Sacral Neuromodulation: Determining Predictors of Success

Urology. 2021 Jul:153:124-128. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.06.023. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Abstract

Objective: To determine predictors of success for sacral neuromodulation in women with overactive bladder, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on women who underwent a staged sacral neuromodulation implantation between 2007 and 2018. Clinical and procedural characteristics were recorded. Presence of intraoperative motor responses in either all 4 or <4 electrodes were used to group women. Endpoints included completion of stage II implant, tined lead revision, and patient-reported success.

Results: In 198 women with a mean age of 62.9 years (SD+/- 14.7), completion of stage II implant occurred in 92.4% of women, and 83.3% of these women reported success at the first postoperative visit. Continued success at 6 months was reported in 70.3%. Lead revision was noted in 23.0%. Age >65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06-0.8) and prior onabotulinumtoxinA (onaBoNT-A) (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.06-0.9) were negative predictors for completion of stage II implant on multivariable analysis. Also, prior pelvic floor physical therapy was a significant negative predictor of postoperative patient-reported success on multivariable analysis (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.1-0.6). There were no differences seen in women who had motor responses with either all 4 electrodes or <4 electrodes in any endpoint (P > .05).

Conclusion: Patient age >65 and history of prior onaBoNT-A were associated with failure to complete stage II implant. Women with prior pelvic floor physical therapy were less likely to report success after sacral neuromodulation. Motor responses in <4 electrodes during lead testing did not impact patient-reported success.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Fecal Incontinence* / physiopathology
  • Fecal Incontinence* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Plexus / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Reported Outcome Measures
  • Pelvic Floor / physiopathology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sacrum
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation* / adverse effects
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation* / instrumentation
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Bladder, Overactive* / physiopathology
  • Urinary Bladder, Overactive* / therapy
  • Urinary Retention / physiopathology
  • Urinary Retention / therapy
  • Women's Health