ABSTRACT
Once considered unusual and experimental, neuromodulation has become a widely accepted tool in the therapeutic armamentarium for some forms of voiding dysfunction. The technology has evolved from the ancient practices of acupuncture to incorporate computerized equipment and sophisticated electrical stimulation methods. One of the most interesting paradoxes is that the therapy appears to work for both bladder overactivity and some forms of idiopathic urinary retention (Figure 25.1). Although the exact mechanisms of neuromodulation for the treatment of voiding dysfunction are still not entirely understood, recent research in the field has advanced the various hypotheses regarding the neurophysiology of these complex processes. This chapter reviews the current state of knowledge regarding neuromodulation for disorders of the lower urinary tract.
