Comparison of the Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Aim: To compare the effects of transvaginal electrical stimulation (ES) and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Methods: Women applying with symptoms of urgency, frequency, and nocturia with or without incontinence and diagnosed with OAB were divided into an ES or PTNS group. Bladder diary, urodynannics, 1-hour pad test, and King's Health Questionnaire were performed before and after treatment. ES was applied for 20 min, 6-8 weeks with pulses of 10-50 Hz square waves at a 300-mu s or 1-ms pulse duration and a maximal output current of 24-60 mA with 5-10 Hz frequency, three times per week. PTNS was applied for 30 min once a week for 12 weeks. Results: Thirty-five patients received ES, 17 patients received PTNS. Pad test, urinary diary, and quality of life parameters after both treatments decreased significantly; the decrease in the ES group was greater. The number of patients who describe themselves as cured was higher in the ES group. Conclusion: PTNS and ES are both effective in the treatment of OAB with significant improvement in objective and subjective parameters. Objective results show no significant difference between the two groups; however, the number of patients who describe themselves as cured in the ES group was significantly higher. Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel