Functional extracorporeal magnetic stimulation as a treatment for female urinary incontinence: 'the chair'.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate, in a prospective study, the efficiency and applicability of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) of the pelvic floor for treating urinary incontinence in women.


METHODS
FMS was provided by a 'magnetic chair'; 24 patients were treated twice weekly for 8 weeks (12 with urge incontinence and 12 with a mixture of urge and stress incontinence). The outcome was assessed urodynamically, by a pad test, and by patient satisfaction.


RESULTS
In 58% of the patients there was an objective improvement in incontinence; three patients were completely dry and 71% reported a subjective improvement (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
FMS is a safe, noninvasive and painless treatment for urinary incontinence; it is effective and easy to administer as an outpatient treatment.
Chandi
D D
DD
Department of Urology, Leyenburg Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands. dchandi@hotmail.com
Groenendijk
P M
PM
Venema
P L
PL
D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014563:Urodynamics