What to do if percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) works? A pilot study on home-based transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation - Abstract

Introduction:Aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a home-based transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) protocol in patients responding to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS ).

Materials and Methods: 16 overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) patients, responding to PTNS, were included. Patients performed a flexible home protocol of TTNS. Satisfied patients were considered "subjective responders"; patients not showing a =10% increase of urgency/urgency incontinence episodes/day were considered "objective responders".

Results: 14/16 patients were followed up for a mean of 19.7 months. All patients were considered subjective responders; 13 were considered objective responders. The mean number of stimulations/week was 1.6 (1-3).

Conclusions: After this pilot study, it is possible to conclude that home-based TTNS is feasible. Nevertheless, further randomized trials are needed before drawing any conclusions.

Written by:
Maurelli V, Petta F, Carsillo G, Miano R, Lamorte F, Perugia C, Finazzi Agrò E. Are you the author?
Scuola di Specializzazione in Urologia, Università di Roma Tor Vergata - Italy.

Reference: Urologia. 2012 Jun 21:0. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.5301/RU.2012.9366

PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22729604

Article in Italian.

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