Long term results of superselective sacral nerve resection for motor urge incontinence

Eight female patients suffering from severe urge incontinence not manageable by conservative treatment were subjected to superselective sacral nerve resection in the period 1974-1977. The aim of the resection was a complete parasympathetic decentralization of the bladder. The resection was carried out according to the results of pre-operative sacral nerve blockade and per-operative electrical nerve stimulation. Post-operatively all cystometrograms were shifted to the right and four patients had bladder areflexia. At six months follow-up, three patients were continent, four were improved and one patient had an indwelling catheter for persistent retention. However, incontinence and detrusor instability returned in all the patients within one year. After seven to eight years follow-up one patient had died, two patients had had a urinary diversion operation and three had an indwelling urethral catheter. Only two patients were permanently improved. The surgical procedure was complicated by wound necrosis in one patient, by persistent dysesthesia in two and hypesthesia in three.