Abstract
Purpose of Review
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent condition affecting 23% of the population in the USA. There are several options for third-line therapies (intradetrusoronabotulinumtoxinA injections, sacral (S3) nerve stimulation, and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)), each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Recent Findings
Implantable tibial nerve stimulators (ITNS) are a new type of device based on PTNSprinciples; however, ITNS may carry several advantages over previous therapeutic modalities. Typically, ITNS is an office-based procedure obviating the need for general anesthesia or sedation. There is no need for frequent office visits or repeat procedures (as with intradetrusoronabotulinumtoxinA injections) once these devices are implanted.
Summary
ITNS stimulators have enabled a much more flexible system of administering and managing tibial nerve stimulation. Not only does ITNS offer convenience, but it offers the ability to manipulate the frequency, length, and strength of stimulation sessions. This review describes the current available devices, published clinical data, and ongoing clinical trials for future devices.
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References
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•• Du C, Berg WT, Siegal AR, Huang Z, Nguyen A, Cheung A, et al. A retrospective longitudinal evaluation of new overactive bladder patients in an FPMRS urologist practice: Are patients following up and utilizing third-line therapies? Neurourol Urodyn. 2021;40(1):391–6. New OAB patients follow-up and progress to third-line therapies faster and more frequently with the use of a CCP in an FPMRS-trained urologist practice. However, many OAB patients still fail to follow up and overall utilization of third-line therapies remains low. Future studies are warranted to identify factors to why overall OAB compliance remains low.
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Hartman-Kenzler, J., Pizzuti, J. & Kim, J. The Current State of Implantable Tibial Nerve Stimulation Therapy. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 18, 274–279 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-023-00711-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-023-00711-9