A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Good long-term results of sacral neuromodulation for endometriosis related chronic pelvic pain




AuthorsZegrea, Adrian; Ojala, Emilia; Kirss, Jaan; Suvitie, Pia; Varpe, Pirita; Makela-Kaikkonen, Johanna; Rautio, Tero; Seikkula, Jaana; Ukkonen, Mika; Lavonius, Maija; Pinta, Tarja

PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC

Publishing placeLONDON

Publication year2025

JournalBMC Women's Health

Journal name in sourceBMC Women's Health

Journal acronymBMC WOMENS HEALTH

Article number162

Volume25

Issue1

Number of pages6

eISSN1472-6874

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03699-y

Web address https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03699-y

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/491891199


Abstract

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.


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Funding information in the publication
This study was conducted without external funding.


Last updated on 2025-20-05 at 12:03