URGENT® PC NEUROMODULATION SYSTEM
When other first line therapies are not effective for treating overactive bladder, another type of neuromodulation therapy that targets the percutaneous tibial nerve, called Urgent PC, has been proven effective for some people with urgent urinary symptoms.
Urgent PC uses percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) to treat individuals with OAB symptoms. Your doctor will have you seated comfortably in the office where he or she will insert a small, thin needle electrode near your ankle. The electrode is connected to a battery-powered stimulator that emits mild electrical impulses along your tibial nerve in your leg and to the nerves in your pelvis that control bladder function. The slight electrical impulses inhibit frequent contractions of the pelvic floor and bladder muscles for better urinary control and less frequent urinary urges.
How Often are Urgent PC Treatments Given?
Your doctor will prescribe a series of 12 treatments, typically given once weekly for 30 minutes. Urgent PC inhibits some of your uncontrollable bladder contractions and it may take up to six weeks to see positive changes in urinary urgency.
Every patient responds differently to the therapy, which is why your doctor will closely monitor your symptoms and perform necessary maintenance treatments after the initial 12 treatments.
Effectiveness of Urgent PC
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Urgent PC treatments are effective in up to 80% of patients. In a review of about 100 patients who had success with Urgent PC, symptoms improved anywhere between two and 12 weeks. For approximately 20% of the patients, symptoms of urgency did not improve after eight weeks.
The most common side effects associated with Urgent PC are minimal and temporary, resulting from placement of the needle electrode. These can include:
- Minor bleeding
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Skin inflammation