Sacral Neuromodulation and Pudendal Somatic Afferents
Sacral Neuromodulation and Pudendal Somatic Afferents
Sacral neuromodulation is a well-excepted minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of
 overactive bladder and non-obstructive urinary retention.A tined lead with 4 stimulation
 electrodes is placed through the third or fourth sacral foramen and stimulates sacral roots
 in its vicinity. Since the sacral roots are mixed nerves, it is currently still unknown which
 nerve fibers are stimulated (autonomic vs somatic, afferent vs efferent) and what the
 mechanism of action is.

 This study examines the involvement of pudendal somatic afferents by measuring somatosensory
 evoked potentials elicited by stimulation of the pudendal nerve.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Overactive bladder

 -  Non-obstructive urinary retention

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Neurogenic disorders (e.g. cerebrovascular accident, spinal cord injury,...)