Electrical pelvic floor stimulation by percutaneous implantable electrode

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Neuromodulation
• Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Background:

• Urinary incontinence, particularly due to overactive detrusor function, significantly impacts quality of life.
• Current treatment options for refractory urinary incontinence have limitations.
• Pelvic floor electrical stimulation is a recognized therapeutic modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of chronic pelvic floor stimulation using a percutaneous implantable electrode for treating urinary incontinence.
• To assess the impact of this neuromodulation technique on detrusor overactivity.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 10 patients with urinary incontinence secondary to overactive detrusor function.
• Percutaneous implantation of electrodes followed by chronic electrical stimulation with an external device.
• Urodynamic assessments were performed before and during stimulation.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in urinary incontinence was observed in 8 out of 10 patients after 4–16 weeks of stimulation.
• Complete resolution of incontinence was reported by 2 patients.
• Urodynamic studies showed a statistically significant increase in the volume at the first unstable detrusor contraction (P < 0.01).
• One electrode migration occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Chronic pelvic floor stimulation via percutaneous implantable electrodes effectively inhibits detrusor overactivity.
• The treatment demonstrated stable and reliable results during chronic application.
• This percutaneous neuromodulation technique presents a promising alternative for the long-term management of urinary incontinence.