Prospective study of transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation for overactive bladder in children: long-term results

J Urol. 2009 Dec;182(6):2900-4. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2009.08.058. Epub 2009 Oct 28.

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term success of transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation for overactive bladder in children.

Materials and methods: We prospectively evaluated children who underwent transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation for overactive bladder. All patients had symptoms of overactive bladder, bell curve in uroflowmetry and low post-void residual urine. The procedure was performed using a frequency of 10 Hz for 20-minute sessions 3 times weekly for a maximum of 20 sessions. Initial and long-term (more than 6 months) success rates were evaluated.

Results: Transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation was performed in 36 girls and 13 boys with a mean age of 10.2 years (range 5 to 17). Mean followup was 35.3 months (range 6 to 80). Before treatment urgency, daytime incontinence and urinary tract infection were seen in 100%, 88% and 71% of cases, respectively. Initial success (full response) was demonstrated in 79% of patients for urgency, 76% for incontinence and 77% for all symptoms. Continued success was seen in 84% of patients for urgency, 74% for daytime incontinence and 78% for all symptoms. If the 30 patients with at least 2 years of followup were considered, treatment was successful in 73%. Recurrence of symptoms after a full response was seen in 10% of cases. Two of 33 patients (6%) with urinary tract infection before the procedure still had infection after treatment.

Conclusions: Transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation is well tolerated, and demonstrates short and long-term effectiveness in treating overactive bladder in children. Symptoms eventually will recur in 10% of patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Plexus
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Remission Induction
  • Time Factors
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation*
  • Urinary Bladder, Overactive / therapy*