The role of neuromodulation in the management of urinary urge incontinence

OBJECTIVE To examine the benefit-risk profile of neuromodulation in treating refractory urinary urge incontinence and other voiding disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS The outcome measures from all patients in pivotal clinical trials who had undergone sacral nerve stimulation were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS Neuromodulation was effective in several clinical studies; the response is durable and the benefit-risk profile good. CONCLUSION Sacral nerve stimulation is becoming the standard of care for refractory overactive bladder and retention problems. The potential benefit of neuromodulation should be included in female urology and gynaecology training programmes.