Sacral nerve stimulation for idiopathic chronic non-obstructive urinary retention

This guidance covers idiopathic chronic non‑obstructive urinary retention and not retention caused by neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. The committee was advised that studies are in progress on sacral nerve stimulation for treating chronic non‑obstructive urinary retention caused by neurological conditions, and NICE may produce guidance when the results have been published.

The committee noted that there has been a move from using a 1‑stage to a 2‑stage technique for the evaluation phase of the procedure. It was advised that the latter is associated with better outcomes.

The committee noted that patient commentaries reported consistent benefits from the procedure and described substantial improvements in quality of life.