[Long-term results of interferential current stimulation in the treatment of bladder instability]

Abstract

Objective: To study the late results of interferential current stimulation in the treatment of detrusor instability.

Material and methods: 62 patients with detrusor instability refractory to medical treatment by anticholinergic drugs were treated by interferential current stimulation. This technique combines the advantages of retraining stimulation with external application. This retrospective study was based on 62 patients (43 children, 11 men and 8 women) presenting with detrusor instability between January 1990 and December 1997. All patients were assessed clinically and by a radiological, bacteriological and urodynamic work-up prior to treatment. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range: 18 months to 10 years).

Results: The results of this technique were excellent, with 80.9% of cures at one year, but they tended to fade over time to 40% of cures at 5 years. However, results which deteriorate after one year can generally be maintained by performing 5 maintenance sessions every 12 or 18 months.

Conclusion: Treatment of detrusor instability by interferential current is a reliable technique which constitutes an alternative to the other methods of retraining stimulation and can be performed in cases of instability refractory to anticholinergic drugs, before considering neuromodulation or surgery. Five to 10 maintenance sessions every 12 or 18 months ensure stable long-term results in the majority of cases.