Sacral neuromodulation as a treatment for chronic pelvic pain

Case report: Sacral neuromodulation for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in patient with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease is an uncommon neurodegenerative disorder. The diagnosis of this condition has become more definitive based on current research. However, treatment options remain limited. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is one of the prevalent and significant complications, which is the result of its multi-system effects. Here, we present the case of a 48-year-old man diagnosed with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease based on existing evidence and was complicated by neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Despite undergoing some medical treatments, his lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary incontinence, incomplete or intermittent voiding, etc, continued to worsen while upper urinary tract injury developed. Based on careful consideration of the patient's condition and the available findings, we performed an unprecedented sacral neuromodulation on him. Implementation of sacral neuromodulation led to significant improvement in his urination function and alleviate kidney function damage. Our case suggests a potential therapeutic role for sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction associated with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease. Additional research is required to determine the effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation in managing neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction caused by various etiologies.

Sacral neuromodulation in endometriosis - A promising treatment option for chronic pelvic pain

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects over one fifth of women worldwide, and endometriosis is one of the most common causes. In the present study, we examined whether sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is effective in the treatment of refractory chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This multicenter prospective pilot study was started in 2017 and includes patients with chronic pelvic pain with no other obvious pathology than endometriosis. Other treatment options have been tried or they are unsuitable. Patients underwent SNM implantation. The main outcome was postoperative pain reduction and secondary outcome was quality of life. The following questionnaires were used to assess the outcomes: Brief pain inventory (BPI), clinical global impression - improvement (CGI-I), 15D-measure of health-related quality of life, and Biberoglu and Behrman (B&B) score.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients underwent the SNM procedure and, at the time of analysis, 15 patients had returned one-year questionnaires. The patients had a history of endometriosis for a median of 5.5 (interquartile range 2-9) years, with no correlation between the severity of symptoms and the duration of the disease (p = 0.158). A total of 31 patients (89%) were implanted with the internal pulse generator. There were statistically significant changes in BPI pain-related items. Worst experienced daily pain decreased among those who returned 12-month questionnaires from median 9 to 5 (p = 0.006), average daily pain from 6 to 3.5 (p = 0.004), and least daily pain from 3 to 1 (p = 0.004). Based on the CGI questionnaire (n = 14), at 12 months nine patients (60%) experienced great improvement in their symptoms, three patients (20%) much improvement and two patients (13%) minimal improvement. None of the patients experienced worsening of their symptoms. There was a statistically significant change in overall 15D score at 1 month (p < 0.001), 6 months (p = 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.018), when the results were compared to baseline values. Median B&B score also improved significantly and decreased from a baseline value of 8 (4-12) to 4.5 (0-6), p = 0.002.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the preliminary findings of our study, SNM might be a promising treatment of CPP in endometriosis patients.

[Functional-neurosurgical treatment options for functional pelvic floor disorders : Value of sacral neuromodulation]

BACKGROUND

Sacral neuromodulation is an established minimally invasive therapy indicated for the treatment of functional pelvic floor disorders. While it received its original US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms, it is now regarded as a therapeutic option to treat both urinary/fecal incontinence and retention. In addition, it has proven to be a valuable tool in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, and preliminary results indicate a potential to elicit improvements in sexual functioning.

OBJECTIVE

This article serves to provide a summary of the therapy and its applications.

METHOD

Selective literature review.

RESULTS

Sacral neuromodulation implants allow for the controlled shifting of the autonomic control of bladder and rectum towards an inhibition or facilitation of voiding, dependent on the patient's needs and under the patient's control. At the same time and depending on the applied stimulation, the implants can interfere with the nerve's conduction of pain signals. This makes them a therapeutic option for pelvic pain that fails to respond to conventional treatment. Finally, there have been first reports suggesting improvements in sexual dysfunction under sacral neuromodulation, thus, potentially opening up a new line of therapy for those disorders.

DISCUSSION

Sacral neuromodulation is a flexible and efficient form of therapy for functional disorders of the pelvic floor. Specifically, the same intervention can treat seemingly contradictory disorders such as urinary/fecal incontinence and retention as well as chronic pain.

Functional material-mediated wireless physical stimulation for neuro-modulation and regeneration

Nerve injuries and neurological diseases remain intractable clinical challenges. Despite the advantages of stem cell therapy in treating neurological disorders, uncontrollable cell fates and loss of cell function in vivo are still challenging. Recently, increasing attention has been given to the roles of external physical signals, such as electricity and ultrasound, in regulating stem cell fate as well as activating or inhibiting neuronal activity, which provides new insights for the treatment of neurological disorders. However, direct physical stimulations in vivo are short in accuracy and safety. Functional materials that can absorb energy from a specific physical field exerted in a wireless way and then release another localized physical signal hold great advantages in mediating noninvasive or minimally invasive accurate indirect physical stimulations to promote the therapeutic effect on neurological disorders. In this review, the mechanism by which various physical signals regulate stem cell fate and neuronal activity is summarized. Based on these concepts, the approaches of using functional materials to mediate indirect wireless physical stimulation for neuro-modulation and regeneration are systematically reviewed. We expect that this review will contribute to developing wireless platforms for neural stimulation as an assistance for the treatment of neurological diseases and injuries.

Comparison of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in category IIIB chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A randomized prospective trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a heterogenous condition that impacts the Quality of life severely, and it has multimodal complex treatment options. We aimed to compare the efficacy of two well-described neuromodulation therapies, transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) versus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the treatment of category IIIB CP/CPPS.

METHODS

This study was designed as a randomized prospective clinical trial. We randomized category IIIB CP/CPPS patients into two treatment groups as TTNS and PTNS groups. Category IIIB CP/CPPS was diagnosed by two or four-glass Meares-Stamey test. All patients included in our study were antibiotic/anti-inflammatory resistant. Transcutaneous and percutaneous treatments were applied 30 min sessions for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated by Turkish-validated National Health Institute Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) initially and after treatment. Treatment success was evaluated within each group and also compared with each other.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients in the TTNS group and 42 patients in the PTNS group were included in the final analysis. The mean VAS scores of the TTNS group were lower than the PTNS group initially (7.11 and 7.43, respectively), (p = 0.03). The pretreatment NIH-CPSI scores were similar between groups (p = 0.07). VAS scores, total NIH-CPSI, NIH-CPSI micturation, NIH-CPSI pain, and NIH-CPSI QoL scores decreased significantly at the end of the treatment in both groups. We found a significantly higher VAS and NIH-CPSI scores decrease in the PTNS group compared to the TTNS group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Both PTNS and TTNS are effective treatment methods in category IIIB CP/CPPS. Comparing the two methods, PTNS provided a higher level of improvement in terms of pain and quality of life.

Sacral neuromodulation treatment for urinary voiding dysfunctions: results of treatment with the largest single-center series in a tertiary referral center in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive treatment that modulates spinal reflexes to regulate bladder, urinary sphincter, and pelvic floor and has successfully been used in the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to present our experience with SNM in a tertiary referral center with the largest number of patients and review the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

METHODS

A total of 42 patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms were included into the study. After an initial test period, patients who showed more than 50% improvement in their symptoms underwent the second stage of SNM. Twelve patients had overactive bladder (OAB), bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and 17 had urinary retention. The clinical success was examined during follow-up by voiding diary, urodynamics, and global response assessment.

RESULTS

Between February 2015 and December 2020, a total of 29 patients underwent stages I&II SNM procedures. The mean ages of patients in OAB/BPS group and retention group were 40 (37-57 years) and 35 (27-44 years), respectively. Mean follow-up time was at least 1 year. Overall, 58.5% success rate was observed in OAB, BPS/IC, and urinary retention groups. Global response assessment score in both groups increased significantly (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between success or failure rates when sex and age were variable parameters (p > 0.05).

DISCUSSION

SNM appears to be an effective and safe treatment option in restoring voiding dysfunctions in patients with refractory idiopathic and neurogenic voiding dysfunctions. Our initial series revealed favorable results; however, further studies with larger series and longer follow-up are needed.

Is Sacral Neuromodulation a Treatment Option for Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction?

Here, we present the first reported case that used sacral neuromodulation as a treatment option for bladder neck obstruction in a 48-year-old man who presented with a long-standing history of lower urinary tract symptoms such as storage and voiding symptoms unresponsive to conservative and medical treatments, including chemodenervation. The patient was diagnosed with primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) using a urodynamic study, voiding cystourethrography, and cystoscopy. Sacral neuromodulation was used because the patient refused bladder neck incision because of the risk of retrograde ejaculation. The patient reported significant improvement in symptoms with no obstructive pattern on follow-up uroflowmetry after six months. The use of alpha-blockers, bladder neck incision, and Botox injection into the bladder neck to treat PBNO has been reported. The successful use of sacral neuromodulation to treat PBNO has not been reported before.

Neuromodulation in Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Narrative Review

Chronic primary pelvic pain syndrome (CPPPS) is a heterogeneous disease with unknown pathogenesis and a lack of distinct pathological features, which complicates diagnosis and therapy and has a significant impact on patients' daily life. Because pharmacological management is ineffective and long-term use may result in additional system damage, developing a more effective treatment is critical. Neuromodulation has advanced rapidly over the last few decades, and various types of neuromodulations have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of CPPPS. In this article we discuss the evolution of neuromodulation technology in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, its application to various subtypes of chronic pelvic pain, and the comparison of relevant efficacy and parameter differences, as well as assess the relative advantages and disadvantages of sacral neuromodulation, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation , transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electroacupuncture, and pudendal neuromodulation. Furthermore, it was noted that chronic pelvic pain should be evaluated in terms of pain, associated symptoms, psychological problems, and quality of life. Although neuromodulation approaches have been shown to be effective in treating chronic pelvic pain, more extensive multicenter trials are required to confirm this.

Current role of neuromodulation in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis

Neuromodulation is recommended by major international guidelines as a fourth-line treatment in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) patients after failure of behavioural, oral and intravesical pharmacological treatments, including hydrodistension. A non-systematic review of studies identified by electronic search of MEDLINE was performed with no time limitation. A narrative synthesis of the existing evidence regarding the results of sacral, tibial and pudendal nerve stimulation in the management of BPS/IC was developed. Neuromodulation in pelvic chronic pain disorders, including BPS/IC, is a useful tool for refractory patients to conventional treatments. Sacral neuromodulation may be effective in patients with BPS without Hunner's lesions, and the effect seems to be maintained in the mid- and long-term. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation can be offered to patients with BPS/IC in the context of a multidisciplinary approach. When pudendal neuralgia is suspected, selective pudendal nerve stimulation has a high response rate. The aetiology of the pain can influence the outcomes in the mid- and long-term of the different neuromodulation approaches, thus careful diagnosis is recommended.

First-line treatment posterior tibial nerve stimulation in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of first-line treatment posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), applied once a week for a 12 week period, as a treatment modality for patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS).

Material and methods

A total of 39 female patients with IC/BPS were enrolled in the study. Patients had one 30-minute session of PTNS per week for 12 weeks and symptoms were assessed before and after the treatment sessions by the use of a voiding diary, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptom index (ICSI), and O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis problem index (ICPI).

Results

The mean age of the patients was 38.9 ±7.1 years. The improvements in voiding diary parameters after 12 weeks of PTNS treatment were statistically significant compared to baseline but the changes in nocturia, and average voiding volume were not statistically significant. Mean parametric improvements after 12 weeks of PTNS treatment compared to baseline included a daytime frequency decrease by 3.8 voids daily, urgency episodes decrease by 4.7 episodes daily, nocturia decrease by 0.3 voids and voided volume improvement by a mean of 8.4 ml. The difference for ICSI, ICPI and VAS between baseline and the 12^th week of PTNS treatment scores demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain severity, symptom and problem index.

Conclusions

The findings in this study demonstrated the improvements of voiding diaries, ICSI, ICPI and VAS scores in patients with IC/BPS after 12 weeks PTNS. PTNS treatment is a beneficial firs-line treatment option to IC/BPS symptom amelioration.

The science behind programming algorithms for sacral neuromodulation

AIM

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a widely adopted treatment for overactive bladder, non-obstructive urinary retention and faecal incontinence. In the majority, it provides sustained clinical benefit. However, it is recognized that, even for these patients, stimulation parameters (such as amplitude, electrode configuration, frequency and pulse width) may vary at both initial device programming and at reprogramming, the latter often being required to optimize effectiveness. Although some recommendations exist for SNM programming, the scientific data to support them are understood by few clinicians.

METHODS

This is a narrative review of the literature covering some of the science behind stimulating a mixed peripheral nerve and available preclinical data in the field of SNM. It covers electrode configuration, amplitude, frequency, pulse width and cycling considerations. The review is targeted at clinicians with an interest in the field and does not seek to provide exhaustive detail on basic neuroscience.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the science of neuromodulation provides some guiding principles for programming but these are broad. These principles are not refuted by preclinical data but specific parameters in clinical use are not strongly supported by animal data, even after the limitations of small and large animal models are considered. The review presents a shortlist of programming principles on a theoretical basis but acknowledges that current practice is as much derived from evolved experience as science.

Outcomes of sacral neuromodulation for chronic pelvic pain: a Finnish national multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients in the Finnish national cohort.

METHODS

This was a register-based retrospective study, involving all the centers that provide SNM treatment in Finland. The data of all patients treated with SNM for CPP were gathered from Oulu-, Turku-, Tampere- and Helsinki University Hospitals, as well as Jyväskylä and Seinäjoki Central Hospitals. All patients who had been tested for SNM implantation prior to April 2017 were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were selected for SNM treatment due to CPP from 2004 until 2017. The mean follow-up time was 13.8 months (SD 22.9 months). A total of 28 patients (57%) advanced from testing to permanent stimulator implantation. There were 21 patients (41%) who had a working modulator implanted at the end of follow-up. Patients with endometriosis-related pain had a significantly higher permanent implantation rate than the overall implantation rate (88% vs. 57%; p = 0.01). The endometriosis patients also had a higher overall success rate by the end of the follow-up (75% vs. 41%; p = 0.026) CONCLUSIONS: SNM may be a viable treatment option for patients with CPP due to endometriosis. Further research on SNM treatment for endometriosis patients with refractory CPP is needed.

Balance ability and posture in postmenopausal women with chronic pelvic pain

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to analyze balance ability and posture in postmenopausal women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

METHODS

This study includes a sample of 48 women with CPP recruited from the Gynecology Service of Virgen de las Nieves and San Cecilio Hospitals in Granada (Spain) and 48 healthy control women matched with respect to age and anthropometric characteristics. Outcome variables collected included: balance ability (Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and Timed Up an Go Test) and posture (photogrammetry and Spinal Mouse).

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in all Mini Best Test subscales: total (P < 0.001), anticipatory (P = 0.002), reactive postural control (P < 0.001), sensory orientation (P < 0.001), and dynamic gait (P < 0.001), and all Timed Up and Go test subscales: alone (P < 0.001), with manual (P = 0.002) and cognitive task (P = 0.030). Significant differences were also found on spinal cervical angles with a forward head posture in women with CPP; global spine alignment exhibited more deviation in the women with CPP (P < 0.001); and a higher percentage of women with CPP (58%) presented with increased thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Cohen's d was used to calculate the effect size. Some subscales of balance and posture tests showed a large effect size (d ≥0.8), indicating a more consistent result.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with CPP presented poor balance including anticipatory, reactive postural control, sensory orientation, dynamic gait, and dual task-related conditions. Posture showed higher values on the dorsal angle and lower sacral inclination, less spine alignment, and a more prevalent posture with increased kyphosis and lumbar lordosis.

[Sacral neuromodulation in under- and overactive detrusor-quo vadis? : Principles and developments]

BACKGROUND

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been used in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder syndrome, nonobstructive urinary retention and faecal incontinence for almost 40 years now. It is not to be confused with the sacral anterior root stimulation which is exclusively used for bladder dysfunction due to spinal paraplegia.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The principles of SNM are yet to be fully understood. Nevertheless, there is proof of modulating the activity of several micturition-associated, afferent neurons in the spine, brainstem and cerebrum. Thus, premature detrusor contractions are suppressed, the desire to void is delayed and detrusor-sphincter coordination improves.

TECHNIQUES OF IMPLANTATION AND STIMULATION

Motor reactions are an important indicator of correct electrode placement. The implantation procedure consists of two stages with an initial trial phase to determine the best possible treatment response through an external generator before implanting the whole stimulating device. Yearly check-up examinations are recommended; wireless adjustments allow for long-lasting symptom reduction.

INDICATION AND OUTCOME

Success rates in the treatment of the refractory overactive bladder syndrome and the non-obstructive urinary retention lie above 70% and can still be perceived as sufficient after 5 years of ongoing SNM therapy. There is also profound evidence of SNM being an effective option for patients with faecal incontinence or chronic obstipation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND RISKS

Children, pregnant women and patients in need of frequent MRI examinations are usually not eligible for SNM therapy. Infection of the implant, technical failure (including lead displacement and battery depletion) and pain in the implantation site are important adverse effects which might require surgical revision.

CONCLUSIONS

The indications for SNM in the German health care system can be expected to be expanded upon the chronic pelvic pain syndrome, erectile dysfunction and additional gastrointestinal conditions. Technical progress will continue to improve the risk-benefit ratio of SNM.

Sacral neuromodulation treating chronic pelvic pain: a meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is gaining popularity as a treatment option for chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Our hypothesis is that SNM is effective in improving CPP.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted through September 2018. Peer-reviewed studies using pre- and postpain intensity scores were selected. The primary outcome was pain improvement on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) (adjusted or de novo) in patients with CPP. Secondary outcomes included comparing SNM approaches and etiologies and evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

RESULTS

Fourteen of 2175 studies, evaluating 210 patients, were eligible for further analysis. The overall VAS pain score improvement was significant [weighted mean difference (WMD) -4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -5.22, to-3.64, p < 0.0001)]. Regarding SNM approach, both standard and caudal approaches had significant reduction in pain scores: WMD -4.32, CI 95% = -5.32, to -3.31 (p < 0.001) for the standard approach, compared with WMD -4.63, 95% CI = -6.57 to -2.69 (P < 0.001), for the caudal approach (p = 0.75). While significant improvement in pain was observed both in patients with and without interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), the observed improvement was lower in patients with (WMD -4.13, CI 95% -5.36 to -2.90 versus without (WMD -5.72, CI 95% = -6.18, to-5.27) IC/BPS (p = 0.02). SNM was effective in treating voiding symptoms (frequency, urgency, nocturia) associated with IC/BPS (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SNM is an effective therapy for CPP in both IC/BSP and non-IC/BSP patients, with better results in non-IC/BSP patients. Outcomes of the antegrade caudal approach were comparable with the standard retrograde approach.

Management of Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Syndrome: What Is the Optimal Strategy After Failure of Conservative Treatment?

CONTEXT

A considerable number of patients affected by the overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) do not respond to pharmacotherapy and bladder training due to unsatisfactory response or intolerability.

OBJECTIVE

To review the available literature assessing therapeutic effect of the available third-line treatment modalities for OAB.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases were searched for all studies comparing outcomes of the available third-line treatment modalities for OAB.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Several minimally invasive surgical procedures are available for patients with refractory OAB. These therapies include intravesical botulinum toxin type A, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral neuromodulation.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the mentioned therapeutic modalities shows strong superiority over another. If the results of one therapy are not satisfactory, switching to another third-line treatment can be attempted. The treatment algorithm is dependent on several factors, including age, comorbidity, patient preference, surgical expertise, and financial concerns. All these factors should be taken into consideration before initiation of treatment.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In the management of drug-resistant overactive bladder syndrome, the different minimally invasive treatments that are available are equal. If the results of one therapy are not satisfactory, switching to another treatment can be attempted. The treatment algorithm is dependent on several factors, including age, comorbidity, patient preference, surgical expertise, and financial concerns.

The efficacy of botulinum toxin A and sacral neuromodulation in the management of interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS), what do we know? ICI-RS 2017 think thank, Bristol

AIMS

This manuscript aims to address the evidence availale in the literature on the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT-A) and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in patients suffering from Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/BPS and propose further research to identify mechanisms of action and establish the clinical efficacy of either therapy.

METHODS

At the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS) in 2017, a panel of Functional Urologists and Urogynaecologists participated in a Think Tank (TT) discussing the management of IC/BPS by BoNT-A and SNM, using available data from both PubMed and Medicine literature searches.

RESULTS

The role of BoNT-A and SNM in the treatment of IC/BPS are discussed and mechanisms of actions are proposed. Despite the available randomized trial data on the effect of intravesical BoNT-A treatment on symptoms of IC/BPS, a consistent conclusion of a positive effect cannot be drawn at the moment, as the published studies are small and heterogeneous in design. There is substantive evidence for the positive effects of SNM on symptoms of IC/BPS patients however, during patient selection, it is important to distinguish the degree and the location of pain in order to tailor the best therapy to the right patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Both intravesical BoNT-A treatment and SNM have been shown to have positive effects in patients with IC/BPS. However, firm conclusions cannot yet be drawn. Patient-reported outcomes and quality of life should be assessed in addition to urinary and pain symptoms. Since current treatments mainly focus on symptomatic relief, future research should also focus on clarifying the pathogenic mechanisms involved in IC/BPS.

Anorectal and Pelvic Pain

Although pelvic pain is a symptom of several structural anorectal and pelvic disorders (eg, anal fissure, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease), this comprehensive review will focus on the 3 most common nonstructural, or functional, disorders associated with pelvic pain: functional anorectal pain (ie, levator ani syndrome, unspecified anorectal pain, and proctalgia fugax), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The first 2 conditions occur in both sexes, while the latter occurs only in men. They are defined by symptoms, supplemented with levator tenderness (levator ani syndrome) and bladder mucosal inflammation (interstitial cystitis). Although distinct, these conditions share several similarities, including associations with dysfunctional voiding or defecation, comorbid conditions (eg, fibromyalgia, depression), impaired quality of life, and increased health care utilization. Several factors, including pelvic floor muscle tension, peripheral inflammation, peripheral and central sensitization, and psychosocial factors, have been implicated in the pathogenesis. The management is tailored to symptoms, is partly supported by clinical trials, and includes multidisciplinary approaches such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacological, behavioral, and physical therapy. Opioids should be avoided, and surgical treatment has a limited role, primarily in refractory interstitial cystitis.

CT evaluation of acupuncture needles inserted into sacral foramina

OBJECTIVE

To use CT scanning to evaluate the precision with which acupuncture needles can be inserted into sacral foramina to establish sacral nerve modulation by electroacupuncture.

METHODS

The subjects were five adult women (mean age 71.6 years). These five cases were divided into two groups. In the first three subjects (group A) the intention was to insert acupuncture needles in the S3 and S4 foramina; in the remaining two subjects (group B) the intention was to insert acupuncture needles in the S2 and S3 foramina.

RESULTS

CT scanning showed that in subject 1 of group A, the acupuncture needle intended for insertion in S3 was actually in the S4 foramen, and the acupuncture needle intended for insertion in S4 was actually distal to the sacral body. In subjects 2 and 3, the acupuncture needles were inserted accurately in the S3 and S4 foramina. In the three subjects who had acupuncture needles inserted in the S4 foramen, the tip of the acupuncture needle was an average distance of 6.0 mm from the rectum. The acupuncture needles inserted in subjects 4 and 5 of group B were inserted accurately into the S2 and S3 foramina.

CONCLUSIONS

Inserting acupuncture needles into the sacral foramina of S2 and S3 at an angle of about 60° has the potential to be used for sacral nerve modulation by repeated electroacupuncture stimulation. Needling may be less accurate in subjects with higher body mass index. Because of the potential risk of perforating the rectum with the needle, this technique must be used by specialists only.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

2013-026.

Sono-electro-magnetic therapy for treating chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of sono-electro-magnetic therapy compared to placebo in men with refractory CPPS.

Patients and Methods

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind single center trial, we assessed the effect of sono-electro-magnetic therapy in men with treatment refractory CPPS. Sixty male patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either sono-electro-magnetic (n = 30) or placebo therapy (n = 30) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) from baseline to 12 weeks.

Results

The 12-week difference between sono-electro-magnetic and placebo therapy in changes of the NIH-CPSI total score was −3.1 points (95% CI −6.8 to 0.6, p = 0.11). In secondary comparisons of NIH-CPSI sub-scores, we found differences between groups most pronounced for the quality-of-life sub-score (difference at 12 weeks −1.6, 95% CI −2.8 to −0.4, p = 0.015). In stratified analyses, the benefit of sono-electro-magnetic therapy appeared more pronounced among patients who had a symptom duration of 12 months or less (difference in NIH-CPSI total score −8.3, 95% CI −14.5 to 2.6) than in patients with a longer symptom duration (−0.8, 95% CI −4.6 to 3.1; p for interaction = 0.023).

Conclusions

Sono-electro-magnetic therapy did not result in a significant improvement of symptoms in the overall cohort of treatment refractory CPPS patients compared to placebo treatment. Subgroup analysis indicates, however, that patients with a symptom-duration of 12 months or less may benefit from sono-electro-magnetic therapy, warranting larger randomized controlled trials in this subpopulation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00688506

New directions in the treatment of pelvic pain

SUMMARY The treatment of chronic pelvic pain in both females and males is a challenge for pain clinicians. Standard therapies are multimodal in nature with use of behavioral, medical and procedural therapeutics. In recent years, our understanding of the neurobiology of this disorder has improved and novel approaches have focused on neuromodulatory options, novel pharmacology and complementary/alternative medicine options. This review briefly examines newly employed therapeutic options, while restating currently utilized options. The current state-of-the-art treatment includes focal therapies for identified pathologies and empiric trials of other options for care when precise sources of the chronic pelvic pain are ill defined.

Successful management of chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain is a common, multifactorial complaint that affects both women and men, causing disability and frustration for patients. The exact aetiology remains unknown, although several theories have been proposed. Assessment should be undertaken with care and compassion, while considering the sensitive nature of the area. Management involves ruling out treatable pathology concomitant with strategies to control pain. Novel treatment approaches have been investigated for specific clinical scenarios. The more severe CPP cases are best managed using a multidisciplinary approach. Management requires good integration and knowledge of all pelvic organ systems and including musculoskeletal, neurologic and psychological mechanisms.

Nerve stimulation for chronic pelvic pain and bladder pain syndrome: a systematic review

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and bladder pain syndrome (BPS) can have a negative impact on quality of life. Neuromodulation has been suggested as a possible treatment for refractory pain. To assess the effectiveness of tibial and sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of BPS and CPP. We searched until July 2012: the Cochrane Library, EMBASE (1980-2012), Medline (1950-2012), Web of knowledge (1900-2012), LILACS (1982-2012) and SIGLE (1990-2012) with no language restrictions. We manually searched through bibliographies and conference proceedings of the International Continence Society. Randomized and prospective quasi-randomized controlled studies vs. sham nerve stimulation treatment or usual care of patients with CPP and BPS who underwent sacral or tibial nerve stimulation were included. Any studies involving transcutaneous stimulation were excluded. The outcome was a cure or improvement in symptoms. Three studies with 169 patients treated with tibial nerve stimulation were included; two for CPP and one for BPS. There were improvements in pain, urinary and quality of life scores. There were no reported data for sacral nerve stimulation. There is scanty literature reporting variable success of posterior tibial nerve stimulation in improving pain, urinary symptoms and quality of life in CPP and BPS. In view of the dearth of quality literature, a large multi-centered clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of electrical nerve stimulation to treat BPS and CPP along with the cost-analysis of this treatment is recommended.

Understanding the dissemination of sacral neuromodulation

OBJECTIVES

To assess trends in the use of sacral neuromodulation and to measure the magnitude of variation in its use across geographic regions.

METHODS

We used the State Ambulatory Surgery Database (SASD) from 2002 to 2009 from Florida to identify patients implanted with a neuromodulator. Age- and gender-adjusted rates of implantation were calculated by year and by geographic region, defined by the Hospital Service Area. The coefficient of variation was estimated to quantify the magnitude of variation for different time periods.

RESULTS

Adjusted rates of sacral neuromodulation increased significantly from 1.1 per 100,000 population in 2002 to 10.4 per 100,000 population in 2009. The majority of cases were performed for overactive bladder. There was a very large amount of geographic variation in rates of these procedures as evidenced by the high coefficients of variation: 1.67 (2002 and 2003), 1.70 (2004 and 2005), 1.49 (2006 and 2007), and 1.05 (2008 and 2009).

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of sacral neuromodulation have increased dramatically over the past decade. However, these rates of utilization are highly variable across regions, with some regions performing large numbers of these procedures and other regions performing few to no procedures. This range in practice patterns may reflect medical uncertainty surrounding the role of this procedure.

Efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in treating chronic pain related to painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis in adults

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation in treating chronic pelvic pain related to Painful bladder syndrome/Interstitial-cystitis.

DESIGN

The databases searched were MEDLINE and EMBASE [1950- Nov 2011]. Additional searches were performed on the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews (CDSR), Scopus, CINAHL, BIOSIS, The Cochrane controlled trials register, the science citation index, TRIP DATABASE.

RESULTS

Overall 70.8% or 170/244 patients were successful at the trial stage. The only randomized controlled trial reported a decrease in Visual analogue pain scores of 49% (7.9 to 4.0) for sacral nerve stimulation [SNS] and 29%(4.5 to 3.2) for pudendal nerve stimulation [PNS] at 6 months follow up. Nine observational studies reported a decrease in pain scores/decrease in pain medications at long term follow up following permanent sacral neuromodulation. One study showed an 80% improvement in Global response assessment score.

CONCLUSION

The results from the randomised controlled trial and case series/case reports demonstrate a reduction of pain symptoms of Painful bladder syndrome following sacral neuromodulation.

Providing holistic care for women with chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the most common pain conditions affecting women and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Assessment of women with CPP is best approached in a comprehensive, systematic manner that includes exploration of physiological and psychological causes. A range of treatment options that draw from conventional medicine and complementary and alternative modalities should be offered. The women's health nurse plays a pivotal role in all aspects of care.