a recurrence (96.7 vs 91.2%), no differences were found. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between knife and laser. With costs taken in consideration, we would advise treatment with the knife. Our results also show a high failure rate, especially in the recurrence group. Therefore, in case of recurrence, an open reconstruction should be considered.

Nocturia and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Nocturia, the need to urinate at night, is a common symptom in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure treatment can reduce nocturia in some patients, but the underlying mechanisms are complex and not fully understood. OSA affects the autonomic nervous system, oxidative stress and endothelial damage. Furthermore, the commonly held theory attributing polyuria to a false signal of cardiac overload and response natriuresis has limitations. A comprehensive approach to the management of nocturia in OSA, considering factors such as comorbidities, medication use, alcohol consumption and lifestyle, is needed. Effective management of nocturia in OSA requires a multidisciplinary approach, and urologists should be aware of the potential effect of OSA on physiology and refer patients for further testing at a sleep centre. In addition to continuous positive airway pressure, other interventions such as oral appliances and surgical obstruction treatment could be beneficial for some patients. Overall, understanding the complex interplay between OSA and nocturia is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Efficacy and effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of pelvic organ disorders: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and pelvic organ disorders, pain, adverse events (AEs), and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: A literature search was performed in September 2011 in the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Hand searching of references was conducted. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) with adult patients were included. RESULTS: Seven studies met the eligibility criteria. Five RCTs indicated improvement (range 36.7-80%) on OAB symptoms, frequency, urgency, nocturia, and incontinence. One CCT reported improvement (mean 15.7) in 53% of the subjects on fecal incontinence (FI) symptoms on an FI Questionnaire (range 0-20). One RCT showed more than 50% improvement on pain (40%) and symptom scores (66.6%) in chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Limitations are the small amount, overall low quality, and variety in outcome measures of included studies. Only minor AEs were reported. No meta-analysis was performed as a consequence of heterogeneous data. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides evidence for the efficacy of PTNS on symptoms, pain, and QoL measures of OAB, FI and category IIIB CP/CPP. Evidence of effectiveness was found on symptoms and QoL for OAB. The total amount of seven included studies, from which even the most favorable study has some potential bias, is too small to draw firm conclusions. Independent high quality RCTs are necessary to confirm and delineate the range of therapeutic effects of PTNS in this region. PTNS is a safe intervention.

Effect of preoperative metabolic profiling to reduce the risk of kidney stones after bariatric surgery in patients with a history of stone formation.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with an increased risk of kidney stone formation. This is not observed after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to assess whether preoperative metabolic profiling is helpful in selecting the most optimal bariatric procedure for patients with a kidney stone history. SETTING: General hospital, the Netherlands. METHODS: Patients with a kidney stone history and in the run up to bariatric surgery were screened with non-contrast abdominal computed tomography (CT), serum profiling, and 24-hour urine analysis. Those with stones on radiologic imaging and/or high preoperative urinary oxalate were advised to undergo SG instead of RYGB. Pre- and postoperative urine and serum profile differences between both groups were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Postoperatively, RYGB (N = 28, M:F = 8:20) was associated with a 23.5% reduction in urinary volume, a 85% increase in urinary oxalate excretion with a 230% increase in calcium oxalate (CaOx) supersaturation and a 62% decrease in urinary citrate. Although SG (N = 30, M:F = 12:18) was also associated with a reduction in urinary volume, it had no adverse effects on urinary oxalate and citrate excretion, nor on calcium oxalate supersaturation (CaOx-SS). Both RYGB and SG showed favorable effects on postoperative sodium, calcium, uric acid, and phosphate excretion. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that preoperative metabolic profiling is important to select the optimal bariatric procedure in patients with an a priori increased risk of kidney stone development. These patients should be strongly encouraged to undergo SG instead of RYGB to prevent progressive or recurrent kidney stone disease.

Male or female sterilization - the decision making process: Counselling and regret.

OBJECTIVE(S): To analyze the decision-making process of both male and female sterilization in order to improve counselling and prevent regret after sterilization in the future. STUDY DESIGN: An online questionnaire regarding sterilization (counselling, sources of information and regret) was promoted on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. A total of 1107 men and women who had undergone or considered sterilization in the Netherlands filled in the questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 88.9 % of the sterilized group and 67.4 % in the considered group responded that they felt well informed when they considered sterilization. However, less than half of the participants in both groups knew about all different sterilization methods. In both groups participants reported they consulted their partner the most when they considered sterilization. After sterilization 7.7 % reported having regret. Regret was reported more often when participants were sterilized ≤ 30 years. Most important reasons for regret reported by males were complications, pain, a new wish to conceive and divorce/remarriage. Most important reasons for regret reported by females were pain, complications, a new wish to conceive and menstrual symptoms. A total of 21.1 % in the sterilized and 38.0 % in the considered group responded they would have liked to use a decision aid when they considered sterilization. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study provide insight in the decision-making process regarding sterilization. There is a lack of knowledge of different methods of sterilization and 7.7% regrets their sterilization afterwards. Furthermore, the results show an importance of developing a decision aid for couples considering sterilization.

How Do Patients Understand Questions about Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms? A Qualitative Study of Problems in Completing Urological Questionnaires.

Lower urinary tract symptoms are common complaints in ageing people. For a urological evaluation of such complaints in men, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is used worldwide. Previous quantitative studies have revealed serious problems in completing this questionnaire. In order to gain insight into the nature and causes of these problems, we conducted a qualitative study. Not only the purely verbal IPSS was studied but also two alternatives, including pictograms: the Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) and the Score Visuel Prostatique en Image (SVPI). Men aged 40 years and over with an inadequate level of health literacy (IHL; n = 18) or an adequate level of health literacy (AHL; n = 47) participated. Each participant filled out one of the three questionnaires while thinking aloud. The analysis of their utterances revealed problems in both health literacy groups with form-filling tasks and subtasks for all three questionnaires. Most noticeable were the problems with the IPSS; the terminology and layout of this form led to difficulties. In the VPSS and SVPI, the pictograms sometimes raised problems. As in previous research on form-filling behavior, an overestimation by form designers of form fillers' knowledge and skills seems to be an important explanation for the problems observed.

What Do Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Expect from a Urologist in Secondary Care?

PURPOSE: To identify the expectations of men with LUTS referred to a urologist and to study the association between those expectations and satisfaction with the care provided. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, adult men with LUTS completed a questionnaire before their first outpatient appointment, and again at 6 and 12 weeks. The questionnaires included IPSS and OABq-SF, and self-constructed questions on patient expectations, outcome of expectations and satisfaction. RESULTS: Data from 182 participants showed positive expectations about the urologist performing examinations, providing explanations and finding the underlying cause, but mostly neutral expectations for treatment plans and outcomes. Positive treatment expectations were associated with positive expectations about outcomes after physiotherapy, drug treatment and surgery. Higher symptom scores and age were associated with higher expectations about drug treatment. Expectations were subjectively and objectively fulfilled for 66.4% and 27.3%, respectively. Symptom improvement (decrease in IPSS scores) was significantly more in men with objectively fulfilled expectations than in men with no unfulfilled expectations. No significant difference was present between men with subjectively fulfilled expectations and men with unfulfilled expectations. However, satisfaction was significantly higher for patients with subjectively fulfilled expectations at 6 and 12 weeks compared with those who had unfulfilled expectations. CONCLUSION: Most men referred to a urologist with LUTS do express clear expectations about treatment in secondary care. Patients with higher expectations for treatment outcomes are more likely to expect to receive that treatment. Satisfaction with the care of a urologist is also higher when patients self-report that they receive the treatment they expected.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation: the Urgent PC device.

Lower urinary tract disorders, with its main representative the overactive bladder, are an increasing problem that impact patients' quality of life tremendously. Neuromodulative treatment may fill the gap between conservative measures and invasive surgery. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (Urgent PC) is a neuromodulation technique that is minimally invasive and easy to perform. Stimulation is carried out in 12 weekly sessions of 30 min each, through a percutaneously placed needle cephalad to the medial malleolus. Success can be obtained in approximately two-thirds of patients, but the therapy has the disadvantage of the necessity of maintenance therapy. The development of a small implantable device may be the future next step in the evolution of the technique.

Correlation between quality of life and voiding variables in patients treated with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and voiding variables in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction treated with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), as it is assumed that improvements in voiding will lead to a better QoL in such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 30 patients with urge urinary incontinence who were treated with PTNS; 24-h bladder diaries and QoL questionnaires (Short Form, SF-36, and incontinence-specific QoL) were completed at baseline and after PTNS. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between the number of pads used and the SF-36 domains of physical and vitality, between the number of incontinence episodes and the SF-36 domains of physical and role physical, between nocturia and the SF-36 domains of general and mental health, between the mean voided volume and the SF-36 domains of role physical and final, and between the mean voided volume and the incontinence-specific QoL score. CONCLUSIONS: PTNS is useful for treating refractory urge incontinence and should at least be considered as a therapeutic alternative before resorting to aggressive surgery, as voiding and QoL variables significantly and quantifiably correlate in patients with refractory urge urinary incontinence who are treated with PTNS. Patients must have a reduction of >or = two pads/day before their QoL improves, and this might be the best definition of successful therapy for patients with urge urinary incontinence.

Implant-Driven Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Refractory Overactive Bladder Syndrome: 12-Month Follow-up.

Objectives. To investigate feasibility and safety of implant-driven tibial nerve stimulation. Materials and Methods. Eight patients with refractory overactive bladder were successfully treated with implanted percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). Patients were evaluated with bladder diaries, quality of life questionnaires, and physical examination before implantation, and at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. The primary objective was ≥ 50% reduction of the number of incontinence episodes and/or voids on bladder diary. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used. Results. At 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively five, six, and four patients met the primary objective. At 3- and 6-month follow-up, voiding and quality of life parameters had significantly (p < 0.05) improved. Urinary tract infection, temporarily walking difficulties, and spontaneous radiating sensations were reported as adverse events and no local infection, erosion, or dislocation. Conclusions. Implant-driven tibial nerve stimulation seems to be feasible and safe.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder syndrome: is maintenance treatment necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a pause in percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in successfully treated patients with an overactive bladder (OAB), and the reproducibility of successful treatment when restored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients (mean age 51 years) with refractory OAB (more than seven voids and/or three or more urge incontinence episodes per day) were successfully treated with PTNS, and then discontinued treatment. Patients completed bladder diaries and quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaires (Short Form-36 and I-QoL) before (T1) and after a 6-week pause (T2) of maintenance PTNS, and again after re-treatment (T3). The first objective was defined as a > or = 50% increase in the incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in the bladder diary after T2. The second objective was defined as > or = 50% fewer incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in bladder diary after T3. RESULTS: At T2, seven of the 11 patients had a > or = 50% increase in incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in the bladder diary. The mean voided volume, nocturia, number of incontinence episodes and incontinence severity deteriorated significantly (P < 0.05). At T3, nine patients had > or = 50% fewer incontinence episodes and/or voiding frequency in the bladder diary. Nocturia, the number of incontinence episodes, incontinence severity, mean voided volume and quality of life improved significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous therapy is necessary in patients with OAB treated successfully by PTNS. The efficacy of PTNS can be reproduced in patients formerly treated successfully.

The use of electrical devices for the treatment of bladder dysfunction: a review of methods.

PURPOSE: We reviewed the literature on the application of various devices and techniques for the electrical stimulation treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction with respect to mechanism of action and clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was done in PubMed of publications on intravesical stimulation, direct bladder stimulation, stimulation of the pelvic and pudendal nerves, transcutaneous-electrical nerve stimulation, stimulation of the sacral spine and roots, and lower limb stimulation. RESULTS: It is difficult truly to compare different treatment modalities because there are hardly any randomized placebo controlled studies. Also, there is considerable variety in treatment parameters and schedules reported as well as in criteria for success. Nevertheless, it can be said that electrical neurostimulation and neuromodulation result in a 30% to 50% clinical success on an intent to treat basis. Influencing lower urinary tract innervation at the level of sacral roots seems successful in neurological and nonneurological cases. It has the advantage of pretesting possibilities to improve patient selection and treatment outcome with the obvious drawback of invasiveness. Noninvasive techniques lack screening tests, making patient selection a matter of trial and error, and when there is success patients almost always need maintenance therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Randomized clinical trials to compare different techniques and evaluate placebo effects are urgently needed, as are further studies to elucidate modes of action to improve stimulation application and therapy results. The introduction of new stimulation methods may provide treatment alternatives as well as help answer more basic questions on electrical neurostimulation and neuromodulation.

Bladder filling by autologous urine production during cystometry: a urodynamic pitfall!

AIMS: The rate of autologous urine production should not have a major disturbing influence on cystometric urodynamic parameters such as first filling sensation, normal desire to void, strong desire to void, and cystometric bladder capacity. Instructions to patients and drinking behavior can have considerable impact, especially if filling cystometry is preceded by free uroflowmetry. We studied the influence of autologous urine production during filling cystometry on total bladder volume. METHODS: Urodynamic investigations performed between September of 2000 and February of 2001 were analyzed. Only those urodynamic investigations for which total bladder capacity could be calculated were taken into account (i.e., catheterization before and after cystometry and no urine loss during the investigations). RESULTS: After screening, 186 investigations were used for further analysis. Mean filled volume (external infusion plus autologous urine production) was 346 +/- 152 mL, but mean real bladder capacity (i.e., voided volume + residual urine) was 391 +/- 170 mL. In all patients, 14% extra urine was produced due to autologous urine production (mean filling rate, 6.1 mL/min). In 42% of the investigations, the real bladder capacity was more than 110% of the infused volume. In 18% of the patients, the contribution of natural bladder filling was more than 25% of the infused volume. CONCLUSIONS: Natural bladder filling plays a substantial role during filling cystometry and has a disturbing influence on calculated urodynamic parameters. Attention should be paid to patient instructions before the urodynamic investigation. The combination of free uroflowmetry followed by filling cystometry should be avoided. This avoidance is especially important if interventional studies are performed. Careful interpretation of studies depending on bladder capacity parameters is mandatory, and such parameters should be corrected for autologous bladder filling.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation as neuromodulative treatment of chronic pelvic pain.

PURPOSE: Neuromodulative therapies have been used with moderate success in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Intermittent Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a new, minimally invasive treatment option, which has shown to significantly decrease accompanying pain complaints in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction, such as urge incontinence or urgency/frequency. In our study, we evaluate the objective results of PTNS in patients with chronic pelvic pain as their main complaint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicentre trial PTNS was evaluated in 33 patients with chronic pelvic pain. Effects were recorded by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain diaries, the McGill pain questionnaire and the SF-36 general quality of life questionnaire at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Subjective (patients' request to continue chronic treatment to keep the obtained success) and objective responses (decrease in mean VAS >50% and VAS <3 after treatment) were evaluated. RESULTS: A subjective response was seen in 42% of all patients. In seven patients (21%) mean VAS decreased >50%, in six cases (18%) the decrease was >25%. After 12 weeks of treatment, seven patients (21%) ended up with a mean VAS <3. In all patients quality of life (SF-36) significantly improved, as did the total pain rate intensity (McGill). CONCLUSIONS: Despite very modest overall success rates and the need for placebo-controlled studies, PTNS may have a place in the treatment of patients with chronic pelvic pain who have already tried many other therapies and are left with no further option.

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of idiopathic nonobstructive voiding dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve in the treatment of voiding dysfunction. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with chronic voiding dysfunction necessitating clean intermittent catheterization were enrolled in a prospective multicenter trial in the Netherlands (n = 19) and Italy (n = 20). They underwent 12 weekly sessions of posterior tibial nerve stimulation. Frequency/volume charts, an incontinence quality-of-life instrument, and the MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey were completed at 0 and 12 weeks. Subjective success was defined by the patient's positive response resulting in a request to continue treatment. Efficacy was based on analysis of the frequency/volume charts comparing the baseline values with the data at 12 weeks. A reduction of 50% or more in total catheterized volume was considered as an objective success (primary outcome measurement). RESULTS: Of the 39 patients, 23 (59%) chose to continue treatment. The frequency/volume charts showed a 50% decrease in total catheterized volume in 16 (41%) of 39 patients. Additionally, 10 patients (26%) noted a reduction of 25% to 50% in their total catheterized volume. For all patients, the total catheterized volume decreased by a mean of -228 mL (range -49 to -528). The incontinence quality-of-life instrument and Short-Form Health Survey parameters improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve seems to be an effective, minimally invasive option worth trying in patients with idiopathic voiding dysfunction. Improvement was seen in objective micturition parameters, as well as in subjective quality-of-life data.

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of voiding dysfunction: urodynamic data.

OBJECTIVES: To determine urodynamic changes and predictive factors in patients with voiding dysfunction who underwent 12 percutaneous tibial nerve stimulations. METHODS: Thirty nine patients with chronic voiding dysfunction were enrolled in a prospective multicenter trial in the Netherlands (n = 19) and in Italy (n = 20). A 50% reduction in total catheterised volume per 24 hr was taken as a primary objective outcome measure. Patients' request for continuation of treatment was regarded as subjective success. Objective urodynamic parameters and bladder indices were determined. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval were computed as a measure for predictive power in order to reveal predictive factors (Pdet at Qmax, Qmax, BVE, and BCI). RESULTS: Primary outcome measure was obtained in 41%, an additional 26% reduced their 24 hr residuals with more than 25%. Fifty nine percent of patients chose to continue treatment. Detrusor pressure at maximal flow, cystometric residuals, and bladder indices improved significantly for all patients (P < 0.05). Patients with minor voiding dysfunction were more prone to notice success (Odds ratio: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.51-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: PTNS is a young treatment modality, minimally invasive, and easily accessible. It might be an attractive first line option for patients with (minor) voiding dysfunction.