Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Treating Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Abstract Context Tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) is a promising therapy for non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and might also be a valuable option for patients with an underlying neurological disorder. Objective We systematically reviewed all available evidence on the efficacy and safety of TNS for treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Evidence acquisition The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Evidence synthesis After screening 1943 articles, 16 studies (4 randomized controlled trials [RCTs], 9 prospective cohort studies, 2 retrospective case series, and 1 case report) enrolling 469 patients (283 women and 186 men) were included. Five studies reported on acute TNS and 11 on chronic TNS. In acute and chronic TNS, the mean increase of maximum cystometric capacity ranged from 56 to 132 mL and from 49 to 150 mL, and the mean increase of bladder volume at first detrusor overactivity ranged from 44 to 92 mL and from 93 to 121 mL, respectively. In acute and chronic TNS, the mean decrease of maximum detrusor pressure during the storage phase ranged from 5 to 15 cm H2 O and from 4 to 21 cm H2 O, respectively. In chronic TNS, the mean decrease in number of voids per 24 h, in number of leakages per 24 h, and in postvoid residual ranged from 3 to 7, from 1 to 4, and from 15 to 55 mL, respectively. No TNS-related adverse events have been reported. Risk of bias and confounding was high in most studies. Conclusions Although preliminary data of RCTs and non-RCTs suggest TNS might be effective and safe for treating NLUTD, the evidence base is poor, derived from small, mostly noncomparative studies with a high risk of bias and confounding. More reliable data from well-designed RCTs are needed to reach definitive conclusions. Patient summary Early data suggest tibial nerve stimulation might be effective and safe for treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, but more reliable evidence is required.