Early sacral neuromodulation ameliorates urinary bladder function and structure in complete spinal cord injury minipigs

This study investigates the effects of early sacral (SNM) and pudendal neuromodulation (PNM) on bladder function in minipigs with complete spinal cord injury (cSCI). SNM and PNM are potential therapies to improve bladder function after cSCI. The study found that early SNM improved bladder function, leading to better bladder capacities and lower detrusor pressures during voiding. It also prevented the development of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). The researchers concluded that early SNM could be a promising treatment for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) following SCI, paving the way for clinical trials.

• 1
  Early SNM improved bladder function with better capacities and lower detrusor pressures at voiding and avoided the emergence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD).
• 2
  PNM and untreated SCI minipigs had less favorable outcomes with either DSD or constant urinary retention.
• 3
  SNM showed a better-balanced distribution of smooth muscle to connective tissue with a trend towards the reduced progression of bladder wall scarring.