Current position of neuromodulation for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis

Harry J Kendall*, Julia Schrijvers, John P F A Heesakkers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite established effectiveness in overactive bladder and nonobstructive retention, neuromodulation's application in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) remains a topic of ongoing research. The purpose of this article is to review recent developments in neuromodulation as treatment of IC/BPS offering guidance for healthcare practitioners dealing with IC/BPS cases. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research underlines the promising role of sacral, tibial and pudendal neuromodulation in management of IC/BPS symptoms. Studies reveal encouraging outcomes, particularly in alleviating urgency and frequency symptoms. However, while urgency and frequency symptoms tend to improve, comprehensive pain relief remains a challenge. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) stand out due to their minimal invasive nature. Existing literature points to the need for larger prospective studies with extended follow-up periods to validate the efficacy and sustainability of neuromodulation. SUMMARY: Neuromodulation is a promising treatment modality for refractory IC/BPS. Due to the minimal invasive nature, they should be tried before rigorous surgery. However, the limited quantity of available data and the variability in pain relief outcomes necessitate cautious interpretation. The review emphasizes the need for further research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)64-68
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent opinion in urology
Volume34
Issue number2
Early online date7 Nov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2024

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