Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Treating Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Pilot Study for an...

Tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) is an effective and safe treatment for idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), but its value in neurological patients is unclear.

To test the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind transcutaneous TNS (TTNS) setup for treating neurogenic LUTD.

A pilot study including nine patients with refractory neurogenic LUTD investigated prospectively at a university neuro-urology department.

Randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind verum and sham TTNS was performed for 30min twice a week, for 6 wks.

Outcomes were feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the TTNS protocol. Secondarily, potential efficacy was investigated. Descriptive statistics were used.

All procedures were feasible and well tolerated by all nine patients. Using verum TTNS, a motor response could be triggered in all patients and a sensory response in all but one. At the beginning and end of treatment, seven and six (78% and 67%) patients believed to receive verum TTNS, and five and six (56% and 67%) correctly guessed their group allocation, respectively. No treatment-related adverse events occurred. A comparison of baseline versus 6 wks of verum and sham TTNS led to relevant symptom and functional changes in only a limited number of piloted patients.

Verum and sham TTNS combined with the blinding procedures proved feasible and safe. Both interventions and procedures, as well as the randomization process, were well accepted by the patients. While the subsensory threshold TTNS approach in combination with the sham condition is advantageous for patients' blinding, the clinical findings raised some doubt regarding sufficient TNS. Hence, relevant methodological adjustments concerning the adequate stimulation current and corresponding sham condition are needed before starting randomized controlled trials to clarify the value and role of TTNS in neuro-urology.

Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a promising treatment option for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, but methodological adjustments in treatment application are required before further prospective studies can be initiated.