Abstract
We studied the effects of sacral (S3) nerve stimulation in patients with urge incontinence due to detrusor instability. A permanent S3 foramen electrode was implanted in 18 patients (average age 46 years) who had shown a good response during temporary stimulation via a percutaneously placed wire electrode. Average followup was 29 months. The average voiding frequency and pad use per 24 hours decreased significantly. Improvement in several urodynamic parameters was noted. The correlation between symptomatic and urodynamic improvement was incomplete. Neuromodulation appears to be a valuable treatment option in these patients.