PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation)
Neuromodulation System
Treat urinary urgency, urinary frequency and urge incontinence
- Office-based treatment
- Highly effective: Multiple studies show patient response of 60- 80%
- Provides significant reduction in the frequency of bathroom visits and wetting accidents
- May be successful even when other therapies have failed
- May be used alone or in combination with other therapies, depending on your response to PTNS and your physician’s discretion
What can I expect from treatment with PTNS?
A small, slim needle electrode is temporarily inserted near your ankle. The needle electrode is then connected to the battery- powered stimulator, your physician will observe your body’s response to determine the ideal strength of the impulses. Each of your treatments will last approximately 30 min.
You will receive an initial series of 12 treatments, typically scheduled a week apart.
After the initial 12 treatments, your physician will discuss your response to the treatments and determine how often you will need future treatments to maintain your results.
What will I feel with PTNS therapy?
Because patients may experience the sensation of the PTNS treatment in different ways, it’s difficult to say what the treatment would feel like to you. However, treatment with PTNS is typically well-tolerated by patients. PTNS offers many different levels of stimulation, so your healthcare professional will be able to adjust treatment to suit you as well as address any discomfort that you might experience during treatment.
How soon will I see results?
Because PTNS gently modifies the signals to achieve bladder control, it will probably take at least 6 treatments for you to see your symptoms change. Typically scheduled two times per week. A majority of individuals using this type of neuromodulation experience significant improvement in their bladder control symptoms. It is important that you continue receiving treatments for the recommended 12 treatments before you and your physician evaluate whether this therapy is an appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
What medical treatments of urinary incontinence are there?
Cholinergic and anticholinergic medications, as well as hormonal therapy.