For patients over the age of 70 years, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is often not considered a potential therapeutic option. We therefore report on our results from performing SNM in elderly patients ≥70 years.
Between 01/09 and 12/18, a total of 95 patients with refractory overactive bladder (OAB) or chronic non-obstructive urinary retention underwent SNM testing at our department. In the overall sample, 20 patients were aged 70 years or older (21%, group B), and 75 patients were under 70 years old (79%, group A). The mean follow-up period was 50.2 ± 36.2 months. Pre-, peri- and postoperative parameters were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 25.0 (p < 0.05).
The mean patient age was 53 ± 16 (17-76) years. The indications for SNM testing were OAB and retention in 51 and 49% of patients, respectively. A total of 56 patients (59%) [8 patients (40%) in group B, 48 patients (64%) in group A] had more than 50% improvement in the context of the test (stage 1), such that a permanent neuromodulator (stage 2) was implanted. A total of 14 patients, all under 70 years old except for one older female, needed to undergo revision due to defects or infection. Overall, the success rate was 58.3% for OAB and 59.6% for urinary retention. The success rates and complications in our patient group were independent of age and geriatric assessment.
SNM can also be successfully implemented in older patients.
BMC urology. 2020 May 14*** epublish ***
Sandra Schönburg, Tobias Bukethal, Paolo Fornara
Department of Urology and Kidney Transplantation, Martin Luther University, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany. ., Department of Urology and Kidney Transplantation, Martin Luther University, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.