Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection
Published on: August 28, 2020
[Neuromodulation as a treatment for overactive bladder syndrome]
Martijn A C Smits1, Tom A T Marcelissen, Philip E V van Kerrebroeck
1Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Urologie, Maastricht, the Netherlands. martijn.smits@mumc.nl
Neuromodulation offers effective treatments for overactive bladder when conservative methods fail. Options like sacral neuromodulation and botulinum toxin injections provide alternatives, but potential complications require careful patient consideration.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neurology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Context:
- Overactive bladder syndrome often requires advanced treatments when conservative management proves insufficient.
- Sacral neuromodulation has evolved into a minimally invasive procedure with established long-term efficacy.
- Persistent challenges include potential complications like pain and diminished treatment effectiveness.
Purpose:
- To review the current landscape of neuromodulation therapies for overactive bladder.
- To highlight emerging and established neuromodulation techniques, including their indications and outcomes.
- To emphasize the importance of personalized treatment selection based on efficacy, safety, and patient-specific factors.
Summary:
- Neuromodulation, including sacral neuromodulation and posterior tibial nerve stimulation, provides alternatives for overactive bladder refractory to conservative care.
- Intravesical botulinum neurotoxin injection is now a recognized component of the overactive bladder treatment algorithm.
- Treatment decisions necessitate a thorough evaluation of potential side effects, complications, and long-term effectiveness.
Impact:
- Expanded therapeutic options for patients with refractory overactive bladder syndrome.
- Improved understanding of the risk-benefit profiles of various neuromodulation techniques.
- Informed clinical decision-making for optimizing overactive bladder management.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Bladder
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
The Micturition Reflex
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Physiology of Urine Formation
Glomerular Filtration
The first stage in urine formation is glomerular filtration. Each kidney contains approximately 1 million nephrons, the functional units of filtration, with a...
