Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation improves the symptoms of patients with overactive bladder

This study reviewed the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Researchers suggested that PTNS is a good and safe treatment method for these patients.

The OAB syndrome occurs in around 23% of the US population. It consists of a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control. Some patients may also experience incontinence (leak of urine). This disorder is associated with a significant loss of quality of life and high economic burdens. The current standard first-line treatments are pelvic muscle exercises and medications. However, this is associated with negative side effects and not all patients respond to the treatment.

PTNS consists of placing a needle in the ankle that will activate the tibial (shin) nerve by electrical impulses. This will stop the bladder muscles from contracting and the leakage of urine. Prior studies showed the effectiveness of PTNS in the treatment of overactive bladder. However, these studies were limited in number. Several other studies have been published recently but have not been extensively reviewed.

This study reviewed 28 other studies and included information about 2461 patients. All patients had an OAB and were treated with PTNS. Most studies involved weekly PTNS sessions of 30 minutes for 12 weeks.

A significant reduction was observed in the voiding frequency and nocturia (waking up at night to urinate) per day after PTNS.  The number of urgency and incontinence episodes per day also decreased after PTNS. Bladder capacity was also improved with this treatment. 

The most common complication was the pain in the needle site, but the occurrence of this side effect was low.

This study suggested that PTNS was associated with good treatment response and manageable side effects in patients with OAB.

This study evaluated many different studies that had different protocols. The measures of improvement also varied among the studies. Further controlled studies are needed.