Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation

Posterior percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) can be an effective alternative for patients with overactive bladder syndrome whose symptoms have not been successfully addressed via behavioral or drug therapies. Here, a fine needle is used to deliver a mild electrical current into a nerve located just above the ankle. The current is delivered to the lumbar-sacral nerves that control bladder function. PTNS treatments may need to be repeated over a period of 10-12 weeks to achieve the desired results. This is considered a less invasive method of treatment than sacral root neuromodulation, which requires that a special device be permanently implanted in the patient. Other conditions that PTNS may be used to treat include neurogenic bladder, pediatric voiding dysfunction, painful bladder syndrome and non-obstructive urinary retention.