The mechanism of action of neuromodulation in the treatment of overactive bladder

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

Neuromodulation has been used in the treatment of various pelvic organ dysfunctions for almost 40 years and several placebo-controlled studies have confirmed its clinical effect. Many neuromodulation methods using different devices and stimulation parameters, targeting different neural structures have been introduced, but only a limited number have been adopted into routine clinical use. A substantial volume of basic research and clinical studies addressing specific effects of neuromodulation in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) have been published to date; however, their mechanistic implications have not been comprehensively summarized. Thus, our understanding of the mechanism of action of neuromodulation in OAB treatment is mainly based on postulated theories. Results from animal experiments suggest that different neuromodulation methods used to treat OAB share the same basic principles. The most likely explanation for the effect of neuromodulation in OAB therapy is the suppression of bladder afferent signalling, promotion of spinal guarding reflexes and modulation of non-specific supraspinal regulatory circuits.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftNature Reviews. Urology
ISSN1759-4812
DOI
StatusE-pub ahead of print - 9. dec. 2024

Emneord

  • Neuromodulation
  • mechanism of action
  • overactive bladder

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