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Tuesday 12 June 2012

A New service at BMI the Priory Hospital for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms and faecal incontinence


I am very pleased to finally announce the introduction of a new service to the Priory Hospital.

Percutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms (OAB) and faecal incontinence. PTNS involves inserting a fine needle into a nerve just above the ankle. A mild electric current is passed through the needle and carried to the nerves that control bowel and bladder function.

Overactive bladder syndrome

The symptoms of OAB syndrome include the need to urinate often and without much warning (frequency), and urge incontinence (the strong need to urinate followed by an inability to stop passing urine). It is caused by the bladder muscle contracting before the bladder is full. Initial treatments my involve bladder training and pelvic floor physiotherapy and anti-cholinergic medication. When these therapies fail the clinician may recommend PTNS.


Faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence occurs when a person loses the ability to control their anal sphincter and bowel movements, resulting in leakage of faeces.

Initial treatments may involve dietary manipulation, drugs to thicken up and slow down bowel movements as well as physiotherapy or biofeedback. Where such measures fail surgery is sometimes required to repair damaged muscle. In most cases alternative therapies are required and PTNS is an effective out patient treatment for some patients.

To find out more about PTNS visit our website


Or contact us on 0845 241 7762 and ask for information about our PTNS clinic