title: Sacral neuromodulation as treatment for refractory idiopathic urge urinary incontinence: 5-year results of a longitudinal study in 60 women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the results of sacral neuromodulation after 5-year followup in women with refractory idiopathic urge urinary incontinence.
  
  
  METHODS
  A neuromodulation system with an original (nontined) lead was implanted by open surgery after a positive percutaneous nerve evaluation in 60 women from 1990 to 2004. Voiding incontinence diary parameters were used to evaluate efficacy. Success was defined as at least a 50% decrease in the number of incontinence episodes or pads used daily. Safety was also evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The success rate gradually decreased from 52 patients (87%) at 1 month to 37 (62%) at 5 years. Complete continence persisted in 15% of patients. The system was still used by 80% of patients at 5 years. In 32 patients a total of 57 adverse events occurred, which were not severe (Clavien grade I and IIIb in 61% and 39%, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sacral neuromodulation appears to be a safe technique for refractory idiopathic urge urinary incontinence in women. The success rate gradually decreased to 62% after 5 years with 15% of patients completely continent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.groen.1@erasmusmc.nl
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Groen
authors.forename: Bertil F M
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Blok
authors.forename: J L H Ruud
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bosch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D058542:Implantable Neurostimulators; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D053202:Urinary Incontinence, Urge / Q000628:therapy*