Comparison of Functional Magnetic Stimulation Therapy with Biofeedback in Patient with Female Urethral Syndrome

Yang, Ji Hyun; Yu, Hee Seon; Lee, Tack

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) compared to biofeedback (BFB), with functional electrical stimulation (FES), in patients with recurrent or incurable female urethral syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty women with female urethral syndrome, based on the criteria of the NIADDK (the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases), and refractory to antibiotics therapy for more than two months, were consecutively assigned to one of the two treatment modalities. The BFB, with FES, group (32 patients) was treated with biofeedback and electrical stimulation. The FMS group (18 patients) received functional magnetic stimulation. Sessions of 30min were performed twice a week for 6 to 8 weeks. A detailed clinical evaluation and cystoscopy were performed prior to treatment. The results were determined by obtaining pre and post Bristol female lower tract symptoms questionnaires and from the subjective overall satisfaction.
RESULTS
The irritative and obstructive voiding symptom scores improved markedly in both groups (p<0.05). The score for the quality of life decreased from 4.97+/-1.0 to 2.25+/-1.74 in the BFB with FES group, and from 4.96+/-1.64 to 2.89+/-2.32 in the FMS group. Improvements in the quality of life and pain relief were shown in both groups. 13 of the 32 patients (40.6%) in the BFB, with FES, group and 5 of the 18 patients (27.8%) in FMS group, were subjectively satisfied with their treatments. Minor complications, such as discomfort, unpleasantness and a vaginal itching sense, were note in 30% of the patients in the BFB, with FES, group only.
CONCLUSIONS
FMS, compared to BFB, with FES, results in a lesser improvement of the symptom and subjective satisfaction of patients with recurrent or incurable female urethral syndrome, but may be an acceptable alternative to other more invasive treatment modalities.