A new high frequency electrostimulation device to treat chronic prostatitis.
OBJECTIVE
We prospectively observed a possible benefit from urethro-anal high frequency electrostimulation in patients with noninflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Cat IIIB CPPS) as a new treatment option.


METHODS
A total of 88 patients with a referral diagnosis of chronic prostatitis underwent fractionated urinary cultures, including expressed prostate secretion and ejaculate analysis twice. Of this group 14 men with Cat IIIB CPPS elected electrostimulation. A urethro-anal stimulation device was applied twice weekly for 30 minutes during 5 weeks at a defined voltage of 6 V, a defined frequency of between 450 and 500 Hz, and a variable self-regulated current of between 1 and 10 mA. National Institutes of Health prostatitis symptom score and quality of life index were determined before and after the treatment.


RESULTS
All patients tolerated stimulation and completed the treatment course. No urethral or anal complications occurred. Generally, the patients reported a distinct perineal feeling and the pain syndrome improved in 83%. The mean total National Institutes of Health prostatitis symptom score significantly decreased from 29 (range 20 to 37) to 14 (range 8 to 24) points (p = 0.002). Mean pain decreased from 15 (range 12 to 20) to 7 (range 4 to 13) points (p = 0.002). Micturition complaints decreased from 2.5 (range 0 to 9) to 1 (range 0 to 8) points (p = 0.007) and quality of life improved from 9.5 (range 8 to 12) to 5.5 (range 3 to 10) (p = 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
To date the new high frequency urethro-anal afferent electrostimulation device seems to have an important benefit in patients with Cat IIIB CPPS. The device is technically simple and it can be self-administered. Therefore, it may become a new ambulatory treatment option for patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011472:Prostatitis / Q000628:therapy*