Sacral neuromodulation in overactive bladder: a review and current perspectives

Abstract

Troy Sukhu,1 Michael J Kennelly,2 Raj Kurpad1 1Department of Urology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 2Department of Urology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA Abstract: Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence currently affect a substantial portion of the population, especially as age increases. Sacral neuromodulation has become a popular option for refractory OAB symptoms over the past 2 decades. Studies have demonstrated that it is an effective treatment for OAB and urge incontinence as indicated by decreased number of voids, increased bladder capacity, and fewer leakage events. In addition, the effects have proved to be durable to multiple years following implantation. These benefits come at the expense of a high rate of adverse events, although with comparable long-term cost-effectiveness to botulinum toxin A. We aimed to review the literature that demonstrates that sacral neuromodulation continues to be an efficacious treatment for refractory OAB wet and dry patients, with continuously expanding indications. Keywords: urge incontinence, sacral neuromodulation, overactive bladder, refractory, voiding dysfunction

Keywords

• refractory overactive bladder
• sacral neuromodulation
• urge urinary incontinence
• refractory
• neuromodulation