Superficial Peroneal Nerve Neuromodulation for Non-Obstructive Urinary Retention

A commercially available FDA-approved transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) and skin surface electrodes will be used to stimulate the foot. The electrodes will be attached to the dorsal surface of the foot and a sock will be placed over the foot to prevent detachment of the electrodes. Based on our animal studies, foot stimulation parameters of 2 Hz frequency and 0.2 ms pulse width will be used at the maximal intensity comfortable for each patient. It is expected that superficial peroneal nerve stimulation in patients can increase bladder sensation so that micturition can be initiated at a small bladder volume, or it can initiate bladder contraction at a small bladder volume and enhance the contraction or prolong the duration of contraction. Any of these excitatory effects, if occurs in human patients, will certainly improve the condition of non-obstructive urinary retention.