Selective sacral neurectomy in the management of urinary incontinence due to detrusor instability

Since Torrens (1974) reported on the use of selective sacral neurectomy in the management of bladder instability, the procedure has been used increasingly in specialised centres. We report the clinical and urodynamic findings in 9 patients in whom this procedure has been performed. The results suggest that selective sacral neurectomy is a valuable procedure in a highly selected group of patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Patient selection, contraindications and the choice of which sacral nerves to divide are discussed.