Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) accounts for two-thirds of all SCIs in clinical practice. Preclinical research on the effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on bladder function, however, has been focused only on animal models of complete SCI. We aimed to evaluate the effect of early SNM on bladder responses in a rat model of incomplete SCI. ⋯ Our results provide experimental evidence that early SNM treatment may prevent or diminish bladder dysfunctions (e.g., detrusor overactivity, abnormal micturition reflex) in a clinical condition of incomplete SCI.
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Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a technology that uses neurostimulation for the modulation of gastric activity. In clinical practice, the most commonly encountered form of GES is high frequency GES. GES devices are typically used for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis, although they have also been investigated for obesity management and the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. Just as many patients with chronic diseases require surgery, patients with an implanted GES device may encounter the need for periprocedural care. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to address the special needs of patients with an implanted GES device. ⋯ Available data suggests GES is a technology with increasing prevalence. When patients with an implanted GES device present for periprocedural care, the anesthesia staff must consider the device when planning for the procedure. Topics addressed include general anesthetic considerations, nerve localization, radiation exposure, electrocautery, diathermy, emergency external defibrillation, and MRI compatibility.
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Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective treatment for refractory overactive bladder (OAB). However, advanced age is often cited as a reason to avoid SNS in the elderly. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of SNS for refractory OAB among our octogenarian population. ⋯ The safety and efficacy of SNS was similar between cohorts. This result suggests that SNS is a safe and effective therapy that should be considered among the treatment options for refractory OAB in octogenarian patients. Further studies are needed to determine predictive factors of Stage I success in elderly patients.
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Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a surgical treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence. Despite its clinical efficacy, the mechanisms of action of SNS are still poorly known. This may be related to the use of acute stimulation models. Up to date, no rodent model of chronic SNS implants has been developed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to create a fully implantable and remotely controllable stimulating device to establish an animal model of chronic SNS. ⋯ This stimulating device provides an efficient method to perform chronic SNS studies in rats.