PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation)
Bladder confidence and control without drugs or surgery with PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation). Don’t let the symptoms of overactive bladder control your life!
PTNS: Bladder control without drugs or surgery
The Urgent PC Neuromodulation System, is a non-drug, outpatient treatment for the associated symptoms of Overactive Bladder including urgency, frequency and urge incontinence
- Used in out-patient clinics since 2003.
- Delivers PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation) and is effective for men and women.
- Patient sits comfortably with a slim needle electrode placed near the ankle. You may feel a small prick when the needle is placed.
- A device is attached to the needle and delivers mild electrical impulses which travel up the nerves in the leg to the nerves that control the bladder.
- Patients usually feel a mild sensation in the foot or leg during treatment.
- 30-minute weekly sessions for 12 weeks. If you get better with Urgent PC, you may have to come back for treatments to stay better.
How are bladder control problems evaluated?
Your doctor may take your medical history, test your bladder function and ask you to fill out a bladder diary. In the bladder diary you will record how often you go, if you have to rush to the bathroom and if you have any accidents.
Will PTNS work for me?
- Many studies show up to 80% of patients get better with PTNS Treatment.
- Most PTNS patients go to the bathroom less and have less accidents.
- PTNS may work even if other therapies haven’t worked for you.
- May be used alone or with other bladder control treatments.
How soon will it work?
- It will take about 6 weeks for symptoms to change, but it is different for each person.
- In one study, patients got better between 2-12 weeks. For 1 out of 5, it took 8 weeks before they got better.
- It is important to have 12 treatments before you and your doctor decide if PTNS is right for you.
Conclusion
Patients who are suffering from urinary urgency, urinary frequency or urge incontinence, which are associated symptoms of Overactive Bladder (OAB) may see results with PTNS treatment. Patients should discuss their suitability for this fully Medicare rebated treatment with one of the experts at FBW.
