Does age alone negatively predict the outcome of sacral neuromodulation? A single-centre retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: For patients over the age of 70 years, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is often not considered a potential therapeutic option. We therefore report on our results from performing SNM in elderly patients ≥70 years. METHODS: Between 01/09 and 12/18, a total of 95 patients with refractory overactive bladder (OAB) or chronic non-obstructive urinary retention underwent SNM testing at our department. In the overall sample, 20 patients were aged 70 years or older (21%, group B), and 75 patients were under 70 years old (79%, group A). The mean follow-up period was 50.2 ± 36.2 months. Pre-, peri- and postoperative parameters were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 25.0 (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 53 ± 16 (17–76) years. The indications for SNM testing were OAB and retention in 51 and 49% of patients, respectively. A total of 56 patients (59%) [8 patients (40%) in group B, 48 patients (64%) in group A] had more than 50% improvement in the context of the test (stage 1), such that a permanent neuromodulator (stage 2) was implanted. A total of 14 patients, all under 70 years old except for one older female, needed to undergo revision due to defects or infection. Overall, the success rate was 58.3% for OAB and 59.6% for urinary retention. The success rates and complications in our patient group were independent of age and geriatric assessment. CONCLUSION: SNM can also be successfully implemented in older patients.