How sacral nerve stimulation neuromodulation works

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective, minimally invasive urologic surgical technique for the treatment of urinary urge incontinence, idiopathic voiding dysfunction, and retention. The authors believe that SNS activates or resets the somatic afferent inputs that are important in modulating sensory processing and micturition reflex pathways in the spinal cord. Urinary retention and dysfunctional voiding can be resolved by inhibiting the guarding reflexes. Detrusor hyperreflexia and overactive bladder syndrome can be suppressed by direct inhibition of bladder preganglionic neurons, as well as inhibition of interneuronal transmission in the afferent limb of the micturition reflex. Sacral nerve neuromodulation holds great promise for many patients who suffer from lower urinary tract dysfunctions that have proved refractory to conservative therapies.