Effects of Transcutaneous and Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Bosnian Female Patients with an Idiopathic Overactive Urinary Bladder

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of daily transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) versus weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on the quality of life of patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB).

Patients and Methods. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The diagnosis of OAB was made on the basis of clinical symptoms, and urodynamic tests were performed to check whether uncontrolled contractions of the derusor during bladder filling were responsible for the OAB symptoms. The tests used to assess symptoms and quality of life were Overactive Bladder Questionnaires (OAB-q) SF. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. The first group was treated with TTNS every day for 3 months and the second group with PTNS once a week, also for 3 months.

Results. Stimulation with both TTNS and PTNS led to the reduction of all clinical symptoms of OAB and improved quality of life, with statistical significance (P<0.05) and with no side effects. When comparing these two groups, the improvement was statistically more significant in the group treated with PTNS. When the quality of life scores and symptoms were compared to the type of treatment, it was found that the improved quality of life parameters and the reduced OAB symptoms were more statistically significant in the treatment with PTNS than TTNS therapy (P<0.001).

Conclusion. The results of the study suggest good efficacy of both TTNS and PTNS in the treatment of OAB. Better effects are achieved with weekly PTNS, as it leads to a statistically significant reduction in symptoms as well as an improvement in quality of life, without side effects.