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Private treatment for bladder and pelvic problems
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation involves a small electrode, placed near your ankle, which sends electrical impulses to the tibial nerve. This nerve runs from the ankle to the sacral nerves, which control bladder and pelvic floor function. The electrical stimulation helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve your control over your bladder and bowel movements.
Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about private PTNS treatment at Circle Health Group. Call or book online and you could have your initial consultation within 48 hours.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether PTNS may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
PTNS is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that targets the nerves responsible for bladder and bowel control. It involves the insertion of a needle electrode near the ankle, through which we pass a mild electrical current to stimulate the tibial nerve. This aims to regulate the nerve signals between the bladder and the brain, which can help to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
PTNS is usually recommended to people who have not responded to other treatments.
Your initial consultation is a vital step in understanding your symptoms and creating a personalised treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. Our specialist will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Once we have a diagnosis, your specialist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your symptoms. PTNS may be recommended as a non-invasive and effective treatment option for your specific condition. If so, your consultant will guide you through the benefits and risks of PTNS, as well as any other treatment options that may be suitable for you.
Once you have decided on the best course of treatment, we can get you booked in without delay.
Before the procedure, we will ask you to empty your bladder. You will then lie down and relax while your consultant inserts a small, thin needle electrode into your ankle. They will then connect the electrode to a device that sends electrical impulses to your nerve.
These impulses travel through the tibial nerve to the sacral nerves in your lower back, which control bladder function. The electrical impulses help to regulate the sacral nerves and improve bladder control. Your consultant will run some tests to check the impulses are being sent.
You may feel a tingling sensation in your foot during the procedure, however the electrical impulses are painless and should not cause any discomfort. After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities immediately.
The PTNS procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to complete. However, please note that most people require a series of treatments to achieve the best results.
There is no recovery period required for PTNS. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure. You may require a series of treatments to achieve the best results, and your healthcare professional will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.
Mr Simon Radley, consultant general surgeon at The Priory Hospital and The Droitwich Spa Hospital, explains:
"Patients will normally notice some improvement in symptoms after 8 weeks. If no improvement improvement has been achieved by this time, the treatment may be discontinued.
"After the first twelve treatment sessions, the consultant or nurse will discuss with the patient's their response to the treatments and will decide whether any further treatments are required to maintain results."
At Circle Health Group, our consultants will take the time to thoroughly explain the potential risks and complications of PTNS treatment during your initial consultation. They will also discuss any specific risks that may be relevant to your individual case.
Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment options. If you have any questions or concerns about the risks associated with PTNS, please do not hesitate to ask your consultant during your appointment.
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a specialised procedure that should only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional such as a consultant urologist, a specialist nurse, or a continence physiotherapist. At Circle Health Group, our consultants are highly experienced in performing PTNS procedures.
Yes, PTNS has been shown to be effective in treating urinary incontinence. It is a minimally invasive and relatively low-risk treatment option that has been shown to provide long-lasting improvement in bladder control.
However, the effectiveness of PTNS can vary from patient to patient, and it is not a guaranteed cure for all cases of urinary incontinence. Your consultant will discuss the potential benefits and risks of PTNS with you during your initial consultation, and help you determine if it is the right treatment option for your specific needs.
If you would like to learn more about PTNS, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in March 2023. Next review due March 2026.