Efficacy and Safety of Intravesical Electrical Stimulation for Underactive Bladder: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
Hao Yu, Zheng Duan, Jiayin Sun et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) for underactive bladder (UAB). Six studies involving 310 patients were included, with pooled analyses of urodynamic and symptom outcomes. Compared with no IVES, treatment was associated with lower postvoid residual urine volume (mean difference [MD] = -108.7 mL, 95% CI: -177.69; -39.71), greater voided volume, and improved voiding efficiency. Urinary tract infection was the most common adverse event, and no severe adverse events were reported. The authors conclude that IVES may help, but larger, higher-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm its effects.
Key findings
- IVES was associated with reduced postvoid residual urine volume (MD = -108.7 mL, 95% CI: -177.69; -39.71).
- Voided volume improved with IVES (MD = 86.66 mL, 95% CI: 1.56; 171.77).
- Voiding efficiency improved with IVES (MD = 30.72%, 95% CI: 21.95; 39.49).
- Urinary tract infection was the most common adverse event; no severe adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
UAB can cause urinary retention and may harm kidney health, while effective treatment options are limited. The pooled findings suggest IVES could improve residual urine and aspects of bladder emptying, with no severe adverse events reported in the included studies. These results offer a rationale for further evaluation, but the small evidence base means the magnitude and reliability of benefit remain uncertain.
What to keep in mind
Only six studies with 310 patients were included. The authors state that large-scale, high-quality clinical studies are needed to verify the findings.