Transvaginal Detrusor Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Overactive Bladder

Autonomic nerves and ganglia that affect bladder sensation and detrusor contractility are present below the proximal urethra and trigone. Radiofrequency energy has been shown to potentially ablate/modulate these nerves in overactive bladder (OAB) patients.

In this study, we intended to establish the safety and efficacy of transvaginal radiofrequency energy delivered via a vaginal Morpheus (Inmode) microneedling device in female patients with OAB.

Women with known OAB, both primary and refractory as well as urge-predominant mixed urinary incontinence, were treated in the office setting using transvaginal detrusor nerve radiofrequency ablation to a depth of 7 mm.The primary outcome was the change in urge incontinence episodes on a 3-day voiding diary at 3 months after procedure. Secondary outcomes were the following at 1 and 3 months: the change in urinary frequency and incontinence, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), and Patient's Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC). A pain assessment was collected immediately after the procedure and a Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire was collected at 3 months.

From 07/2023 to 02/2024, 32 were enrolled and 31 were followed for 3 months after treatment. Episodes of urgency incontinence, IIQ-7, UDI-6, PPBC, urinary frequency, and episodes of severe urinary urgency, had statistically significant improvement. Significant Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) testing ( P  < 0.001) was encountered with the IIQ-7, UDI-6, PPBC, urinary frequency, and urgency incontinence. No adverse events were encountered.

Across all outcome metrics, the transvaginal detrusor nerve radiofrequency ablation for treatment of overactive bladder showed statistically significant improvements.