[Temporary sacral neuromodulation in patients with urge incontinence]

We studied the effect of temporary sacral (S3) nerve stimulation in patients with urge incontinence (UI) who were subjected to percutaneous nerve evaluation of the S3 roots as a temporary screening test during 12 days to determine response to neuromodulation. All 18 patients (14 women and 4 men) underwent S3 neuromodulation. The response was assessed by a detailed voiding diary, symptom score and objective outcome was analyzed with urodynamic studies. We noticed a decrease of the average voiding frequency, the number of leakage episodes and pads use per 24 h in 10 days of S3 neuromodulation and returning to baseline symptoms in 20 days after completing S3 neuromodulation. Cystometrograms demonstrated increased cystometric capacity and decreased frequency and amplitude of unstable contractions. Correlation between symptomatic and urodynamic effects was incomplete. Temporary S3 neuromodulation relieved symptoms in UI patients.