[What to do if percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) works? A pilot study on home-based transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation].
BACKGROUND
Aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a home-based transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) protocol in patients responding to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS ).


METHODS
16 overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) patients, responding to PTNS, were included. Patients performed a flexible home protocol of TTNS. Satisfied patients were considered "subjective responders"; patients not showing a ≥10% increase of urgency/urgency incontinence episodes/day were considered "objective responders".


RESULTS
14/16 patients were followed up for a mean of 19.7 months. All patients were considered subjective responders; 13 were considered objective responders. The mean number of stimulations/week was 1.6 (1-3).


CONCLUSIONS
After this pilot study, it is possible to conclude that home-based TTNS is feasible. Nevertheless, further randomized trials are needed before drawing any conclusions.
Scuola di Specializzazione in Urologia, Università di Roma Tor Vergata - Italy.
Valentina
V
Maurelli
Filomena
F
Petta
Gianni
G
Carsillo
Roberto
R
Miano
Fiorenza
F
Lamorte
Claudio
C
Perugia
Enrico
E
Finazzi Agrò
D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013979:Tibial Nerve; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive; D014549:Urinary Incontinence