PTNS Treatment for Urinary Urgency

WHAT IS PTNS (Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation)?

Dr. Herman and Dr. Kester, top South Florida urologists, serving the Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach areas, use State-Of-The-Art, In-House Diagnostic Tools and Treatments to determine the problem and begin treatment immediately. Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, PTNS is one of the least invasive forms of neurostimulation currently used to treat urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence associated with a variety of urologic conditions including overactive bladder (OAB), and interstitial cystitis

Urinary incontinence affects an estimated 13 to 15 million Americans and almost half of the persons diagnosed with urinary incontinence are affected by urge incontinence. Urge incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine accompanied by the strong desire to void.

HOW IS THE PTNS PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

PTNS is a simple procedure. A fine needle is inserted into the skin just above the ankles at the SP6 acupuncture point to access the posterior tibial nerve. A small electrode is then placed on the needle from the TENS unit (battery powered stimulator). A mild electrical current is passed through into the nervous system. The patient may notice the big toe bending downward as well as an outward stretching of their outer toes. Since bladder function is regulated by a group of nerves at the base of the spine called sacral nerve plexus which are connected to the posterior tibial nerve therefore PTNS is an effective treatment for urgency incontinence.

The recommended protocol is twice a month, to treat for 30 minutes until a 60% - 80% improvement is realized. Then once a month until the patient achieves a greater than 80% improvement. Results will probably take at least 6 treatments for patients to see their symptoms change.

Call us immediately to schedule an appointment with Dr. Herman and Dr. Kester for the relief you deserve.