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

Launched by SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF ACUPUNCTURE, MOXIBUSTION AND MERIDIAN · Jul 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment to help children who have bladder problems after surgery for a condition called tethered cord syndrome, which affects the nerves in the lower spine. The researchers want to see if adding a therapy called electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS)—a gentle electrical treatment aimed at nerves involved in bladder control—can improve bladder function when combined with standard care like medications and bladder training. They will look at whether this therapy helps reduce symptoms such as difficulty emptying the bladder, urine leakage, and kidney-related issues.

Children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have had their first surgery for tethered cord syndrome and are experiencing bladder problems diagnosed by special tests may be eligible to join. Participants will continue their usual treatments and also receive EPNS sessions over a set period. Throughout the study, doctors will carefully monitor bladder and kidney function using tests and check how symptoms change with the new therapy. This trial hopes to find out if EPNS can offer better bladder control and improve quality of life for these children after surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children aged 3-18 years
• • Diagnosed with TCS (by spinal MRI) and NLUTD (by urodynamic study)
• • First-time detethering surgery completed
• • Be able to comply with acupuncture treatment and follow-up
• • Informed consent obtained from legal guardian
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe systemic diseases
• • Current urinary tract infection, severe VUR, hydronephrosis, structural obstruction
• • Prior aggressive urological surgery (e.g., augmentation cystoplasty)
• • Prior or planned pudendal/sacral nerve implant
• • Botulinum toxin injection within past 12 months
• • Planned reoperation within 6 months