Percutaneous Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Percutaneous sacral nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure to stimulate nerves just under the skin that influence the bladder and surrounding muscles. A four-electrode lead is introduced through a small incision in the lower back. During stimulation, a mild current is applied to the nerves via a small pulse generator. Originally used to treat urinary symptoms such as refractory overactive bladder, urge incontinence, and non-obstructive urinary retention, sacral nerve stimulation is also being explored for interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder, dysfunctional elimination syndrome in children, fecal incontinence, constipation, and chronic pelvic pain.

Reviewed March 4, 2012
Lawrence Poree, MD, PhD
Member, International Neuromodulation Society
Professor, University of California School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, San Francisco CA, USA

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