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Sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of bladder dysfunction.
Jennifer MaLossi1, Toby C Chai
1Division of Urology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, S8D18, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. tchai@smail.umaryland.edu
Current Urology Reports
|June 27, 2002
Summary
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) offers a new treatment for refractory lower urinary tract symptoms. This therapy can improve quality of life for patients with conditions like urinary incontinence and retention.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neurology
- Physiology
Background:
- Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) like incontinence and retention affect many individuals.
- Standard therapies often fail for these patients, necessitating alternative treatments.
- The exact causes of non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction.
- To discuss SNM as a therapeutic option for refractory LUTS.
- To explore the potential mechanisms of SNM in improving bladder function.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sacral neuromodulation.
- Analysis of clinical outcomes in patients with LUTS treated with SNM.
- Discussion of the neurophysiology of bladder control and dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Sacral neuromodulation is an accepted therapy for refractory LUTS.
- SNM can significantly improve symptoms such as urinary urge incontinence, frequency, and retention.
- This therapy offers a way to restore quality of life for affected individuals.
Conclusions:
- SNM is a viable treatment for non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction.
- The effectiveness of SNM suggests altered neural regulation of the bladder in these patients.
- Further research into the precise mechanisms of SNM is warranted.