Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a treatment for overactive bladder and associated symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency and urge incontinence. 

Clinical trials and published studies have shown PTNS to be clinically effective in 60-80%(1-3) of patients, giving high satisfaction rates and substantial improvements in quality of life.

PTNS could help with:

• Urinary frequency – urinating more than 8 times in 24 hours
• Urinary urgency – a strong, compelling need to urinate that cannot be delayed
• Urge incontinence – wetting accidents which occur before reaching a toilet

You can trust Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital to provide you with a single, fixed price¹ so there are no surprises. And, through our carefully chosen partner² you can even be considered for interest free finance.
¹Important: Please read Spire Healthcare's terms and conditions for full details of what’s included and excluded in your fixed price* when paying for yourself. ² Spire Healthcare Limited is acting as a credit broker to Zebra Health Finance Limited. Company No. 09406708. Registered at 1 Worsley Court, High Street, Worsley, Manchester, M28 3NJ. www.zebrahealthfinance.com Zebra Health Finance Limited is a appointed representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited and Shawbrook Bank Limited is the lender. Spire Healthcare Ltd does not receive payment for arranging credit. All parties named here are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit acceptance is subject to application and status. Terms and conditions apply.

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You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

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Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

A small, slim needle electrode will be temporarily inserted near the tibial nerve close to the ankle, this will then be connected to a battery-powered stimulator. The stimulator’s impulses will travel through the tibial nerve and then to the sacral nerve plexus, the nerves that control bladder function.

You will receive an initial series of 12 treatments, typically scheduled a week apart. Each treatment will last approximately 30 minutes. If you respond to treatment you may need occasional treatments at a later date to sustain your results. Each 30 minute appointment takes place in our outpatient department in the comfort of a private room.

Potential side effects associated with PTNS treatments include discomfort and pain (including throbbing pain) near the stimulation site, redness/inflammation at or near the stimulation site, toe numbness or stomach ache. (Please note that these are rare side effects.)

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