Predictors of Nerve Stimulator Success in Patients With Overactive Bladder

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuromodulation
• Pelvic Floor Disorders

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) significantly impacts quality of life.
• Medication refractory OAB presents a treatment challenge.
• Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established OAB treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine predictors of successful sacral nerve stimulator (SNS) trial.
• To identify patient characteristics associated with SNS treatment outcomes for OAB.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 128 patients with OAB.
• Analysis of demographic, clinical, and urodynamic data.
• Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models used.

Main Results:

• Male sex and lower first urge volume on urodynamics predicted unsuccessful SNS trials.
• A first urge volume threshold of 100 mL showed 86% specificity in predicting SNS success in men.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia was associated with unsuccessful trials on univariate analysis.

Conclusions:

• Male patients and those with low first urge volumes (<100 mL) have a reduced likelihood of SNS success.
• Preoperative counseling should address the lower success probability for these patient groups.
• SNS remains a valuable tool for OAB, but patient selection is key.