Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Objectives. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) is an exciting new treatment for refractory voiding disorders including urinary incontinence, retention, and voiding dysfunction. It is known that both voiding and continence reflex mechanisms are organized in the sacral spinal cord and that pathologic conditions can alter the balance between these two opposing mechanisms. ⋯ On the other hand, voiding in patients with urinary retention can be facilitated by inhibition of reflex pathways to the urethral outlet (guarding reflexes). Conclusions. SNS, a nonablative, minimally invasive technique for urologists, holds great promise for a large number of patients who suffer debilitating and refractory urinary symptoms.