Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation

Urinary incontinence, or uncontrolled leakage of urine, can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition. At Urology Specialists of Ohio, we understand the impact incontinence can have on your daily life and social interactions. We offer various treatment options to manage incontinence, and Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive approach that can help you regain bladder control.

What is Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)?

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a non-surgical treatment for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. It involves stimulating the tibial nerve in your ankle with a thin needle electrode. The tibial nerve plays a role in regulating bladder function, and PTNS is thought to modulate nerve signals between the bladder and the spinal cord, improving bladder control.

Benefits of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)

PTNS offers several advantages for managing overactive bladder and incontinence:

• Minimally invasive: No surgery or anesthesia required, making it a well-tolerated procedure.
• Non-medication approach: Avoids potential side effects associated with medications for incontinence.
• Outpatient procedure: PTNS treatment sessions can typically be performed in a clinic setting without requiring hospitalization.
• Durable results: Studies suggest that PTNS benefits can last for several months after treatment completion.

Is Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Right for You?

PTNS may not be suitable for all patients with urinary incontinence. Our urologists at Urology Specialists of Ohio will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a potential candidate for this treatment. This evaluation may involve:

• Medical history: Discussing your symptoms, severity of incontinence, and any past medical conditions or surgeries.
• Physical examination: Including a urinalysis to assess for signs of infection and a pelvic exam to evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength.
• Urodynamic testing: Specialized tests to evaluate how well your bladder stores and releases urine.
• Ruling out other causes: Your urologist may recommend additional tests to rule out underlying causes of incontinence, such as urinary tract infections or neurological conditions.

The Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Procedure

PTNS is typically performed in an outpatient setting at Urology Specialists of Ohio. Here's a general overview:

• You will be positioned comfortably on a reclining chair.
• A thin needle electrode will be inserted near your tibial nerve in your ankle.
• Low-level electrical pulses will be delivered through the electrode to stimulate the nerve.
• The treatment session typically lasts for 30 minutes and may be repeated once or twice a week for several weeks.

Recovery After Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation

PTNS is a well-tolerated procedure with minimal to no side effects. You may experience some mild discomfort or tingling at the stimulation site, which typically resolves quickly after the session. You can resume your normal activities immediately following treatment.

Urology Specialists of Ohio: Your Partner in Bladder Control

At Urology Specialists of Ohio, we are committed to helping you manage urinary incontinence and regain bladder control. Our urologists will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include PTNS or other options based on your individual needs. We understand that incontinence can be a sensitive topic, and we offer a supportive and compassionate environment for your care.