The term Overactive Bladder if the term used to describe the symptom complex consisting of urgency, frequency, the need to wake at night to urinate and leakage associated with urgency. Uninhibited bladder contractions can simulate feelings of urgency and occurs when the bladder contracts prematurely and independently escaping central nervous system inhibition. Overactive Bladder is a very common condition experienced by over 30 million men and women in this country alone. Many causes are benign, but Overactive Bladder can be associated with underlying metabolic and pathologic conditions and requires evaluation.
PTNS Treatment with Urgent® PC
Non-drug, Non-surgical Treatment for Overactive Bladder.
What is Urgent PC?
The Urgent PC Neuromodulation System is a minimally invasive way to improve bladder control in men and women. Urgent PC uses percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) to treat overactive bladder and associated symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency and urge incontinence.
The Urgent PC Neuromodulation System is a combination of a stimulator and a lead set. The stimulator generates electrical impulses that are delivered to the patient through the lead set.
What can I expect from treatment with Urgent PC?
During treatment you will sit comfortably with a slim needle electrode temporarily inserted in your ankle. The stimulator is attached to the needle electrode and delivers mild electrical impulses that travel up the nerves in the leg to the nerves that control the bladder. After turning on the stimulator, your clinician will observe your body’s response to determine the ideal strength of the impulses.
Each of your treatments will last approximately 30 minutes. You will receive an initial series of 12 treatments, typically scheduled about a week apart. After the initial 12 treatments, your clinician will work with you to determine a personal treatment plan to maintain your results with occasional treatments.
What will I feel during Urgent PC treatment?
Because patients may experience the sensation of the Urgent PC therapy in different ways, it’s difficult to say what the treatment would feel like to you. However, treatment with Urgent PC is typically well-tolerated by patients. Urgent PC offers many different levels of stimulation, so your clinician will be able to adjust treatment to suit you as well as address any discomfort that you might experience during treatment.
How soon will I see results?
Because Urgent PC gently modifies the signals to achieve bladder control, it may take 4-6 treatments for you to see your symptoms change. A majority of individuals using this type of neuromodulation experience significant improvement in their bladder control symptoms. It is important that you continue receiving treatments for the recommended 12 treatments before you and your clinician evaluate whether this therapy is an appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
What are the risks associated with Urgent PC?
Most common side-effects are temporary and minor resulting from the placement of the needle electrode. They include minor bleeding, mild pain and skin inflammation.
Are there people who should not use Urgent PC?
- Patients with pacemakers or implantable defibrillators
- Patients prone to excessive bleeding
- Patients with nerve damage that could impact either percutaneous tibial nerve or pelvic floor function
- Patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the duration of the treatment