Comparison of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) Protocols
for Women With Refractory Overactive Bladder (OAB), a Prospective
Randomised Trial
Abstract
Objectives: Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) is a
non-invasive method used in OAB treatment. We aimed to compare the
effectiveness of the once a week and three times a week TTNS procedure
in women diagnosed with wet type refractory OAB. Methods: A total of 60
patients diagnosed with wet type OAB was refractory to medical treatment
included in the study. Participants were equally and randomly divided
into two groups: TTNS treatment was performed with a time duration of 30
minutes for 12 weeks, once a week to Groıp-I and three times a week to
Group-II. Pre and post-treatment OAB-V8/ICIQ-SF scores and voiding
frequencies recorded in the bladder diary were compared between groups.
Results: Four patients in Group-1 and eight in Group-2 left the study
without completing the treatment. TTNS was performed in both groups for
12 weeks. There was a significant decrease in the voiding frequency,
OAB-V8, ICIQ-SF scores in both group-1 and group-2 (p<0.001).
A significant decrease in the OAB-V8 score was observed in the 5th week
in Group-1, and on the 3rd week in group-2. Complete response was
observed in 6 patients (23.1%) in Group-1 after 12 weeks of TTNS
procedure. In group-2, 10 patients (45.5%) had a complete response.
After the 12-week TTNS procedure, no significant difference was observed
between the groups in terms of treatment response. Conclusion: TTNS can
be safely used before invasive treatments in resistant OAB. TTNS
procedure three times a week seems more effective than performing it
once a week.