Abstract: PD05-08
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) presents a therapeutic challenge since 20–65% of all CPPS patients are refractory to conventional therapies. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an established treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain and may also be a valuable option in pelvic pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of TENS for treating men with refractory CPPS

Methods

A consecutive series of 42 men treated with TENS for refractory CPPS was evaluated prospectively at 2 academic tertiary referral centers._x000D_ The effects of treatment were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (0-43) at baseline and after 12 weeks of TENS treatment. _x000D_ Subjective (need to continue treatment to sustain the effect) and objective (improvement of NIH-CPSI Index > 50%) responses were assessed after 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse events related to TENS were also assessed._x000D_

Results

After 12 weeks of treatment, a subjective response was obtained in 27 (62%) patients and an objective one in 14 (33%) patients. 08 patients showed a final score < 10. Quality of life (QoL) and urinary symptoms also improved significantly in those patients (p<0.001; 95%, CI). No adverse events related to TENS were noted.

Conclusions

TENS may be an effective and safe treatment for refractory CPPS in men, warranting randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Funding

none