Trends and Outcomes of Sacral Neuromodulation: A Saudi Tertiary Care Center Experience

Abstract

Objective:Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a validated treatment for overactive bladder syndrome and chronic non-obstructive retention. In Saudi Arabia, SNM is gaining popularity. It improves patient outcomes and eliminates the associated stigma with refractory urine retention. This study aimed to assess the trends and outcomes in patients with SNM in King Abdulaziz Medical City.Materials and Methods:This retrospective cohort study targeted adult patients who underwent an SNM device implantation between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2021. Frequency and percentage were used to display the categorical variables and minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation for the continuous variables.Results:Of the 28 patients, 13 (46.4%) were males and 15 (53.6%) females. The mean age was 37.14+14.62 years. The most frequent indication was idiopathic bladder dysfunction (28.6%, n=8). The first stage success rate was 53.6%, of which 42.9% had the device permanently implanted in the second stage. The overall complication rates were 66.6% and 42.84% for device change and electrode change, respectively, with the most frequent complications as device protrusion and dislocation after device change (n=1, 33.3%) and urinary tract infections after electrode change (n=3, 21.42%).Conclusion:The complication rate was similar to the literature. However, the first stage success rate was lower than the reported local and international rates. Regular documentation before and after implantation is important to gather data for future studies. Exploring the outcomes of SNM on a larger scale will improve preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care, thereby supporting more patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• sacral neuromodulation
• neurourology
• bladder dysfunction