[Efficacy of the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms].

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive, safe and well-tolerated neuromodulation technique for the lower urinary tract dysfunctions. PTNS delivers neuromodulation to the pelvic floor through the S2-4 junction of the sacral nerve plexus via the route of the posterior tibial nerve. Using the fine needle electrode insertion above the ankle, the tibial nerve is accessed, which connected to the stimulator. To date despite of its excessive clinical use, PTNS mechanism of action still remains unclear. The technique seems to be an efficacious and safe treatment for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). It could be recommended according to the Urinary Incontinence Guideline of the European Association of Urology in women who did not have adequate improvement or could not tolerate anti-muscarinic therapy. The success rate is comparable to sacral nerve stimulation in OAB patients. PTNS has been used for fecal incontinence since 2003, however, many of the published studies are of poor quality. PTNS has also been shown to have positive effects on chronic pelvic pain, when the usual therapeutic steps did not result in satisfactory improvement. No major complications are reported in the literature, following PTNS treatment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(43): 1735-1740.