Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of posterior tibial nerve stimulation
(PTNS) as a treatment for the overactive bladder (OAB) resistant to medical treatment.
Patients and methods: The study included 60 patients, comprising 55 women
(92%) and five men (8%) with a mean (SD) age of 41.4 (10.8) years, who presented
to the Urology Department of Benha University Hospital from June 2010 to October
2012. All patients were assessed initially by taking a history, a physical examination,
urine analysis, routine laboratory investigations, and a urodynamic evaluation
in the form of flowmetry, cystometry, and a pressure-flow study in some cases. A
voiding diary (daytime and night-time frequency, voiding volume, and leakage episodes)
was completed by all patients, and all underwent 12 sessions of PTNS using a
personal computer-based system, and were reassessed after the sixth session, at the
end of the course, and at 3 and 6 months after the last session, using the same
methods as in the baseline visit.
Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in all the variables
assessed. No infection or failure of the PTNS mechanism was detected while usinghe technique, but there were rare instances of minor bleeding and a temporary
painful feeling at the insertion site.
Conclusion: PTNS is safe, and gives statistically significant improvements in the
patient’s assessment of OAB symptoms.