Axonics sacral neuromodulation system improves the treatment outcomes of patients with urinary urgency incontinence.

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the Axonics System® for treating urinary urgency incontinence (UUI). Researchers suggested that this treatment was associated with improved effectiveness and safety in patients with UUI.

UUI occurs when there is a sudden urge to urinate. This is caused by the bladder contracting when it should not, which results in leakage of urine. This condition affects millions of adults and long-term treatment is often needed for significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. 

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) stimulates the sacral nerve (associated with the bladder) with an electric current. This activates the nerve and improves bladder function. This therapy is a recommended third-line therapy with proven effectiveness in the treatment of UUI.

The Axonics system is a rechargeable SNM system. It is used to treat bladder disorders and can be used for a minimum of 15 years. Its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of patients with UUI are still not clear.

This study included information about 121 patients with UUI who received treatment with the Axonics system. The main outcomes measured were response rate, quality of life, and satisfaction. Response was considered a reduction of 50% or more of the symptoms. All patients were followed-up for 2 years. 

At 2 years, 93% of the participants responded to the treatment. Of these, 82% achieved a decrease of 75% in UUI symptoms, and 37% had a complete (100%) disappearance of symptoms. Daily UUI events were reduced from 5.6 to 1 after 2 years of treatment.

After 2 years, there was a significant improvement in quality of life compared to the beginning of the study. All participants were able to recharge their device and 94% were satisfied with the recharge frequency and duration. 93% of patients reported that they would undergo this therapy again. No serious side effects associated with the device were reported.

This study concluded that SNM with the Axonics system is a good and safe method for the treatment of UUI.

This study was funded by Axonics Modulation Technologies, the Axonics system manufacturer. This study did not have a control group to compare this treatment with another therapy. Longer-term studies are still needed.