Simultaneous Sacral and Tibial Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation: Urodynamic Evaluation

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the acute effect of one single application of a combination of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the tibial nerve and TENS applied to the sacrum at the S2-S4 foramina in patients with symptoms of the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, using urodynamic parameters. Patients and Methods: Prospectively 40 female patients were consecutively selected by entry in 2 groups: urodynamics only and urodynamics combined with TENS. We applied TENS with a frequency of 20 Hz, a burst of 2 Hz and pulse duration of 200 µsec. Urodynamic evaluations were performed according to the International Continence Society standards. Results: By comparing urodynamic measurements in both groups, it appeared that the first sensation of bladder filling, cystometric capacity, micturition volume, urethral pressure and peak flow showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) during TENS. Conclusion: In the present study we were able to demonstrate an acute effect of one application of TENS in the combined setting on bladder function using urodynamic parameters in patients with the OAB syndrome. Whether our findings represent the clinical effect of TENS in patients with complaints of OAB symptoms, needs to be clarified.