The possible role of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation using adhesive skin surface electrodes in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity secondary to spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) using adhesive skin surface electrodes versus solifenacin succinate (SS) in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) secondary to spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS: A randomized controlled study involving 100 patients with NDO secondary to SCI was conducted. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group A, patients received PTNS using adhesive skin surface electrodes for 4 weeks. In group B, patients underwent SS treatment for 4 weeks. Bladder diaries and incontinence quality of life questionnaire were reviewed before treatment and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS: Improvement in all bladder diary parameters was statistically significant within each group 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared to baseline (p < 0.05), but did not reach statistical significance between the PTNS and SS groups (p > 0.05). Compared to SS, PTNS was not associated with any unanticipated adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: PTNS therapy with adhesive skin surface electrodes is an effective method to treat NDO secondary to SCI. This therapy is not only no difference comparing to SS therapy but also noninvasive and easily managed by patients.