Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in overactive bladder: application and how to do it: Letter to Editor

Abstract

Lower urinary tract problems, including overactive bladder, are one of the most common diseases that increase with age and impose an enormous economic, psychological, and social burden on society. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for this problem. Stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve from the medial malleolus area, which is called percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), is one of the recommended treatment methods for overactive bladder, which has been recently noticed and applied in the treatment of this disease. In this method, the posterior tibial nerve is stimulated from the lower leg (medial malleolus area) using a needle electrode or a surface electrode during consecutive sessions. This method works based on neuromodulation theory, which is minimally invasive and safe but time-consuming. In the available studies, this method has been able to significantly help patients with overactive bladder without underlying causes or even with underlying causes, such as neurological disorders. Considering the beneficial therapeutic effects of this method, in this study, we decided to review the use of PTNS in urinary problems, including overactive bladder, as well as thoroughly explain its performance and side effects.