Irritable bladder

Back to a worry-free everyday life

Millions of people worldwide are affected by an irritable bladder. No matter how severe the symptoms are, the limitations they bring with them in everyday life are always most unpleasant. If the usual treatments do not deliver the desired results, nerve stimulation can bring about a significant improvement. The main objectives of the therapy are to control the activity of the bladder muscle and urinary incontinence. This innovative treatment method stimulates the pudendal nerve or one of its branches.

Stimulation of the genital nerves

Stimulation of the genital nerves

GNS therapy

In treating an irritable bladder or an overactive bladder, we achieve the best results with GNS therapy (genital nerve stimulation). By this innovative method, the pudendal nerve or one of its branches, the urethral branch, is stimulated with electrical impulses. The pudendal nerve is a genital nerve in the pelvic area that is primarily responsible for controlling the bladder, rectum and sphincters.

While other therapeutic methods have side effects, such as impairment of bladder emptying function, electrical nerve stimulation does not interfere with bladder emptying, it can even improve it.

GNS therapy is based on stimulation of the genital nerve, while the PN-Stim-LION method focuses on stimulation of the pudendal nerve. In both cases, an electrode cable and a pacemaker of less than 2 cm in size are placed on the nerves in order to stimulate them electrically. The tiny device is implanted into the pelvic cavity, which prevents the electrode from moving. Harmless and painless electrical impulses are emitted via a thin wire. This stimulation causes a contraction of the urethral sphincter, a relaxation of the bladder muscles, an improvement in bladder control and thus a better emptying of the bladder.



 

The PN-Stim-LION Procedure

The PN-Stim-LION Procedure

Stimulation of the pudendal nerve

Implantation of the microstimulator system on the pudendal nerve (nervus pudendus) requires considerable experience in laparoscopic pelvic surgery.

The laparoscopic approach to the examination of the pelvis enables the gynaecologist to analyze the possible causes. Endometriosis of the bladder, adhesions from the intestine to the bladder and compression or irritation of the pelvic nerves are potential causes of an overactive bladder that can be treated by laparoscopy. After the examination, a reliable decision can be made as to whether implantation and nerve stimulation or other symptomatic treatment should be performed.

The laparoscopic procedure takes less than 30 minutes and can be performed on an outpatient basis. After the laparoscopic implantation of the cable to the pudendal nerve, the patient goes through a test phase of several weeks with an external stimulator before deciding for or against the insertion of a permanent pacemaker under local anesthesia. The stimulation modulates the nerves with weak electrical impulses and the patient controls the duration and intensity of the stimulation using a remote control.

The GNS therapy

The GNS therapy

Treatment of the irritable bladder by stimulation of the genital nerves

If there is no identifiable cause for the irritable bladder, stimulation of the genital nerves is the appropriate therapy. A microstimulator system (pacemaker) a few centimetres in size is placed on the genital nerves by laparoscopy through a small incision under the pubic hair behind the pubic bone. The stimulation of the genital nerve is controlled by the patient himself via a remote control, which reduces the overactivity of the bladder and at the same time improves the control of urinary incontinence.

This procedure takes less than 30 minutes and can be performed by a gynaecologist or urologist on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. In addition to the positive effect on bladder function, stimulation of the genital nerves also improves sexual satisfaction and penis erection. Both procedures are reversible and can be interrupted at any time by switching off or removing the device.

GNS therapy is also a good treatment option if the irritable bladder occurs in combination with urinary incontinence. Nerve stimulation can alleviate or completely eliminate the symptoms.

 

Prof. Marc Possover MD

To help people in difficult situations to improve their quality of life has become his life's passion. Continuous research, decades of clinical experience and the focused determination to find a solution for previously unsolved medical problems, have enabled Prof. Possover to help often quite discouraged patients find release from their seemingly insurmountable problems.

Possover International Medical Center

Our center of excellence for Neuropelveology in Zürich is equipped with state of the art technical equipment, offering world-class treatment at the highest level. Enjoy individual attention in the most private and comfortable of settings.

Our team will take care of you

Here at our center, you will be treated not only as our valued patient but as our guest. Everyone in Prof. Possover's team is committed to making you feel completely at ease and in very safe hands. Our internationally experienced team members have an intuitive feel for the particular needs of every individual. We will accompany you every step of the way, from the initial contact right through to the conclusion of your treatment - with detailed personal attention, sincerity, courtesy and careful understanding.

Back to a better quality of life

We will dedicate our expertise and know-how to help you find the solution that is right for you.

Audrey Schroller

Practice Assistant

„As a cheerful, open and communicative person, I really appreciate coming into contact with people from all over the world. The well-being of others is very important to me.

Involvement of your own physician in your treatment

If it is your preference, your attending doctor is welcome to accompany you to Zürich. You will then have a person at your side who is familiar with your medical concerns. At the same time, your doctor will have the opportunity to be present during the planned operation and gain unique insights into the applied practice of Neuropelveology.
Photo Neuropelveology Nerve Tracts

Neuropelveology:
Discovering the pelvic nerves

Neuropelveology is a medical discipline developed by Prof. Possover. It is based on the discovery of the pelvic nerves and includes the diagnosis of the diseases of these nerves by means of gynaecological examination methods and their treatment by means of laparoscopy.

Read more

Possover News
latest updates

New scientific findings and effective treatment methods - comprehensible and helpful for you.

Laparoscopic management of pelvic nerves tumors

Introduction

Peripheral nerve tumors can occur anywhere in the body. Most of them aren't cancerous ...

Neuropelveological approach to pathologies of the pelvic nerves

Pathologies of the pelvic nerves are conditions involving multiple, organ-specific medical specialties, each with its ...

Neuropelveologic management of intractable Vulvodynia

What is vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome affecting respectively the vulva and occurs ...

Passing on knowledge: diagnose and treat endometriosis of the sciatic nerve - with expertise in Neuropelveology

The discipline of Neuropelveology, founded by Prof. Possover, offers new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in ...

Endometriosis of the Sciatic Nerve and the Sacral Roots: Diagnosis and Treatment in Neuropelveology

If women suffer from cyclical sciatica with onset of numbness in the buttocks or legs, or experience movement ...