TARGETED PULSED RADIOFREQUENCY NERVE ABLATION FOR OVERACTIVE BLADDER IN AN OFFICE-SETTING: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY

Ghoniem G1, M. Wagner H2, Karram M3, Hammad M1

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Overactive Bladder

Abstract 397
Open Discussion ePosters
Scientific Open Discussion Session 102
Thursday 18th September 2025
13:05 - 13:10 (ePoster Station 2)
Exhibition
Overactive Bladder New Instrumentation Female Neuromodulation
1. University of California, Irvine, California, USA, 2. Hospital Infantil Universitario de San José / Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia, 3. The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Presenter
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
This original study evaluates the efficacy and safety of transvaginal low-energy micro-needling radiofrequency (RF) ablation as a minimally invasive treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) in an office setting. By targeting specific anatomical regions, this approach aims to provide a novel alternative to conventional therapies while minimizing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Study design, materials and methods
A prospective clinical study was conducted on 32 patients with primary or refractory OAB. Each patient underwent transvaginal RF ablation at depths of 3, 5, and 7 mm in a predefined anatomical region of the anterior vaginal wall. Patients were reassessed for four weeks following treatment. If symptom improvement was less than 50%, additional treatments were performed at four-week intervals, with a maximum of three sessions. If symptom improvement exceeded 50%, patients were followed longitudinally without additional intervention. The primary outcome was the change in urge incontinence episodes as recorded in a three-day voiding diary. Secondary outcomes included changes in frequency episodes, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), Patient’s Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI). An immediate post-procedure pain assessment was also conducted. Patients were followed at one month, three months, six months, and are planned for one-year post-treatment.
Results
All 32 patients were treated and followed for six months. Significant improvement in OAB symptoms was observed across all outcome measures at one-month, three-month, and six-month follow-ups, with statistical significance noted across all metrics (p < 0.01). No patient required a second treatment, indicating a high initial success rate. VAS pain scores demonstrated minimal to no discomfort post-procedure, reinforcing the safety and tolerability of this approach. No adverse effects were reported.
Interpretation of results
These findings suggest that transvaginal RF ablation is a promising, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for OAB. The procedure provides sustained symptom relief with a single-session approach, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. The absence of significant pain or complications supports its potential as an alternative to pharmacological and surgical interventions. Further long-term data collection is ongoing to assess the durability of these results.
Concluding message
Minimally invasive transvaginal RF ablation offers a viable alternative for patients with OAB, with significant clinical improvement observed over six months. Long-term follow-up will provide further insight into treatment durability and patient outcomes.
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Disclosures
Funding Funded with unrestricted grant by InMode Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics Committee The Christ hospital Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
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