Efficacy of Electrical Pudendal Nerve Stimulation in Treating Female Stress Incontinence

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacies of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) vs electromyogram biofeedback (BF)-assisted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus transvaginal electrical stimulation (TES) in treating female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to evaluate the posttreatment and long-term efficacies of EPNS for female SUI.

Materials and methods: Forty-two female SUI patients were randomized into groups I and II, 21 in each group. The two groups were treated by EPNS and BF-assisted PFMT plus TES, respectively, for comparison of their effects. Group III (196 patients) were treated by EPNS for evaluation of its effects. To perform EPNS, long acupuncture needles were deeply inserted into four sacrococcygeal points and electrified to stimulate pudendal nerves. Outcome measures were stress test, 24-hour pad test, and a questionnaire to measure the severity of symptoms and quality of life in women with SUI.

Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, the questionnaire score was lower and the therapeutic effect was better in group I (questionnaire score 0 [0, 6] and a ≥ 50% symptom improvement rate of 85.7%, respectively) than in group II (questionnaire score 9 [5.5, 15.5] and a ≥ 50% symptom improvement rate of 28.6%) (both P < .01). In group III, complete resolution occurred in 94 cases (48.0%), with a ≥ 50% symptom improvement rate of 85.7%, after 20.3 ± 16.8 sessions of treatment. At the mean follow-up of 52.9 months, complete resolution occurred in 32 (47.1%) of the 68 patients in group III who attained ≥50% posttreatment improvement.

Conclusion: EPNS is more effective than BF-assisted PFMT plus TES in treating female SUI. It has good posttreatment and long-term effects on female SUI.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01763762.