Potential Use of Pudendal Nerve Stimulation for Voiding Dysfunction

Abstract

Voiding dysfunction—including urinary urgency, urinary frequency, urge incontinence, and nonobstructed urinary retention—and neurogenic bladder are common diagnoses that can be difficult to treat. Neuromodulation is typically reserved for patients who are intolerant or refractory to medication. Sacral nerve stimulation has been used successfully to treat voiding dysfunction and has a long record of safety and efficacy. Pudendal nerve stimulation is emerging as another option in the treatment of voiding dysfunction. Recent reports have shown that pudendal nerve stimulation is at least as effective as sacral nerve stimulation and works in some instances in which sacral stimulation has failed. Furthermore, in a direct comparison, patients chose pudendal stimulation as a superior option.