Short-term intravaginal maximal electrical stimulation for refractive detrusor instability.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of intravaginal maximal electrical stimulation for the treatment of refractive detrusor instability.

METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive patients, treated by maximal electrical stimulation for pure refractive detrusor instability were evaluated subjectively by patient's questionnaires and 24-h urinary diary and objectively by 1-h standardized pad test and subtracted cystometry before and 1 week after the treatment. Paired-t and chi(2)-tests were used for the statistical analysis of the data.

RESULTS

Thirty-one (88.6%) of the 35 patients were found to be either cured or improved, subjectively. The overall objective success rates based on the 1-h pad test and subtracted cystometry were 80.0% and 74.3%, respectively. The results of all subjective and objective assessment tests, except postvoiding residual urine volume, improved significantly after the treatment (P<0.01). No significant adverse effect related to the treatment was observed, except vaginal irritation noted only by 5 (14.3%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Maximal electrical stimulation could offer a safe, non-invasive and effective treatment for patients with detrusor instability who respond poorly to other conservative therapies.