Patient selection for sacral nerve stimulation

Sacral neuromodulation is an established treatment modality for urge incontinence, urinary retention, and urgency/frequency syndromes. Potential indications as well as approved indications will be reviewed with emphasis on clinical characteristics that predict success. Therapeutic trial-either a peripheral nerve evaluation or a staged implant-remains the most accurate predictor of success. Initial patient selection is based upon clinical indicators such as history and physical examination as well as urodynamic finding. Contraindications to sacral neuromodulation and the importance of using a therapeutic trial as the best predictor of successful patient selection will also be addressed.