Preliminary outcomes of sacral neuromodulation applications: Tertiary-center experience in Türkiye
Articles > Article · 2026
Authors: Burcu ÖZALP, Mustafa Ozan Horsanalı, Meltem Uyar, Can EYİGÖR, Hüsnü Yılmaz, Adnan ŞİMŞİR
Ege Tıp Dergisi, International, 2026, vol 65, pp 40-48
DOI: 10.19161/etd.1712538
Summary
Aim: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive treatment option for various lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and bowel dysfunctions. Despite its widespread use, the exact mechanism of action and optimal patient selection remain unclear. This study aimed to report the outcomes of SNM in patients treated at tertiary health centers in Türkiye.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 16 patients who underwent SNM for LUTS, bowel dysfunction, or chronic pelvic pain between 2017 and 2022. Patient characteristics, primary diagnosis, implantation duration, complications, and symptom improvement were recorded. Urinary symptoms were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics 26.0.Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.4 ± 11.9 years, with a mean BMI of 25.5 ± 5.4 kg/m². The mean duration of symptoms was 12.6 ± 10.5 years, and the mean age at implantation was 40.2 ± 11.1 years. SNM was primarily performed for idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction (87.5% of patients) and faecal incontinence (12.5%). The mean ICIQ-SF score significantly decreased from 13.64 ± 7.61 before implantation to 7.50 ± 7.51 after implantation (p = 0.003). A complication requiring surgical intervention occurred in 12.5% of patients.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that SNM is effective in improving symptoms associated with LUTS and bowel dysfunction, as evidenced by the significant reduction in ICIQ-SF scores. However, a notable complication rate was observed, highlighting the importance of appropriate patient selection and ongoing follow-up. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are warranted to evaluate the long-term outcomes and safety profile of SNM.