Update on sacral neuromodulation and overactive bladder in pediatrics: A systematic review

Sacral electrical stimulation has been used for more than a century as an alternative therapy for adult urinary syndromes. In the literature, several studies have validated the efficacy of this technique based on clinical and urodynamic criteria. Nevertheless, few studies have shown beneficial results in children with overactive bladder.

We performed a systematic review of studies assessing the impact of sacral electroestimulation treatment on overactive bladder in children. The search identified 389 potentially eligible items. Of them, 14 studies published between 2001and 2019 met the study criteria and were selected for systematic review. RESULTS: All of papers included in this review individually demonstrated a high efficiency rate with good shortterm results, as well as safety in its use due to its minimalrate of adverse effects. However, the comparison of the results obtained in all of them was not possible because the high variety and heterogeneity in the different studies. The main limitation is that there is still no standard protocol for the application of this therapy in the pediatric population.

This review revealed the promising benefits of sacral electroneuromodulation in pediatric patients with overactive bladder. However, more studies with strictly meet pediatric overactive bladder diagnosis and management criteria should be done to protocolize and clarify the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach.