Efficacy and Safety of Sacral Neuromodulation (InterstimⓇ) for the Treatment of Refractory Overactive Bladder Symptoms and Chronic Pelvic Pain

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation for treating the patients suffering with an overactive bladder (OAB) or chronic pelvic pain (CPP) that was refractory to conservative therapies. Materials and Methods: Between November 2002 and May 2006, a total of 30 patients underwent testing with sacral nerve modulation via either a traditional percutaneous approach or a staged procedure to predict the efficacy of this treatment for refractory OAB and/or CPP. 17 patients had 50 % or greater improvement in their presenting symptoms and they un-derwent a procedure to implant a permanent sacral nerve stimulator. The results of the treatment were evaluated according to the 3 day-voiding records, the severity of pain, the patients ’ perception of their bladder con-dition and the benefits of the treatment. Results: Twelve patients had CPP and 5 had OAB. The number and severity of their urgency episodes were improved. However, the number of times they passed urine was not significantly changed. The numbe