Sacral nerve stimulation

Abstract

Female voiding dysfunctions as urge-frequency syndrome, urge incontinence and non-obstructive urinary retention, are often refractary to conservative management. Sacral neuromodulation is an established treatment in case of non-neurogenic patients. Recent reports have shown that sacral neuromodulation has a sustained efficacy and acceptable safety profile in the long term. The most common adverse events such as lead migration, infection, and pain at the implantation site are transient and can be treated effectively. There are no permanent sequelae following adverse events and the procedure is completely reversible. The major frontiers for sacral neuromodulation in adults are interstitial cystitis and chronic pain syndromes, neurogenic bladder from spinal cord injury, fecal incontinence, constipation and erectile dysfunction. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Milan.