Neuromodulation and the role of electrodiagnostic techniques

Area of Science:

• Female pelvic medicine
• Neurosurgery
• Urology

Background:

• Electrodiagnostic techniques have been used in surgery since the 1960s, primarily in neurosurgery.
• The advent of neuromodulation for voiding dysfunction has extended these techniques into female pelvic medicine.
• Pelvic floor function evaluation is crucial for neuromodulation success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review electrodiagnostic techniques for evaluating pelvic floor function in relation to neuromodulation.
• To examine literature on using these techniques for candidate selection and surgical outcome improvement.

Main Methods:

• A PubMed search was performed using keywords: neuromodulation, Interstim, electrodiagnosis, electrodiagnostic techniques, electromyography, pelvic floor, and voiding dysfunction.
• The search identified eight relevant articles and three abstracts.

Main Results:

• Electrodiagnostic techniques are applicable to assessing pelvic floor function for neuromodulation.
• Literature suggests these techniques can help identify suitable candidates for neuromodulation.
• Evidence indicates potential for improving surgical outcomes with these methods.

Conclusions:

• Electrodiagnostic techniques show promise in predicting appropriate candidates for neuromodulation.
• These techniques may contribute to enhanced surgical outcomes in neuromodulation procedures for voiding dysfunction.