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
