Tibial Nerve and Sacral Neuromodulation in the Elderly Patient

Abstract

This article aims to review sacral and tibial neuromodulation outcomes in elderly patients. Safety and efficacy of these two neuromodulatory treatments for both urinary and fecal indications are addressed. Recent data assessing sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for refractory overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) demonstrates that older patients have similar outcomes and complication rates when compared to the general population. For both urinary and fecal indications, SNM has been shown to significantly increase quality of life in older patients. Age has additionally not been a factor affecting tibial nerve stimulation outcomes. Limited data specifically addresses use of tibial and sacral neuromodulation in elderly patients. Available studies suggest that both treatment options are safe and effective in the older population for urinary and fecal indications, although further study is necessary.