The second group of patients is relatively uncommon: those who are unable to empty the bladder yet have no mechanical obstruction.

Peters, who had no affiliation with the review, said that "this report supports the technology of neurostimulation, which has been literally life changing for many of my patients, "There is now very solid evidence that the procedure is useful, safe, reversible and should be an option in the treatment of more patients with these concerns."

The review also helps to identify those who would benefit from the therapy, according to Stanley Zaslau, associate professor in the department of urology at West Virginia University, in Morgantown.

"Sacral neuromodulation has shown long-term effectiveness in treating voiding dysfunction," Zaslau said. "This device should be considered by those who have failed other therapies but are motivated to achieve a cure for their disease."

Source: The Cochrane Collaboration

Note: A prior online version of this story incorrectly referred to the implant as investigational. In fact, InterStim Therapy has actually been approved for use in patients for urinary issues for more than 10 years. We apologize for the error.

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