Optimising SNM stimulation parameters for OAB and voiding dysfunction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Single-centre pilot-study to determine the optimal sacral neuromodulation (SNM) stimulation parameters to treat idiopathic detrusor overactivity and dysfunctional voiding.
IRAS ID
311461
Contact name
Eskinder Solomon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas'
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a relatively new treatment for patients with overactive bladders (OAB, increase urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence) and dysfunctional voiding (difficulty emptying the bladder secondary to a non-relaxing urinary sphincter). The mechanisms of action for SNM is still not fully understood, in particular, how the same therapy (same surgical procedure and neuromodulator stimulating parameters), can treat two contrasting bladder conditions.
It is thought that both diseases (OAB and DV) result from inappropriate activity of the pudendal nerve (PN) activity which controls the external urethral sphincter with OAB and DV patients having decreased and increased PN activity respectively. Electrical stimulation of the PN aims to ‘normalise’ the activity to the urethral sphincter.
Currently, the frequency of the electrical stimulation is the same when treating both OAB and VD patients. However, the effect of PN stimulation, that is whether it results in excitation or relaxation of the sphincter, may be frequency dependant. We aim to assess the effects of different stimulation frequencies to determine if we can increase the efficacy of SNM for both OAB and DV indications.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0354
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion