Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: an effective treatment for refractory non-neurogenic overactive bladder syndrome?

Purpose: To assess the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for treating refractory overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Patients and methods: A consecutive series of 42 patients treated with TENS for refractory OAB was prospectively investigated at an academic tertiary referral centre. Effects were evaluated using bladder diary for at least 48h and satisfaction assessment at baseline, after 12weeks of TENS treatment, and at the last known follow-up. Adverse events related to TENS were also assessed. Results: Mean age of the 42 patients (25 women, 17 men) was 48years (range, 18-76). TENS was successful following 12weeks of treatment in 21 (50%) patients, and the positive effect was sustained during a mean follow-up of 21months (range, 6-83months) in 18 patients. Following 12weeks of TENS treatment, mean number of voids per 24h decreased significantly from 15 to 11 (p<0.001) and mean voided volume increased significantly from 160 to 230mL (p<0.001). In addition, TENS completely restored continence in 7 (39%) of the 18 incontinent patients. Before TENS, all 42 patients were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied; following 12weeks of TENS treatment, 21 (50%) patients felt satisfied or very satisfied (p