Effectiveness of Electrical Pudendal Nerve Stimulation for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Pediatric Tethered Cord Syndrome Post-Surgery

Overview

The goal of this prospective observational study is to evaluate whether the addition of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) to standard conservative treatment can improve bladder function in pediatric patients with postoperative neurogenic bladder secondary to tethered cord syndrome . The study population consists of 50 children diagnosed with neurogenic bladder of various etiologies. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does EPNS lead to significant improvement in neurogenic bladder symptom scores? How does EPNS affect secondary clinical outcomes such as renal function, post-void residual volume, urinary leakage, and vesicoureteral reflux? Researchers will compare clinical indicators before and after the addition of EPNS, on the background of consistent conservative management, to assess its therapeutic contribution. Participants will: Receive routine conservative therapy for neurogenic bladder (e.g., medications, bladder training) Undergo EPNS sessions over a specified treatment period Be evaluated using standardized scales and imaging or laboratory tests to monitor changes in bladder and renal function The study will also explore whether treatment effects differ by underlying cause or symptom pattern.

This prospective, controlled clinical study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of "sacral four-needle" electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) following surgical untethering for tethered cord syndrome (TCS). TCS is a common spinal dysraphism in pediatrics, often resulting in bladder dysfunction postoperatively despite timely surgical intervention. Conventional management, including intermittent catheterization and pharmacotherapy, carries limitations such as poor adherence and persistent symptoms. EPNS, a non-invasive acupuncture-based neuromodulation technique targeting the pudendal nerve via anatomically guided deep needling and low-frequency electrical stimulation, has shown promise in adult neurogenic bladder cases. This study will enroll approximately 50 children aged 3-18 with confirmed TCS and persistent NLUTD after initial surgery. Participants will be assigned to receive either routine conservative therapy alone or combined with EPNS over a four-week period (three sessions per week). Treatment efficacy will be assessed through changes in the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS), along with secondary endpoints including post-void residual volume, voiding frequency, episodes of incontinence, renal function, and incidence of urinary tract infections. Follow-up will continue for six months post-treatment to evaluate sustained effects. The study employs blinded outcome assessment, with standardized protocols for needling, stimulation parameters, and symptom tracking. It further includes subgroup analyses based on disease etiology and symptom type (storage vs. voiding dysfunction). The research integrates traditional acupuncture with neuroanatomical precision and modern bladder rehabilitation theory, aiming to establish a replicable, low-cost, and scalable pediatric bladder dysfunction intervention model. By addressing a current gap in pediatric urological rehabilitation, the study seeks to contribute evidence toward standardizing EPNS as a viable adjunct therapy in this vulnerable population.