Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Treatment Research Articles

Efficacy and sex-specific outcomes after six episodes of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatment on overactive bladder syndrome symptoms

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the efficacy of six episodes of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in men and women and to determine the duration of the effects over a 6-month period.MethodsWomen and men with OAB symptoms participated in the study, which was conducted in accordance with an approved ethical protocol (ISRCTN15733799). Patients underwent six 30-min PTNS sessions, twice per week. The symptoms of OAB were assessed using a voiding diary, the short form of the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score questionnaire (OAB-q SF), and the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), which were self-completed by patients before and after treatment (24 h and at 1, 3, and 6 months). The outcome data were compared for sex and time points using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures.ResultsPTNS treatment significantly improved the OAB symptoms and quality of life in men and women. PTNS increased the voided volume (p < 0.05) and decreased the frequency of voiding, nocturia, and urgency at 24 h and up to 6 months (p < 0.001). The OABq-SF and PPBC scores were significantly decreased after PTNS (p < 0.001). Urgency was greater in men than in women. The duration of PTNS clinical success on frequency and the perception of improvement in quality of life were greater in women than in men.ConclusionThe clinical effects of six sessions of PTNS strongly suggest its potential for shortening, from the standard 12 sessions, to effectively alleviate symptoms of OAB. This therapeutic procedure would reduce both the time and economic costs of OAB treatment.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence.

Faecal incontinence (FI) is a common condition with a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). Neuromodulation treatments delivered by members of the multidisciplinary team including sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) are options for FI refractory to conservative management. The aim of this study was to assess whether a successful treatment with one neuromodulation modality corresponds with success in the other. A retrospective review of a prospectively managed neuromodulation database identified 15 patients who had undergone both PTNS and SNS. The definition of success of each treatment was a >50% improvement in any of The St. Mark's Incontinence Score, Manchester Health Questionnaire, or weekly faecal urgency or FI episodes. Complete data from 12 patients was available for assessment and PTNS was delivered as the first treatment in nine patients. Overall, seven patients (58%) had successful PTNS treatment, with 10 (83%) having a successful SNS trials. Of the seven patients who had successful PTNS treatment, six patients (85.4%) went on to have success with SNS. Of the five patients who failed PTNS, four (80%) went on to have SNS success. Five (71%) of those who had positive PTNS outcomes had permanent SNS implantation as their final treatment decision. This study suggests that there is no clear relationship between successful PTNS treatment and an SNS trial period which may be explained by differing mechanisms of action or the potential placebo effect of PTNS. Further work is required to investigate any association in larger studies to inform clinical practice.

The Investigation of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) as a Minimally Invasive, Non-Surgical, Non-Hormonal Treatment for Overactive Bladder Symptoms.

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome affects 10-15% of women, severely impacting their quality of life. First-line treatments include behavioural and physical therapy, and second-line medical treatments include medications such as vaginal oestrogen, anticholinergic medications, and ß3-adrenergic agonists-with potential adverse side effects including dizziness, constipation, and delirium, particularly affecting elderly populations. Third-line treatments include more invasive measures, including intradetrusor botulinum injections or sacral nerve modulation, with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) being a potential alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the long-term efficacy of PTNS treatment for OAB in an Australian cohort. This is a prospective cohort study. Patients underwent Phase 1 treatment, whereby women received PTNS treatment once per week for 12 weeks. Following Phase 1, women entered Phase 2, whereby they received 12 PTNS treatments over 6 months. Their response to treatment was measured by obtaining data before and after each phase using ICIQ-OAB and the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ). Phase 1 included 166 women, with 51 completing Phase 2. There was a statistically significant reduction in urinary urgency (29.8%), nocturia (29.8%), incontinence (31.0%), and frequency (33.8%) compared to the baseline. Patients who completed Phase 2 also showed a statistically significant reduction in urinary frequency (56.5%). Overall, the results from this study are positive and support that PTNS is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, non-hormonal, and effective treatment for OAB. These results suggest that PTNS may be a second-line treatment for patients with OAB not responding to conservative management or for patients aiming to avoid surgical approaches.

Long-Term Effects of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Neurogenic Overactive Bladder Due to Multiple Sclerosis: 24-Month Results

Long-Term Effects of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Neurogenic Overactive Bladder Due to Multiple Sclerosis: 24-Month Results

Does response to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation predict similar outcome to sacral nerve stimulation?

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a simple neuromodulation technique to treat an overactive bladder. It is unclear whether the response to PTNS would suggest a similar response to sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), and whether PTNS could be utilized as an alternative test phase for an SNS implant. This study assessed whether PTNS response was a reliable indicator for subsequent SNS trials. We performed a retrospective review of the hospital databases to collect all patients who had PTNS and who subsequently had an SNS trial in two tertiary hospitals from 2014 to 2020. Response to both interventions was assessed. A 50% reduction in overactive symptoms (frequency-volume charts) was considered a positive response. McNemar's tests using exact binomial probability calculations were used. The statistical significance level was set to 0.05. Twenty-three patients who had PTNS subsequently went on to a trial of SNS. All patients except one had previously poor response to PTNS treatment. Eight of them also failed the SNS trial. However, 15 patients (including the PTNS responder) had a successful SNS trial and proceeded with the second-stage battery implantation. The difference in response rates between the PTNS and SNS trial was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Poor response to PTNSdoes not seem to predict the likelihood of patients responding to SNS. A negative PTNS trial should not preclude a trial of a sacral nerve implant. The predictive factors for good and poor responses will be the subject of a larger study.

Comparison of the Effect of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) with Medical Treatment in Patients with Overactive Bladder

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common problem that involves therapeutic challenges. Therefore, finding new and effective treatment modalities in these patients is essential. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) with drug therapy in patients with OAB.&#x0D; Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 74 patients with OAB were randomly divided into two groups: PTNS (twice a week for 12 weeks) and drug treatment (Solifenacin 10 mg daily for 12 weeks). OAB Symptom Score, q-OAB and Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQL) were completed and then compared at the beginning and end of the study for the two groups. Findings were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.&#x0D; Results: The drug intervention group consisted of 33 (89.2%) females and 4 males (10.81%), and PTNS group consisted of 31 females (83.8%) and 6 males (16.21%), (P = 0.496). Mean quality of life score, mean OABSS score, OAB screening score and urinary incontinence in both groups before the intervention did not show a statistically significant difference. After treatment, the mean quality of life in both groups increased significantly compared to before the intervention, but this increase was significantly higher in PTNS when compared with other group (74.2±6.9 vs. 68.9± 7.3). The mean OABSS score, OAB screening score and urinary incontinence in both groups decreased significantly compared to before treatment, but the mean OABSS score and OAB and urinary incontinence screening scores showed a significant decrease in PTNS group compared to drug treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the findings, PTNS was found to be more effective than drug treatment in increasing the quality of life and controlling symptoms of OAB.

Persistence in Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Overactive Bladder Syndrome is Best Predicted by Patient Global Impression of Improvement Rather Than Symptom-Specific Improvement

To evaluate whether progression to maintenance percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) was related to perceived global impression of improvement (PGII) rather than symptom-specific improvement in patient with overactive bladder (OAB). We hypothesize that PGII will predict continuation of PTNS long-term. This prospective observational study included 90 patients with OAB that initiated PTNS. The PGII and OAB short-form questionnaires (OABq-SF) were used to assess bladder symptom severity and improvement. Those that completed the 12-week induction phase were offered to continue PTNS monthly maintenance or pursue other options. The primary outcome was difference in PGII score between those pursuing maintenance therapy versus other options. Descriptive statistics and mixed effect modeling analysis were employed. Seventy patients (78%) completed 12 weeks of PTNS. The majority of completers pursued monthly maintenance (P< .01) and had significantly lower median PGII scores compared with those who sought alternatives (P < .01), while OABq-SF scores did not differ significantly (P=.65). Patients that pursued monthly PTNS maintenance had lower body mass index than those who chose alternative therapies (P < .01). Only 19% continued PTNS therapy for at least 1 year. More patients pursued PTNS monthly maintenance over any other therapy, and this was significantly associated with lower PGII scores. Global improvement, and not symptom-specific response, predicts long-term PTNS maintenance. No symptom-specific predictors were identified in those who pursued maintenance over other options. One-year continuation rates are low.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a pilot study.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic pain condition that requires multimodal management. The American Urologic Association includes sacral neuromodulation in the treatment algorithm for refractory IC/BPS. We sought to determine the rate of overall symptom improvement of IC/BPS symptoms, using validated measures, after treatment with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), a form of peripheral neuromodulation. This was a single-arm, dual-center, pilot study examining a standard PTNS protocol in subjects with IC/BPS. Our primary outcome was subject response of "moderately" or "markedly improved" on the Global Response Assessment (GRA) scale after 12-weekly PTNS sessions. Assuming a 60% response rate, 24 subjects were needed to detect a response rate between 40 and 80% with 95% confidence. Secondary objectives included change in urinary frequency on a 24-h bladder diary, bladder pain as measured by VAS and responses to validated questionnaires for pelvic pain and IC/BPS. Of 21 subjects enrolled, 16 initiated and 10 completed the PTNS treatment course. The GRA response rate was 40% at week 6 and 30% at week 12. Seventy percent of the cohort had some degree of improvement. There were no adverse events. While only a minority of subjects with IC/BPS were responders to PTNS per GRA criteria, 70% of the cohort had some degree of improvement. Due to low recruitment and loss to follow-up, we did not achieve our predetermined significance. However, our promising findings add to the limited literature on this subject.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation maintenance therapy for overactive bladder in women: long-term success rates and adherence.

Our objectives are to (1)identify predictors of treatment success in women with overactive bladder(OAB) after 1year of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation(PTNS) maintenance therapy, (2)identify trends in success rates during that 1year, and (3)assess maintenance treatment adherence. A retrospective study of 141 women with OAB was performed with the definition of success based on a Patient Global Impression-Improvement (PGI-I) score of 1 ("very much better") or 2 ("much better") or a PGI-I score of 1, 2, or 3 ("a little better"). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with treatment response and the Cochrane-Armitage trend test to identify changes in the scores over time. After completing 12 weekly treatments, 141 women initiated maintenance therapy with a mean treatment interval of 29days. At 1year, 75/141 (53.2%) had discontinued treatment. Those adherent with treatment had a sustained treatment response, with 66.2% of women reporting a PGI-I score of 1, 2 and 92.3% reporting a PGI-I score of 1, 2, or 3 at 1year. Considering those women who discontinued maintenance therapy as treatment failures, the success rate of 1year of maintenance therapy ranged from 30.7%-42.9%. No clinical factors were found to be predictive of maintenance treatment success or failure. Although an effective treatment for those adherent, discontinuation rates of PTNS maintenance therapy at 1year are high. Given the low numbers of women referred to maintenance therapy, and the high discontinuation rates, long-term PTNS treatment may be feasible for only a minority of women with OAB.

MP48-20 OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY OAB UNDERGOING PERCUTANEOUS TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION IN REAL LIFE PRACTICE

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction (MP48)1 Apr 2020MP48-20 OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY OAB UNDERGOING PERCUTANEOUS TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION IN REAL LIFE PRACTICE Wesley J. Smith*, B.S Dayron Rodriguez, M.D Alana L. Christie, B.S, M.S Lauren Sudheimer, PA Maude E. Carmel, M.D Gary E. Lemack, andM.D Philippe E. ZimmernM.D. Wesley J. Smith*Wesley J. Smith* More articles by this author , Dayron RodriguezDayron Rodriguez More articles by this author , Alana L. ChristieAlana L. Christie More articles by this author , Lauren SudheimerLauren Sudheimer More articles by this author , Maude E. CarmelMaude E. Carmel More articles by this author , Gary E. LemackGary E. Lemack More articles by this author , and Philippe E. ZimmernPhilippe E. Zimmern More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000903.020AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) has variable success, ranging from 35%-86%. There is a paucity of data in the literature regarding long-term outcomes after PTNS and prognostic factors for success. We report on a single institution’s experience with PTNS treatments for refractory overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent PTNS treatments for refractory OAB was performed as part of a quality improvement project. Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, surgical history, obstetric history, urinary tract symptoms, OAB treatment, pad usage, number of PTNS treatments, and follow-up evolution. Patients were stratified by their completion of 12 PTNS sessions. PTNS was performed by FPMRS-trained specialists. PTNS success was defined as continuation of maintenance PTNS with no other medical/surgical treatments required for symptom relief. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2019, 80/100 patients completed at least 12 sessions, with 58 females (median age: 73 (range 64-79)) and 22 males (median age: 67 (range 58-77)). Females had a median of 5 years on OAB drugs (range 3-10) and failed a median of 2 drugs (range 2-3), while males had median of 4 years on OAB drugs (range 3-7) and failed a median of 3 drugs (range 2-4). PTNS success was 67% in females and 55% among men. Twenty did not want to continue to 12 sessions due to lack of benefits. Six of 26 were satisfied after 12 sessions without pursuing maintenance (see Table). Of those on maintenance PTNS, 39% decided for another therapy ultimately. On univariate analysis, diabetes was found to be a predictor of PTNS failure among female patients (p=0.023). All other prognostic factors were not significant. Regardless of PTNS ‘success’, there was overall decreased daytime frequency (15 to 8, p<0.001), decreased nocturia (3 to 2, p<0.001), and decreased pad usage (3 to 0, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PTNS has a role in the armamentarium of OAB therapy in both men and women. However, the long-term success rate in real life practice requires maintenance therapy in the subgroup of satisfied patients who have done well with the first 12 PTNS sessions. Despite symptomatic improvement in the majority, alternative therapies are often sought out beyond PTNS. Source of Funding: UT Southwestern Urology Department © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e702-e703 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Wesley J. Smith* More articles by this author Dayron Rodriguez More articles by this author Alana L. Christie More articles by this author Lauren Sudheimer More articles by this author Maude E. Carmel More articles by this author Gary E. Lemack More articles by this author Philippe E. Zimmern More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

8 versus 12weeks of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and response predictors for overactive bladder.

The primary objective is to compare weekly success rates after 8 vs 12 weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) sessions for treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in women and the secondary objective is to identify treatment response predictors. A retrospective study of 470 women was performed with the primary definition of success a Patient Global Impression-Improvement (PGI-I) score of 1 ("very much better") or 2 ("much better") and a ≥ 10-point improvement in both subscales of the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form (OABq-SF). Additional analyses were performed to include a success definition of a PGI-I score of 3 ("a little better"). Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with response. One hundred and thirty-six out of 470 (29%) discontinued treatment before 12weeks. One hundred out of 334 (29.9%) were successes at 8weeks vs 138 out of 334 (41.3%) at 12weeks (p = 0.002). Including a PGI-I score of 3 as an indicator of success, 181 out of 334 (54.2%) at 8weeks and 202 out of 334 (60.5%) at 12weeks were successes (p = 0.10). Factors associated with treatment response were neurological disorder (OR 4.32 [1.10-16.04]), prolapse surgery history (OR 3.89 [1.12-14.49]), and vaginal estrogen use (OR 1.76 [1.01-3.08]). Recurrent UTI was associated with failure (OR 0.42 [0.21-0.86]). The PTNS treatment success rate for OAB in women is greater at 12weeks than at 8weeks based on two validated questionnaires, the PGI-I and the OABq-SF. However, the success rates were equivalent if women who are "a little better" are also considered successes; with this definition, clinicians may consider shortening treatment duration to 8weeks. Four clinical factors were significantly associated with response and may help to guide patient selection.

A novel combined anorectal biofeedback and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation protocol for treating fecal incontinence

Background/Aims:Fecal incontinence (FI) is a common, debilitating condition that causes major impact on quality of life for those affected. Non-surgical treatment options include anorectal biofeedback therapy (BF) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), usually performed separately. The aims of the current study were to determine the feasibility, tolerability, safety, and efficacy of performing a combined BF and PTNS treatment protocol.Methods:Female patients with urge FI were offered a novel pilot program combining BF with PTNS. The treatment protocol consisted of 13 weekly sessions: an educational session, followed by 5 combined BF and PTNS sessions, 6 PTNS and a final combined session. Anorectal physiology and clinical outcomes were assessed throughout the program. For efficacy, patients were compared with BF only historical FI patients matched for age, parity, and severity of symptoms.Results:A total of 12/13 (93%) patients completed the full program. Overall attendance rate was 93% (157/169 sessions). Patient comfort score with treatment was rated high at 9.8/10 (SD 0.7) for PTNS and 8.6/10 (SD 1.7) for the BF component. No major side effects were reported. A reduction of at least 50% in FI episodes/week was achieved by 58% of patients by visit 6, and 92% by visit 13. No physiology changes were evident immediately following PTNS compared with before, but pressure during sustained anal squeeze improved by the end of the treatment course. Comparing outcomes with historical matched controls, reductions in weekly FI episodes were more pronounced in the BF only group at visit 6, but not week 13.Conclusions:In this pilot study, concurrent PTNS and anorectal biofeedback therapy has been shown to be feasible, comfortable, and low risk. The combined protocol is likely to be an effective treatment for FI, but future research could focus on optimizing patient selection.

Efficacy of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Overactive Bladder in Women and Men at a Safety Net Hospital.

We investigated efficacy and compliance related to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in patients treated for overactive bladder at a large, urban safety net hospital. Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation at Grady Memorial Hospital from May 2015 through January 2019 were included in our cohort and records were reviewed retrospectively. Primary outcomes of interest included self-reported urinary symptoms and episodes of urinary incontinence. Our secondary outcome of interest was patient compliance, defined as completion of 12 or more treatment sessions. Descriptive analysis and paired t-tests were performed. Of the 50 patients with a mean ± SD age of 59 ± 12 years 80% were black, 52% were male, 34% were uninsured and 54% subscribed to government insurance. Prior treatment included behavioral modification in 100% of cases, anticholinergics in 86% and mirabegron in 4%. Patients completed a mean of 10.7 ± 2.7 of the 12 planned weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatments. Of the patients 70% completed all 12 weekly treatments and 77% of those who completed 12 treatments continued to maintenance treatment. After percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatment average symptoms improved across all metrics, including mean daytime frequency (from 11.0 to 6.6 episodes per day or -24.5%), nighttime frequency (from 4.8 to 2.5 episodes per night or -47.1%), urgency score (from 3.4 to 1.9 or -42.1%) and incontinence (from 1.6 to 0.4 episodes per day or -79.6%) (each p <0.001). A total of 43 patients (86%) reported symptom improvement. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation had favorable efficacy and compliance in a traditionally underserved patient population. This should be considered as a feasible modality to manage overactive bladder symptoms in patients in a similar demographic.

Factors associated with overactive bladder symptom improvement after 1 year of monthly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation therapy.

To investigate patient characteristics associated with overactive bladder (OAB) symptom improvement after 1 year of monthly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) therapy. This was a retrospective chart review of women who underwent PTNS for refractory OAB symptoms between January 2011 and December 2017 in our tertiary center. Patients who received 12 monthly PTNS maintenance treatments after achieving success with 12 weekly PTNS treatments were included in the study. Reports on subjective changes in urinary frequency, nocturia, and urgency urinary incontinence were submitted at each visit. Patients were categorized to symptom improve and no improve groups. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify patient characteristics that predicted symptomatic improvement. Sixty-six patients were identified. Average subjective improvement after 12 monthly sessions compared with 12 weekly sessions was 5.2% on a scale of -100% to +100%. A history of urogynecologic surgery remained a significant negative predictor of symptom change from 12 weekly sessions to 12 monthly treatment sessions (odds ratio, 0.19; P = .01). OAB symptoms remain relatively stable after 12 monthly treatments of PTNS, as compared with the 12-week time point. A history of urogynecologic surgery was a negative predictor of OAB symptom improvement in patients receiving monthly PTNS for at least 12 months.

Factors influencing return for maintenance treatment with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for the management of the overactive bladder.

To identify factors influencing return for maintenance percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment after successful completion of a 12-week course of treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). Patients with OAB symptoms referred for PTNS treatment underwent 12 sessions of weekly PTNS treatment and were evaluated at baseline and week 12 using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire on OAB, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire on lower urinary tract symptom-related quality of life (ICIQ-LUTSqol) and a bladder diary (BD). Responders to treatment, evaluated using two patient-reported outcome measures, were invited to return for maintenance treatment when symptoms returned. A PTNS Service Evaluation Questionnaire was used to evaluate factors influencing return for maintenance treatment. Seventy-three patients were evaluated (mean age 58.9 [±14.7] years, 72.6% women) and clustered into three groups: group 1 (n = 25) did not respond to 12 weekly sessions of PTNS treatment; group 2 (n = 17) responded to treatment but did not return for maintenance treatment and group 3 (n = 31) responded to treatment and returned for maintenance treatment. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, diagnosis, baseline symptom scores and BD variables among the three groups. Patients belonging to groups 2 and 3 experienced a significant improvement from baseline to week 12 in total OAB scores (group 2: -1.54 ± 1.85; group 3: -1.85 ± 2.28; P < 0.05); however, patients returning for maintenance treatment reported significant improvements specifically in nocturia (BD difference = -0.4 ± 0.7 [P < 0.05] and ICIQ-LUTSqol difference -0.48 ± 0.94 [P < 0.05]), and perceived benefits of the treatment with regard to their OAB symptoms compared to those not returning for maintenance treatment (difference between the two groups 25.6%; P = 0.030). Improvements in nocturia and perceived benefits predicted return for maintenance treatment based on a logistic regression analysis. Factors related to the need for repeat clinic visits, such as transportation, distance and time commitment, were not found to differ between the two groups. Twelve-session weekly PTNS is a safe and effective treatment for OAB. Responders to treatment returning for maintenance PTNS more often reported significant improvements in nocturia and perceived benefits over time, compared to those not returning for maintenance treatment. The BD provides a more objective assessment of treatment outcome after PTNS treatment.

Predictors of successful percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.

Multiple publications have demonstrated the efficacy of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). However, patient characteristics associated with successful treatment have not been well established. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors for successful PTNS treatment. This was a retrospective chart review of women who underwent PTNS therapy for OAB between January 2011-Decemeber 2017. Treatment success was defined by subjective improvement according to patient self-report and objective bladder diary parameters including the intervoiding interval, nocturia episodes and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes per day, before and after PTNS treatment. Baseline symptoms were dichotomized for each symptom based on severity. One hundred sixty-two women with a mean age of 72.7 ± 11.3years and BMI of 28.5 ± 7.1 were included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in all three OAB symptoms after treatment. Multivariable analysis revealed that a history of depression and anxiety was associated with subjective improvement, whereas decreased subjective improvement was associated with a history of hypertension, prior intravesical onabotulinnumtoxinA injection and sacral neuromodulation. While dichotomizing subjects into two groups defined by < 50% versus ≥ 50% improvement, depression/anxiety, urodynamic volume at first sensation to void and more severe baseline urgency urinary incontinence severity were all significant predictors of subjective improvement. Among women treated with PTNS for refractory OAB, a history of depression/anxiety and severe baseline urgency urinary incontinence were positive predictors of a successful PTNS outcome.

Subjective and objective responses to PTNS and predictors for success: a retrospective cohort study of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for overactive bladder

We investigated the objective improvements in overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in patients undergoing percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and predictive factors of patient satisfaction. In this single-center retrospective cohort study at a tertiary urogynecology center, we identified all female patients who underwent PTNS therapy from 1 October 2007 - 1 January 2016 and followed them from their initial visit through medication therapy and PTNS treatments. Patients who tried at least one medication prior to starting PTNS therapy and completed at least one PTNS visit were included. Baseline demographic data, urinary data, and details of medication and PTNS therapy sessions were collected from records through chart review. Paired or two-sample t-tests were used to compare changes over time or groups. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Two hundred thirteen patients underwent PTNS therapy and 183 patients met the criteria. Overall patients were able to decrease voiding frequency by 1h, decrease nocturia episodes by 0.8, and decrease urge incontinence episodes with PTNS therapy by ten episodes per week (p = 0.02). Patients who continued OAB medications did not have additional improvements compared with patients who did not continue OAB medications during PTNS. Overall, 25.4% (43/169) patients reported ≥ 75% improvement during PTNS therapy, and 61.5% (104/169) reported ≥ 50% improvement. When evaluating predictive factors of ≥ 50% overall improvement, the number of PTNS sessions increased odds of subjective success (OR = 1.8, p = 0.004). Other factors were not significant predictors of subjective PTNS success. PTNS can provide both objective and subjective improvements for patients who do not respond to OAB medication therapy.

Efficacy of the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive, safe and well-tolerated neuromodulation technique for the lower urinary tract dysfunctions. PTNS delivers neuromodulation to the pelvic floor through the S2-4 junction of the sacral nerve plexus via the route of the posterior tibial nerve. Using the fine needle electrode insertion above the ankle, the tibial nerve is accessed, which connected to the stimulator. To date despite of its excessive clinical use, PTNS mechanism of action still remains unclear. The technique seems to be an efficacious and safe treatment for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). It could be recommended according to the Urinary Incontinence Guideline of the European Association of Urology in women who did not have adequate improvement or could not tolerate anti-muscarinic therapy. The success rate is comparable to sacral nerve stimulation in OAB patients. PTNS has been used for fecal incontinence since 2003, however, many of the published studies are of poor quality. PTNS has also been shown to have positive effects on chronic pelvic pain, when the usual therapeutic steps did not result in satisfactory improvement. No major complications are reported in the literature, following PTNS treatment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(43): 1735-1740.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Office Setting: Real-world Experience of Over 100 Patients

To examine the outcomes and compliance with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Adults who had PTNS from June 30, 2011, to October 8, 2015, were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, copay, travel distance, employment status, history, symptoms, and treatments used before, during, and after PTNS. Pearson chi-square test, Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank and paired t test were performed. Of 113 patients (mean age 75 ± 12 years), most were women (65.5%), married (78.1%), and retired or unemployed (80.2%). The median distance to the clinic was 8.1 mi, and the median copay was $0. The most common indication for PTNS was nocturia (92.9%) followed by OAB with urgency urinary incontinence (75.2%) and urinary urgency and/or frequency (24.8%). Prior treatments included anticholinergics (75.2%), mirabegron (36.6%), behavioral modification (29.2%), pelvic floor physical therapy (18.6%), and others (19.5%). Patients completed a mean of 10.5 ± 3 of 12 planned weekly PTNS treatments. Of 105 patients, 40 (38.1%) used concomitant treatments (most commonly anticholinergics). Of 87 patients, 62 (71.3%) had decreased symptoms at 6 weeks, and of 85 patients, 60 (70.6%) had decreased symptoms at 12 weeks. The majority (82; 75.6%) completed all 12 weekly treatments and 45 (54.9%) completed 3 (median) monthly maintenance treatments. The most common reason for noncompliance was lack of efficacy. Visit copay, employment status, and distance to the clinic were not associated with failure to complete weekly treatments or progression to monthly maintenance. Although most patients' symptoms decreased after weekly PTNS, nonadherence to maintenance and lack of efficacy may limit long-term feasibility. Copay and distance traveled were not associated with noncompliance.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Clinical Effectiveness, Urodynamic, and Durability Evaluation

To evaluate percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) effectiveness, durability, and impact on the pathophysiology of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in patients who have been previously treated with antimuscarinics without success. A prospective study that included 200 women diagnosed with OAB between 2007 and 2015 at Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital (Málaga, Spain) was conducted. OAB patients were treated with PTNS therapy after antimuscarinic treatment failed. To evaluate OAB symptoms, clinical and urodynamic studies were performed before and after PTNS treatment. Treatment's success was defined as a reduction of clinical parameters by >50% and an improvement of at least 2 urodynamic parameters by >50%. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Student's t test or Wilcoxon test were used based on the data. A linear correlation analysis and a multivariate linear regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with the success of PTNS therapy. Of the patients, 94% experienced a positive response to PTNS considering clinical and urodynamic parameters. PTNS benefits were extended by 24 months. We identified daytime urinary frequency (r = -0.165; P = .024; 95% confidence interval, -0.248 to -0.018) and first sensation of bladder filling (r = 0.208; P = .030; 95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.028) as significant independent predictor factors for PTNS success. The current data confirmed a high effectiveness of PTNS improving OAB symptoms through 24 months. Furthermore, daytime urinary frequency and first sensation of bladder filling act as a significant independent predictor factors for PTNS success.