OBJECTIVE:

Case report of the effect of posterior tibial nerve stimulation on postpartum urinary retention.

CASE REPORT:

Case 1: 41-year-old patient, with two previous cesarean sections, overweight (BMI 28 kg/m2), 33 weeks of pregnancy, chronic arterial hypertension and over-aggregated preeclampsia associated with data of neurological deficit. In the late puerperium she had difficulty urinating and suprapubic pain. Based on urodynamics, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia was diagnosed and she was treated with posterior tibial nerve stimulation for 20 minutes every week with phase duration 200 µs and frequency 10 Hz during 12 sessions. Urodynamic parameters improved and spontaneous micturition was restored, the frequency of intermittent clean catheterization was reduced, and the effect continued at 31 months follow-up.

Case 2: 38-year-old primigravida patient, BMI 21 kg/m2, with a history of subclinical hypothyroidism. Five days postpartum she had urinary retention of 2000 mL; a Foley catheter was placed for continuous drainage and, subsequently, a plug with emptying every 2 hours. Notwithstanding the above, she had new episodes of urinary retention that warranted the initiation of intermittent clean catheterization, 5 in 24 hours and stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve with asymmetric biphasic current, she had a subjective improvement of 100% and urodynamic changes. Spontaneous urination resumed without requiring intermittent clean catheterization, she was discharged after one year of follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

According to the study outcomes, posterior tibial nerve stimulation could offer a promising treatment alternative in patients with postpartum urinary retention.