[A clinical study of pelvic floor electrical stimulation in treatment of overactive bladder].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of electrical stimulation in treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

Patients (n = 60) with overactive bladder were randomly divided into 2 groups. Electrical stimulation group (n = 35) used an instrument for electrical stimulation through a special vagina or rectum probe transfer current (8-70 mA), for 20 min, qd, for 20-30 times. Medical group (n = 25) received oral tolterodine 2 mg, bid, for 2-4 weeks.

RESULTS

The total effective rate and cure rate were 74%, 37% in electrical stimulation group and 76%, 40% in medical group, respectively, showing no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). While patients' satisfactory rate was significantly higher in electrical stimulation group than in medical group (P < 0.05). Side effects were more commonly seen with tolterodine.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrical nerve stimulation is effective and safe for overactive bladder. Further studies are needed to show the long term efficacy and cost-effectiveness.