PTNS was FDA approved in 2005 for the treatment of symptoms of overactive bladder. Those symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency with or without urge incontinence. The procedure is done in the office and is a form of neuromodulation. A small needle is placed in the ankle adjacent to the posterior tibial nerve. Small electrical impulses are applied to the nerve. These impulses are transmitted to the roots of the nerve in the spine which control bladder function. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is performed weekly for 10-12 weeks. Patients should experience improvement in their symptoms in 4-7 weeks. Patients will return for maintenance sessions periodically if symptoms return. There are no significant side effects from treatment and the sessions are not painful.
Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation
Dr. Michael Scolieri is a board certified urologist specializing in female urology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the Comprehensive Urology Institute with offices conveniently located in Salem, Canfield, and Alliance, OH.