Patient‐reported outcomes in the setting of a randomized control trial on the efficacy of transcutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve compared to percutaneous stimulation in idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome

Aim To compare the efficacy of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) regarding patient‐reported outcomes measures, specifically quality‐of‐life (QoL) improvement and patient's treatment benefit, on symptoms associated with overactive bladder (OAB). Methods Patients with refractory OAB symptoms and detrusor overactivity were randomized to receive TTNS or PTNS for 12 weeks. Data from self‐report OAB questionnaire short form (q‐SF) and incontinence (I)‐QoL questionnaires were collected pretreatment and at Weeks 6 and 12. Patients’ self‐perceived benefits on symptoms (treatment benefit scale, TBS) were also gathered. Mean change in scores within and between groups were estimated. Results Sixty‐eight adult patients (67.6% women) were included in the intention to treat analysis. Of those, 61 completed all questionnaires and were analyzed as per protocol. Statistically significant improvements in OAB‐q‐SF and I‐QoL between baseline and end‐of‐treatment scores were observed in both TTNS and PTNS groups (p