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When it comes to bladder and bowel control, there are a variety of treatments available, and which is best for you will depend on your specific condition and symptoms. One option that may be recommended to you is PTNS (percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation), a minimally invasive treatment that has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of overactive bladder and faecal incontinence.
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.
PTNS has been shown to be effective in treating a range of conditions, including:
- Urinary urge incontinence
- Faecal incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Interstitial cystitis
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 first appointment with a specialist will involve a thorough evaluation of your medical history and symptoms. We may ask you to undergo tests or scans, such as a urodynamic study or bladder scan, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
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.
No anaesthetic is required for the PTNS procedure. You will be awake during the treatment.
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.
Recovering from PTNS
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.
How soon will I see the effects?
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."
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved with PTNS treatment. The most common risk associated with PTNS is mild pain or discomfort during or after the treatment. Other potential risks or complications may include:
- Skin irritation or redness at the site of the electrode placement
- Infection
- Temporary difficulty urinating or retaining urine
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
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.
We answer the most commonly asked questions about having PTNS.
Who can perform PTNS?
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.
Does PTNS work?
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.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
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.
- Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS Bladder), NHS University College London Hospitals
- PTNS, NHS Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals
- Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) efficacy in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunctions, NIH
- Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS), Your Pelvic Floor
- Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation for overactive bladder syndrome, NICE
