Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Office Setting: Real-world Experience of Over 100 Patients

To examine the outcomes and compliance with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Adults who had PTNS from June 30, 2011, to October 8, 2015, were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, copay, travel distance, employment status, history, symptoms, and treatments used before, during, and after PTNS. Pearson chi-square test, Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank and paired t test were performed.

Of 113 patients (mean age 75 ± 12 years), most were women (65.5%), married (78.1%), and retired or unemployed (80.2%). The median distance to the clinic was 8.1 mi, and the median copay was $0. The most common indication for PTNS was nocturia (92.9%) followed by OAB with urgency urinary incontinence (75.2%) and urinary urgency and/or frequency (24.8%). Prior treatments included anticholinergics (75.2%), mirabegron (36.6%), behavioral modification (29.2%), pelvic floor physical therapy (18.6%), and others (19.5%). Patients completed a mean of 10.5 ± 3 of 12 planned weekly PTNS treatments. Of 105 patients, 40 (38.1%) used concomitant treatments (most commonly anticholinergics). Of 87 patients, 62 (71.3%) had decreased symptoms at 6 weeks, and of 85 patients, 60 (70.6%) had decreased symptoms at 12 weeks. The majority (82; 75.6%) completed all 12 weekly treatments and 45 (54.9%) completed 3 (median) monthly maintenance treatments. The most common reason for noncompliance was lack of efficacy. Visit copay, employment status, and distance to the clinic were not associated with failure to complete weekly treatments or progression to monthly maintenance.

Although most patients' symptoms decreased after weekly PTNS, nonadherence to maintenance and lack of efficacy may limit long-term feasibility. Copay and distance traveled were not associated with noncompliance.