Peroneal Electrical Transcutaneous NeuroModulation as a New Treatment for Patients with Overactive Bladder: An Initial Clinical Experience
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine whether peroneal electrical Transcutaneous NeuroModulation (peroneal eTNM(R)) using the URIS(R) neuromodulation system can be used in individuals with refractory overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: Eighteen female patients with idiopathic OAB who failed previous behavioral and pharmacological therapy were enrolled.
Patients were treated with the URIS(R) neuromodulation system using active electrodes placed on the popliteal fossa, targeting the peroneal nerve for 30 min once a week for 12 weeks. Changes in OAB symptoms and patient-reported outcomes from baseline to the end of the study were analyzed.
A nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess changes in variables. Statistical significance was defined as p <= 0.05.
RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in micturition frequency (p = 0.022), number of severe urgency episodes (p < 0.001), urgency incontinence episodes (p = 0.001), and nocturia episodes (p = 0.027). A decrease in Patient Perception of Bladder Condition score (p < 0.001) was also observed.
Posttreatment, 15 patients (83.3%) reported a moderate or significant reduction in their bladder bother. Throughout the study, two adverse events were recorded with no causal relationship to the study treatment.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Our study documented a significant reduction in all OAB symptoms and an improvement in all patient-reported outcomes in patients treated with peroneal eTNM(R) using the URIS(R) neuromodulation system.