Cycling Sacral Root Neuromodulation: Pilot Study to Assess the Effectiveness of This Mode in Neuromodulator Programming for the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: There is lack of evidence of the role of sacral root neuromodulation (SNM) in the management of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). We evaluated the effectiveness of cycling sacral root neuromodulation (CSNM) in the management of CPPS in patients non responders to conservative treatment. Methods: A prospective, single center, cohort study was carried out on all patients with CPPS refractory to conventional treatment, who underwent test stimulation using the tined lead between February 2012 and March 2016. During test stimulation the tine lead was positioned along the third sacral nerve, on the side where they reported more pain. Success was defined as >50% improvement of pain and concurrent urinary symptoms. After a successful SNM test period of 4 weeks, patients received a permanent implant. We also included 9 more patients already with a permanent implant and partial responders to continuous mode in neuromodulator programming. To assess pain and quality of life, all patients filled-in a VAS scale and SF-36 and McGill questionnaires, at baseline, after the 4-week test period ad after the permanent implant. Results: Overall 22 consecutive adult patients were suitable to undergo a cycling test stimulation; 19 out of them (86.3%) underwent a permanent implant after a satisfactory test phase, using a codified cycling mode of programming. Eighteen naive patients out of nineteen (94.7%) maintained the benefits of the test stimulation at a mean follow up of 21.3 months. VAS scale, McGill and SF-36 questionnaires scores improved significantly in all domains with a 95% satisfaction rate; 7 out of the 9 already implanted patients (77.7%) significantly improved their pain control. Conclusion: CSRN appears to be effectiveness in treating CPPS in both naïve and previous implanted partial responder patients.