Maximal functional electrical stimulation in routine practice

Maximal functional electrical stimulation is now an established treatment for urgency and urge incontinence. Many studies have been presented with good and consistent results. In a number of prospective studies we have previously recorded very favourable effects in stress incontinence and urge incontinence. In the present study, we have compared our previous experience with a retrospective analysis of a series of maximal functional electrical stimulation given according to a simple routine protocol and including 84 patients. The overall subjective improvement rate was 54% but the cure rate was only 5%, which is far below our experience in previous studies, as well as in others. The subjective outcome was in agreement with changes in mictrurition variables as recorded in voiding diaries. The discrepancy probably depends on a number of factors. It is suggested that the most crucial ones are patient selection, the intensity of stimulation, and the number of sessions given. It is important to realize the limitations and pitfalls of the technique when it is applied in routine practice.