Sacral neuromodulation in congenital lumbo-sacral and traumatic spinal cord defects with neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms: a single-center experience in children and adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated sacral neuromodulation's effectiveness for managing refractory neuropathic lower urinary tract dysfunction in children and adolescents.

Methods: Twenty-five children and adolescents underwent peripheral nerve evaluation test phase of sacral neuromodulation at our center. Thirteen (seven boys and six girls) cases suffered from neuropathic lower urinary tract dysfunction refractory to the maximum medical treatment. The test was done with temporary wire in all patients. Patients with more than 50% improvement in symptoms were chosen for the second stage of implantation of quadripolar tined lead and implantable pulse generator. Bowel transit symptoms were recorded before and after the surgery.

Results: Eight patients (61.53%; five boys and three girls) had positive responses to the peripheral nerve evaluation test phase. They underwent implantation of permanent quadripolar tined lead and implantable pulse generator. The etiologies were lumbosacral myelomeningocele, occult spina bifida, partial sacral agenesis and incomplete spinal cord injury. Positive clinical response (> 50% improvement in symptoms) was achieved in seven (85%) at a mean follow-up of 14.25 months. Three patients became capable to stop clean intermittent catheterization (P =0.125). The 24-h pad test decreased from 484 to 78 g from before to after the surgery (P =0.043).

Conclusion: This clinical study on a small sample size of children and adolescents demonstrates positive results in short-term follow-up. However, as the procedure is still not approved officially, multicenter studies with more patients can prove the safety and efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in long term among this special group of patients.

Keywords: Child; Congenital abnormalities; Electric stimulation therapy; Neuropathic; Urinary incontinence.