PhD conferral Mr drs. Dennis J.A.J. Oerlemans

“Evolution of Neuromodulation for Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction; Past, Present and Future”

Keywords: chronic bladder problems, treatment, sacral neuromodulation

This dissertation describes the results of treating chronic bladder problems using sacral neuromodulation (SNM). Chronic bladder problems such as an overactive bladder or non-obstructive bladder voiding dysfunction are often difficult and pose a challenge to the urologist. Most patients are treated with physiotherapy, medication or a combination of both. If the problem persists, radical treatments such as operations to increase the size of the bladder or replace it entirely are sometimes performed. These are major operations with potentially significant complications. This was a reason to go looking for a less invasive therapy: SNM.

This PhD research shows that SNM is a safe and effective therapy for patients who do not respond to the standard therapy for chronic bladder problems. Many improvements have been made over the years, the result of which is that SNM has become a minimally invasive treatment that delivers good results.