[Sacral neuromodulation with InterStim™ system: Results from the French national register]

To analyse current practice patterns and to evaluate (long-term) effectiveness and adverse events of sacral neuromodulation with InterStim™ Therapy based on data collected in a national register and to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the register.

This is a French multicenter prospective observational trial including patients with a permanent implant (2003-2009). Voiding diary variables and patient satisfaction were analysed based on last follow-up visit since implantation.

One thousand four hundred and eighteen patients (median age: 63 years, 1206 females) were included in the database (median follow-up: 12 months). One thousand and eighty-nine patients had non-neurological disease. The principal diagnosis was overactive bladder syndrome ([OAB], n=1170) and retention (n=151). Implantation occurred in 1358 patients; 1172 patients had greater than or equal to one registered follow-up. Clinical improvement of greater than or equal to 50% was seen in 447/527 patients with OAB at 12 months follow-up (median number of voids per 24 hours decreased from 15 at baseline to 8 at 12 months) and in 42/54 of patients with retention (median number of catheterization per 24 hours dropped from 5 at baseline to 0 at 12 months). Clinical improvement remained relatively stable up to 60 months. Median patient satisfaction with treatment was between 60 and 80%. Five hundred and twenty-four patients had at least one adverse event; loss of efficacy (n=244) occurred most frequently.

In this large database sacral neuromodulation with InterStim™ Therapy seems to be an effective treatment through routine practice in the long-term (up to 60 months) for patients refractory to medical treatment.