The role of electrical stimulation in voiding dysfunction

Abstract

Different forms of dysfunction of the lower urinary tract can be treated with electrical stimulation. Currently, two operative treatment modalities are available. In patients with spinal cord injury the combination of posterior sacral root rhizotomies with implantation of electrodes on the anterior roots produces excellent results in terms of restoration of continence and bladder evacuation. In patients with chronic problems of urge incontinence, urgency/frequency and voiding dysfunction, neuromodulation of a sacral nerve with an implantable system can reduce the symptomatology significantly. Both these treatments are a valuable addition to the modern neuro-urological practice.