A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Good long-term results of sacral neuromodulation for endometriosis related chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Zegrea, Adrian; Ojala, Emilia; Kirss, Jaan; Suvitie, Pia; Varpe, Pirita; Makela-Kaikkonen, Johanna; Rautio, Tero; Seikkula, Jaana; Ukkonen, Mika; Lavonius, Maija; Pinta, Tarja
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publishing place: LONDON
Publication year: 2025
Journal: BMC Women's Health
Journal name in source: BMC Women's Health
Journal acronym: BMC WOMENS HEALTH
Article number: 162
Volume: 25
Issue: 1
Number of pages: 6
eISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03699-y
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03699-y
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/491891199
Background: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an established therapy in urology and gastroenterological surgery for treatment of overactive bladder symptoms, urge urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence. SNM has also been used with good results in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Our aim was to analyze long-term results of SNM in Finnish patients with endometriosis related CPP.
Methods: This is a register-based retrospective study including all the endometriosis patients treated with SNM for CPP in Finland between 2004 and 2017. There were four centers where these procedures were performed, two University Hospitals and two Central Hospitals. Long-term results were assessed by phone interview in spring 2021.
Results: A total of 16 women with endometriosis, with a median age of 39 (25-50) years, underwent SNM treatment for chronic pelvic pain (CPP), with the median follow-up time of 73 (48-85) months. The Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) was implanted to 14 patients (88%). By the end of the follow-up period, 10 patients (62,5% of all patients and 71% of those who received IPG) had a functional SNM. Pain was assessed by numeral rating scale (NRS) and decreased from a median of 7.4 (3.6-10) to 2.3 (0-6.5).
Conclusions: SNM could be a good option in the treatment of endometriosis related chronic pelvic pain when standard therapy is not enough.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
This study was conducted without external funding.