Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) for Overactive Bladder (OAB)
PTNS is a non-surgical treatment option for OAB, a condition characterized by frequent urination, urgency, and sometimes incontinence.
This treatment is used for patients with OAB who have not responded well to other treatments, such as medications or lifestyle changes.
The benefits of PTNS include:
- Reduces frequency, urgency, and incontinence
- Improves quality of life and sleep
- May be an effective alternative to medications or surgery
How it Works
A very small needle is inserted near the tibial nerve on the inside of your lower leg. Electrical impulses are delivered to the nerve, which sends calming signals to the bladder muscles. The impulses are not painful.
This stimulation regulates your bladder function and reduces OAB symptoms.
Treatment Schedule
Initially, PTNS treatments are administered once a week for 12 weeks. After the initial 12 weeks, maintenance treatments may be given once a month for patients who experience good relief. Some patients can go several months between treatments.
Side Effects
Common side effects may include mild tingling, numbness, or mild pain at the needle site. Serious side effects are rare.
Effectiveness
Studies have shown that PTNS improves OAB symptoms in up to 80% of patients. The long-term effectiveness of PTNS is still being studied, but some patients may require maintenance treatments to continue symptom control, or may be good candidates for peripheral or sacral neuromodulation implant devices.
