Sacral neuromodulation for voiding dysfunction and urinary retention

Abstract

Voiding dysfunction and non-obstructive urinary retention are common conditions with debilitating patient symptoms. Treatment of these conditions can be challenging with limited conservative options available. Sacral Neuromodulation is a minimally invasive treatment which has been demonstrated to deliver good success rates in this patient population. It provides patients with a trial period to establish the likelihood of treatment success prior to implantation of a full system and can be reversed should the need arise.This review looks at the potential mechanisms of action of Sacral Neuromodulation in patients with voiding dysfunction or non-obstructive urinary retention, along with the literature evaluating success rates both in the short and long term. It aims to examine any possible predictive factors that may play a role in guiding patient selection and improving patient counselling. It also addresses gaps in the literature and areas where further research is needed.

Keywords

• Non-obstructing urinary retention
• Voiding dysfunction
• Sacral neuromodulation
• Sacral nerve stimulation
• Detrusor underactivity
• Underactive bladder