Posterior tibial nerve stimulation in the management of overactive bladder: a prospective and controlled study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Posterior Tibial Nerve stimulation in women with overactivity bladder symptoms and the impact in the quality of life using the Overactivity Bladder Questionnaire (OABq). Methods: thirty seven women from female urology outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clinicas de Campinas (HC/UNICAMP) were enrolled in this prospective, controlled and randomized clinical trial. The patients were randomly placed in one of two groups: Treatment group: patients were submitted to tibial posterior nerve electrical stimulation (n=21) and Sham group: patients had electrodes placed without electricity (n = 16). After informed consent the patients underwent a physiotherapeutic evaluation, that included voiding diary and the overactivity bladder questionnaire(OABq). The treatment schedule included eight sessions of electrical stimulation in the posterior tibial nerve, twice a week. Results: there were significant changes in symptoms such as frequency and nocturia (p=0.003 e p=0.001). The urgency and quality of life was improved in both group after treatment. Conclusion: The posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation is an effective treatment in overactive bladder.