Siyou Wang
Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, China
Title: Efficacy of electroacupuncture pudendal nerve stimulation in treating female stress incontinence
Biography
Biography: Siyou Wang
Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacies of Electroacupuncture Pudendal Nerve Stimulation (EPNS) versus EMG-biofeedback (BF) assisted PFMT plus TES in treating female SUI and to evaluate the post-treatment and long-term efficacies of EPNS for female SUI.
Methods: Forty-two female SUI patients were randomized into groupsâ… and â…¡, 21 each. The two groups were treated by EPNS and BF-assisted PFMT plus TES, respectively, for comparison of their effects. Group â…¢ (196 patients) were treated by EPNS for evaluation of its effects. To perform EPNS, long acupuncture needles were deeply inserted into four sacrococcygeal points and electrified to stimulate pudendal nerves. Outcome measures were stress test, 24-hour pad test and a questionnaire to measure the severity of symptoms and quality of life in SUI women.
Results: After four weeks of treatment, the questionnaire score was lower and the therapeutic effect was better in groupâ… (questionnaire score 0 (0, 6) and a ≥50% symptom improvement rate of 85.7%, respectively) than in groupâ…¡(questionnaire score 9 (5.5, 15.5) and a ≥50% symptom improvement rate of 28.6%) (both p<0.01). In group â…¢, complete resolution occurred in 94 cases (48.0%), with a ≥50% symptom improvement rate of 85.7%, after 20.3±16.8 sessions of treatment. At the mean follow-up of 52.9 months, complete resolution occurred in 32 (47.1%) of the 68 patients in group â…¢ who attained ≥50% post-treatment improvement.
Conclusions EPNS is more effective than BF-assisted PFMT plus TES in treating female SUI. It has good post-treatment and long-term effects on female SUI.