No abstract

This pivotal multicenter, double-blind, randomized, sham controlled trial provides level I evidence that percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation therapy is safe and effective in treating overactive bladder symptoms. The compelling efficacy of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation demonstrated in this trial is consistent with other recently published reports and supports the use of peripheral neuromodulation therapy for overactive bladder.

This multicenter, randomized trial demonstrates that percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is safe with statistically significant improvements in patient assessment of overactive bladder symptoms, and with objective effectiveness comparable to that of pharmacotherapy. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation may be considered a clinically significant alternative therapy for overactive bladder.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01908829.

Most STEP participants with an initial positive response to 12 weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatments safely sustained overactive bladder symptom improvement to 3 years with an average of 1 treatment per month.

Statistically significant overactive bladder symptom improvement achieved with 12 weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatments demonstrates excellent durability through 12 months. The durability of response demonstrates the effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation as a viable, long-term therapy for overactive bladder.

Oxybutynin chloride topical gel was efficacious in improving overactive bladder symptoms and was well tolerated in adult patients.

A panel of experts in urology, urogynecology, nursing, and behavioral therapy convened in 2010 to discuss the importance of a healthy bladder on overall health. They determined that a consensus statement was necessary to raise awareness among the general public, healthcare providers, payors, and policymakers, with the goals of minimizing the impact of poor bladder health and stimulating primary prevention of bladder conditions. In this statement, ‘healthy’ bladder function is described, as well as internal and external factors that influence bladder health. It is suggested that primary prevention strategies should be aimed at providing education regarding normal lower urinary tract structures and functioning to the public, including patients and healthcare providers. This education may promote the achievement of optimal bladder health by increasing healthy bladder habits and behaviors, awareness of risk factors, healthcare seeking, and clinician engagement and reducing stigma and other barriers to treatment. Promoting optimal bladder health may reduce the personal, societal and economic impact of bladder conditions, including anxiety and depression and costs associated with conditions or diseases and their treatment. While adopting healthy bladder habits and behaviors and behaviors may improve or maintain bladder health, it is important to recognize that certain symptoms may indicate the presence of conditions that require medical attention; many bladder conditions are treatable with a range of options for most bladder conditions. Lastly, the authors propose clinical directives based on persuasive and convergent research to improve and maintain bladder health. The authors hope that this statement will lead to promotion and achievement of optimal bladder health, which may improve overall health and help minimize the effects of bladder conditions on the public, healthcare professionals, educators, employers, and payors. The advisors are in consensus regarding the recommendations for improving and maintaining bladder health presented herein.