ABSTRACT This review discusses the impact of COVID-19 in Female Urology, revises the most important disorders in this field and how their diagnosis and treatment may be modified due to the current pandemic. The text also discusses new options such as telemedicine and what clinical situations within Female Urology should be of utmost importance for the urologist to be careful about. We also discuss how surgeries are being postponed are resumed according to the local scenario.

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify how the most frequently used parameters in daily clinical practice diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) correlate to each other. Materials and methods The study included 452 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of the UNICAMP urology outpatient clinic of LUTS. Inclusion criteria: patients with BOO due to BPH who agreed to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria: patients with urinary tract infection, neurological diseases that compromised the lower urinary tract, prior prostatic surgery, radiotherapy or urethral stenosis. Patient assessment: history, international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), nocturnal quality of life score (NQoL) questionnaires, physical and digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA, transabdominal ultrasound with intravesical prostate protrusion (IPP), post-mictional residue and free uroflowmetry. Results There was no strong Spearman correlation among the studied variables. The only moderate correlations occurred between IPSS and NQoL (p <0001; c=0.56) and between IPP and prostate volume (p <0001; c=0.57). Weak correlations between IPP and post-mictional residue (p <0001; c=0.31) and free uroflowmetry (p <0001; c=-0.26); and between IPSS and free uroflowmetry (p <0001, c=-0.21) were observed. Conclusion In this study, we found moderate, weak, very weak and absent correlation among the various parameters used in the diagnosis and management of BOO due to BPH. As the value of these tools is variable, the creation of a logical and objective algorithm was not possible and the treatment is based on the interpretation of clinical symptoms.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar quimicamente os componentes da fumaça do eletrocautério, provenientes da coagulação de tecidos, muscular e hepático de suino. Métodos: coleta de fumaça produzida por eletrocauterização de tecido porcino em frascos previamente evacuados com análise qualitativa e quantitativa dos compostos presentes, através de técnica hifenada, cromatografia a gás/espectrometria de massas. Resultados: houve presença majoritária do aldeído decanal nas fumaças provenientes dos tecidos subcutâneo, muscular e hepático. Fumaças dos tecidos subcutâneo e muscular mostraram também a presença de hexanal e fenol. Nas fumaças dos tecidos subcutâneo e hepático foram encontrados ainda tolueno e limoneno e, por fim, nonanal estava presente nas fumaças dos tecidos muscular e hepático. Conclusão: há número crescente de evidências mostrando que fumaça proveniente de eletrocauterização de tecidos subcutâneo, muscular e hepático é nociva à saúde de seres humanos. Portanto, há necessidade de reduzir a exposição a ela ou usar máscara com filtro capaz de reter essas partículas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the chemical components of the smoke from electrocautery from coagulating muscle and liver tissues of pigs. Methods: we collected smoke produced by electrocautery applied to porcine tissue in previously evacuated bottles, with qualitative and quantitative analysis of the compounds present through the hyphenated technique gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. Results: there was a majority of decanal aldehyde in the fumes from the subcutaneous, muscle and liver tissues. Fumes of subcutaneous and muscular tissues also showed the presence of hexanal and phenol. In the fumes of subcutaneous and liver tissues we also found toluene and limonene and, finally, nonanal smoke was present in the muscle and liver tissues. Conclusion: there is increasing evidence showing that smoke from electrocautery used in subcutaneous, muscle and liver tissue is harmful to human health. Thus, there is need to reduce exposure to it or wear masks with filters capable of retaining these particles.

Use of mesh for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse is an excellent alternative especially in the treatment of the apical prolapse (uterine / vaginal vault) through an abdominal sacrocolpopexia; also in the anterior wall prolapse treated per vagina. There is no evidence to support use of mesh to correct posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Most important factors for favorable surgical outcome and to reduce mesh-associated complications are adequate selection of patients and a surgeon adequately trained for pelvic floor surgery.

La utilización de las mallas en el tratamiento del prolapso de los órganos pélvicos es una excelente alternativa principalmente en el tratamiento de los prolapsos apicales (uterino / cúpula vaginal), a través de una sacrocolpopexia por vía abdominal, así como en los prolapsos anteriores, por vía vaginal. Para el prolapso de la pared vaginal posterior no existe evidencia del beneficio de las mallas para la corrección del problema. Los factores más importantes para el éxito quirúrgico y minimizar las complicaciones asociadas a las mallas son fundamentalmente la selección adecuada de las pacientes y que el cirujano deba tener un adecuado entrenamiento en cirugías del piso pélvico.

The authors report a case of urethral leiomyoma diagnosed during pregnancy, which was conservatively treated up to the 38th week, when the pregnancy was interrupted. Thirty days after delivery, exeresis of the lesion was performed from the upper border of the urethral meatus and sutured with interrupted delayed-absorbable suture. The patient evolved favorably and presented no lesion recurrence during three months of follow up.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The mini sling concept for stress urinary incontinence is an anatomical approach that involves placing a midurethral low-tension tape anchored to the obturator internus muscles bilaterally. They overcome the blind passage of long needles and all the related complications. There are many different devices available and because these are outpatient procedures, primary fixation plays an important role in the outcome. The objective is to evaluate the primary fixation of the various devices of attachment of the commercially available mini-slings through biomechanical tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups of 15 rats each. They underwent 5 subcutaneous implantation of different mini slings and one polipropilene mesh (control), as follows: TVT-Secur® (Gynecare, USA), Type 1 polypropylene mesh (control); Ophira Mini Sling System® (Promedon, Argentina), Tissue Fixation System® (TFS PTY, Australia), Zipper Sling® and "T device" (Prosurg, USA). The abdominal wall was removed on bloc at different times after implant for biomechanical evaluation, which consisted in application of unidirectional force to the extremity of the fixation system or mesh, until it was completely removed from the tissue using a tension meter (Nexygen 3.0 Universal Testing Machine - LLOYD Instruments). The force was measured in Newtons (N). RESULTS: There was significant difference in the resistance to extraction among the different fixation systems. At 7 days the Ophira Mini Sling System® presented the best fixation and "T dispositive" the worst. CONCLUSION: Ophira mini sling System® presented the best primary fixation at 7º, 14º and 30º days. The impact of this feature in the clinical setting needs to be verified.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The increase of the intensity of urinary symptoms in late pregnancy and postpartum has been well documented by several authors, but their causes remain uncertain, partly because of its probable multifactor origin. There are also controversies whether the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms during pregnancy is the same as postpartum and whether the method of delivery could influence the risk of onset of urinary symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the urinary symptoms triggered during pregnancy and its evolution in the late puerperium, correlating them with the delivery method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted, which included 75 primigravidae women, classified according to method of delivery as: (VD) vaginal delivery with right mediolateral episiotomy (n = 28); (CS) elective caesarean section (n = 26); and (EC) emergency caesarean section (n = 21). Urinary symptoms were assessed in the last trimester of pregnancy and at 45 days (± 10) of puerperium with validated versions for Portuguese language of the following questionnaires: International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB). RESULTS: It was observed that frequency, urgency, nocturia and urge incontinence, triggered during pregnancy, decreased significantly in the postpartum period, regardless of the delivery method (p = 0.0001). However, symptoms related to urinary loss due to stress persisted after vaginal delivery (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Urgency, frequency and nocturia triggered during pregnancy tend to disappear in the late postpartum period, regardless of the delivery method, but the symptoms related to urinary loss due to stress tend to persist in late postpartum period after vaginal delivery.

A anatomia é considerada matéria essencial à educação médica. Aulas práticas com uso de componentes anatômicos manipuláveis são fundamentais ao ensino e à aprendizagem. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o Modelo Sintético de Pelve (Masp) como ferramenta didática, comparada à pelve cadavérica (PC) tradicionalmente utilizada, bem como a satisfação dos estudantes em relação a ambos os métodos. Sessenta e sete estudantes receberam aula teórica após teste teórico preliminar (TTP). Foram randomizados em três grupos: G1 teve aula prática tradicional (APT); G2, aula prática com Masp (APM); e G3 não teve aula prática. Um teste final (TTF) foi aplicado a todos os grupos. G1 e G2 submeteram-se à avaliação do método (AM). A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se Anova (Análise de Variância) e teste não paramétrico Mann-Whitney. No TTF, G3 apresentou escores mais baixos do que G1 (p = 0,041) e G2 (p = 0,000). Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre G1 e G2 (p >0,05). G2 apresentou maior satisfação com o método (p = 0,001). Concluiu-se que PC e Masp provaram ser ferramentas didáticas efetivas e que G2 mostrou maior satisfação.

Anatomy is considered a fundamental subject of medical education. Practical classes which involve the use of manipulable anatomic components are essential to teaching and learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synthetic pelvic model (SPM) as a didactic tool, compared to the traditionally- -used cadaveric pelvis (CP), as well as student satisfaction in relation to both methods. Sixty-seven students were given a theory class following the preliminary theoretical test (PTT). The study sample was randomized in three groups: G1 had a traditional practical class (TPC); G2 had a practical class with SPM (PCS); and G3 had no practical class. A final test (FTT) was applied to all the groups. G1 and G2 were subjected to method evaluation (ME). Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Mann-Whitney U test. In the FTT, G3 presented scores lower than G1 (p = 0.041) and G2 (p = 0.000). No statistically significant difference was found between G1 and G2 (p >0.05). G2 presented greater satisfaction with the method (p = 0.001). In conclusion, both CP and SPM proved to be effective didactic tools and student satisfaction was greater with G2.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to critically review the Arc-to-Arc mini-sling (Palma's technique) a less invasive mid-urethral sling using bovine pericardium as the sling material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Arc-to-Arc mini-sling, using bovine pericardium, was the first published report of a mini-sling, in 1999. The technique was identical to the "tension-free tape" operation, midline incision and dissection of the urethra. The ATFP (white line) was identified by blunt dissection, and the mini-sling was sutured to the tendinous arc on both sides with 2 polypropylene 00 sutures. RESULTS: The initial results were encouraging, with 9/10 patients cured at the 6 weeks post-operative visit. However, infection and extrusion of the mini-sling resulted in sling extrusion and removal, with 5 patients remaining cured at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The Arc-to-Arc mini-sling was a good concept, but failed because of the poor technology available at that time. Further research using new materials and better technology has led to new and safer alternatives for the management of stress urinary incontinence.

OBJETIVOS: traduzir, adaptar culturalmente e validar o questionário International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) para a língua portuguesa. MÉTODOS: dois tradutores brasileiros, cientes dos objetivos da pesquisa, traduziram o ICIQ-OAB para o português e as duas traduções geradas foram retrotraduzidas por outros dois tradutores ingleses. As diferenças entre as versões foram harmonizadas e pré-testadas em um estudo piloto. A versão final do ICIQ-OAB foi aplicada junto com a versão já traduzida e validada do questionário International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) em 142 pacientes, entre homens e mulheres, com sintomas miccionais irritativos. Para validação do ICIQ-OAB foram testadas propriedades psicométricas: confiabilidade (consistência interna e teste-reteste) e validade de construto. O reteste foi realizado quatro semanas após a primeira entrevista. RESULTADOS: a confiabilidade do instrumento foi avaliada por meio do Coeficiente α Cronbach, tendo como resultado geral 0,7. O teste-reteste avaliou a estabilidade do instrumento por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse e apresentou resultado de 0,91 e 0,95, quando comparados aos questionários ICIQ-OAB e ICIQ-SF, respectivamente. Comparando os instrumentos por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi encontrado 0,7 (p=0,0001), o que confirma a validade de critério do estudo. A validade concorrente foi avaliada pela correlação entre algumas variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas e o escore final do ICIQ-OAB. CONCLUSÃO: a versão em português do ICIQ-OAB traduzida e adaptada culturalmente para o português do Brasil apresentou confiabilidade e validade de constructo satisfatórias e foi considerada válida para avaliação dos sintomas miccionais irritativos de pacientes brasileiros de ambos os sexos.

PURPOSE: to translate, culturally adapt and validate the questionnaire "International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder" (ICIQ-OAB) for the Portuguese Language. METHODS: two Brazilian translators acquainted with the objectives of this research translated the ICIQ-OAB into Portuguese and both translations were back-translated by two other native English speaking translators. The differences between the versions were brought to agreement and pre-tested in a pilot study. The final version of the ICIQ-OAB was applied together with the previously translated and tested version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) in 142 male and female patients with irritative urinary symptoms. For the validation of the ICIQ-OAB the following psychometric features were evaluated: reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity of the survey. The retest was performed four weeks after the first interview. RESULTS: the reliability of the instrument was demonstrated through the Cronbach α Coefficient, with a general result of 0.7. The test-retest corroborated the stability of the instrument through the intraclass correlation coefficient and presented a result of 0.91 and 0.95 when compared to both the ICIQ-OAB and ICIQ-SF, respectively. When the instruments were compared by the Pearson correlation coefficient the result was 0.7 (p=0.0001), that confirms the validity of the study criterion. The concurrent validity was evaluated by the correlation between some clinical and sociodemographic variants and the ICIQ-OAB score. CONCLUSION: the culturally adapted version of the ICIQ-OAB translated into Brazilian Portuguese presented satisfactory reliability and survey validity and was considered valid for the evaluation of irritative urinary symptoms of Brazilian patients of both genders.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was performed to achieve visualization of the reestablishment of anatomy after reconstructive surgery in the different pelvic compartments with non-absorbable radiopaque meshes, providing valuable anatomic information for surgeons implanting meshes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse, or both underwent surgical repair using radiopaque meshes after written informed consent. Patients with SUI underwent five different surgeries. Patients with anterior vaginal prolapse underwent a procedure using a combined pre-pubic and transobturator mesh, and those with posterior vaginal prolapse underwent posterior slingplasty. Three-dimensional reconstruction using helical CT was performed four weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: In all cases, the mesh was clearly visualized. Transobturator slings were shown at the midurethra, and the anchoring tails perforated the obturator foramen at the safety region. Mini-slings were in the proper place, and computed angiography revealed that the anchoring system was away from the obturator vessels. In patients undergoing procedure for anterior vaginal prolapse, both pre-pubic armpit and obturator slings were clearly seen and the mesh was in the proper position, supporting the bladder base and occluding the distal part of the urogenital hiatus. Transcoccygeal sacropexy revealed indirectly a well-supported "neo rectovaginal fascia" and the anchoring tails at the level of ischial spines. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional helical tomography images of the female pelvis using radiopaque meshes have a potential role in improving our understanding of pelvic floor reconstructive surgeries. These radiopaque meshes might be the basis of a new investigative methodology.

O objectivo deste trabalho consistiu em calibrar uma sonda electrónica de capacitância para simplificar o processo de avaliação da pastagem num projecto de Agricultura de Precisão. O método tradicional de determinação da massa de pastagem exige um grande esforço e é incompatível com a gestão do dia a dia dos agricultores. Os ensaios foram realizados em diferentes datas do ano de 2007, em três explorações agrícolas, que representam as pastagens típicas do Alentejo (gramíneas; leguminosas; e mistura biodiversa). Foram utilizadas equações de regressão para relacionar a massa de matéria seca obtida na medição directa com as estimativas indirectas obtidas nas leituras de capacitância. Em dois dos três locais os coeficientes de determinação foram elevados, 0,90 nas gramíneas e entre 0,67 e 0,75 na mistura biodiversa. Nas leguminosas o coeficiente de determinação variou entre 0,27 e 0,59. Em 2008 as equações de previsão foram validadas em dois dos locais, tendo-se obtido um desvio entre a massa efectivamente cortada e a massa estimada igual ou inferior a 20%.

The general objective of the study was calibrate an electronic capacitance meter to estimating the pasture dry matter in a precision agriculture project. The standard method of assessing pasture requires great effort and farmers are not willing to make this effort in day-to-day management of pastures. The field tests for carrying out in different dates of 2007 and in three dairy farms, represents the typical pastures in Alentejo region (grasses; leguminous; and bio divers mixture). Regression techniques are used to relate the weight of the herbage in kg of dry matter for hectare to the meter reading of capacitance. The estimation of dry matter of the herbage mass, in kg ha-1, based in capacitance was relatively good in two sites, with overall coefficients of determination of 0,90 in grasses and 0,67 to 0,75 in bio divers mixture. In the leguminous the coefficients of determination obtained varied between 0,27 and 0,59. In 2008, the regression equations were validated in two sites and the results showed a gap between the mass effectively cut and the estimated mass of less or equal to 20%.

Objective: The creation of neo utero-sacral neoligaments, decribed by Petros, evolved into a new procedure allowing for the anatomical reconstruction of the three levels proposed by DeLancey. The aim of this study is evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of this minimally invasive procedure. Patients and method: From December 2004 to March 2007, a total of 34 patients with posterior defect grade III or higher underwent this procedure. The minimum follow up was 13 months Mean age was 63 years. The site of fixation was the Sacrospinous ligament. Surgical technique: The ischiorectal fossa is dissected. Next two small skin incisions are made 3 cm lateral and inferior to the center of the anus. A proper needle is introduced, vertically towards the sacrospinal ligament at the level of the ischial spine, guided by the surgeon index finger, 2 cm medially avoiding the Alcok canal. The armpit of the mesh is connected to the tip of the needle and brought to the perineal region. No site specific correction is made. Results: The cure rate was 94,7% and recurrence rate was 5,3%. No visceral, nerurovascular injuries were observed. The mesh exposure rate (less than 1 cm²) was (14.7%) and all patients were treated conservatively with no impact on the outcome. There were transient dyspareunia in 2 (11.8%) of the 17 sexually active patient and persistent in 1 case (5.9%). Conclusions: This procedure is an attractive minimally invasive alternative for the anatomical and functional reconstruction of the posterior and apical defects.

Objetivo: La creación de neoligamentos útero- sacros, según lo descripto por Petros, con el uso de malla sintética de polipropileno permite la corrección anatómica del prolapso posterior en los tres niveles propuestos por DeLancey. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los resultados anatómicos y funcionales de este método en la corrección del POP posterior. Pacientes y método: Desde diciembre del 2004 a marzo del 2007, 34 mujeres con edad media de 63 años fueron sometidas al procedimiento, siendo rectoceles grado III o mayores. El seguimento mínimo fué de 13 meses. Los puntos de fijación fueron el músculo íleococcígeo y el ligamento sacroespinoso. Técnica: Luego de la incisión de la mucosa de la pared vaginal posterior, la fosa ísquio-rectal es disecada. Dos pequeñas incisiones son hechas 3 cm lateral y 3 cm inferior al ano. La aguja se inserta verticalmente en dirección a la espina isquiática, guiado por el dedo indicador del cirujano hasta el ligamento sacroespinoso, 2 cm medialmente, evitando a lesión del canal de Alcock. Los brazos de la malla son conectados a la punta de la aguja, traccionando posteriormente de las agujas. No se realiza la correción sitio específica. El exceso de malla es recortado y esta se fija próxima al cuerpo perineal, quedando de esa forma extendida sobre la pared vaginal posterior. La mucosa vaginal se cierra en forma habitual. Resultados: Con el 94,7% de cura y recurrencia del 5,3%, no hubo lesión nerviosa, visceral o vascular. Cinco (14,7%) pacientes tuvieron exposición de la malla de menos de 1 cm² y fueron tratadas conservadoramente sin impacto en los resultados. Dos de las 17 sexualmente activas (11,8%) presentaron dispareunia transitoria, siendo prolongada en 1 solo caso (5,9%) Conclusión: Este procedimiento mínimamente invasivo es una alternativa atractiva para la reconstrucción anatómica y funcional de los defectos posteriores y apicales.

Objectives: Voiding dysfunction and urinary retention were frequent complications of sling. More recently synthetic supplies such as polypropylene mesh have been included in the armamentarium for sub urethral support. Methods: A prospective non randomized study was conducted. Sling procedure was performed in 436 consecutive patients with SUI. Patients were divided in groups according to mesh type, being 210 on autologous and 226 on synthetic. Patients were surveyed on voiding condition, continence and satisfaction. Surgical results were assessed according to Blaivas classification. Results were considered significant p<0.05. Results: Mean patient age was 48,4 years. Mean operative time for autologous sling was of 107,6 min versus 20,6min for synthetic. Mean hospitalization was 36h on autologous versus 24h on synthetic and mean follow up was 25 months. We found 87,1% and 92,9% of patients continent in autologous and synthetic group, respectively. Failure was presented by 7% in autologous and 4,8 % in synthetic group (p=0.1961). The global rate of BOO was of 4,5 % (20/436), when analysed by groups we found on autologous a rate of 8.5% (18/210), compared to 0.9% on synthetics (2/226) (p=0.000126). Conclusions: Autologous and synthetic slings presented comparable success rates, however BOO was more common among patients treated by autologous slings.

Introducción: Disfunción en el vaciamiento y retención urinaria son complicaciones frecuentes del cabestrillo. Recientemente se han incluido en el arsenal para el soporte sub-uretral, suministros sintéticos tales como la malla de polipropilenol. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un Estudio prospectivo no aleatorizado. El procedimiento cabestrillo se realizó en 436 pacientes consecutivos con IUE (Incontinencia Urinaria de Esfuerzo). Las pacientes fueron divididas en grupos según el tipo de malla, en autólogos 210 y 226 sintéticos. Las pacientes fueron evaluadas en cuanto a condición de vaciamiento, continencia y satisfacción. Los resultados quirúrgicos fueron evaluados en función de la clasificación de Blaivas. Se consideró significativo p<0,05. Resultados: La media de edad fue 48,4 años. El tiempo medio operatorio para los Cabestrillo autólogos fue de 107,6 minutos frente a 20,6 min para el sintético. El promedio de hospitalización fue de 36 horas para autólogos frente a 24 horas para los sintéticos y la media de seguimiento fue de 25 meses. Se encontró 87,1% y 92,9% de las pacientes continentes en los grupos autólogos y sintéticos, respectivamente. Fallo en el procedimiento se presentó en un 7% en el grupo autólogo y 4,8% en el sintético (p=0,1961). La tasa global de obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior fue de 4,5% (20/436), cuando se analizó por grupos, encontramos en el grupo autólogo una tasa de 8,5% (18/210), en comparación con el 0,9% en el grupo sintético (2/226) (p=0,000126). Conclusiones: Cabestrillos autólogos y sintéticos presentan las tasas de éxito comparables, sin embargo la obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior fue más común entre las pacientes tratadas con fascias autólogas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Posterior Tibial Nerve stimulation in women with overactivity bladder symptoms and the impact in the quality of life using the Overactivity Bladder Questionnaire (OABq). Methods: thirty seven women from female urology outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas de Campinas (HC/UNICAMP) were enrolled in this prospective, controlled and randomized clinical trial. The patients were randomly placed in one of two groups: Treatment group: patients were submitted to tibial posterior nerve electrical stimulation (n=21) and Sham group: patients had electrodes placed without electricity (n = 16). After informed consent the patients underwent a physiotherapeutic evaluation, that included voiding diary and the overactivity bladder questionnaire(OABq). The treatment schedule included eight sessions of electrical stimulation in the posterior tibial nerve, twice a week. Results: there were significant changes in symptoms such as frequency and nocturia (p=0,003 e p=0,001). The urgency and quality of life was improved in both group after treatment. Conclusion: The posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation is an effective treatment in overactive bladder.

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y el impacto en la calidad de vida de mujeres con síntomas clínicos de VH, sometidas a estimulación eléctrica percutánea del nervio tibial posterior. Material y método: Ensayo clínico randomizado, controlado, en 37 mujeres con síntomas clínicos de VH evaluadas en el Servicio de urología femenina del Hospital de Clínicas de UNICAMP. Las pacientes que presentaron los criterios de inclusión, fueron distribuidas, de forma aleatoria, en dos grupos: 21 pacientes en el grupo de tratamiento (electroestimulación percutánea del nervio tibial posterior) y 16 pacientes en el grupo placebo (sólo colocación de los electrodos sin el paso de corriente eléctrica). Las mujeres fueron interrogadas sobre: historia de síntomas, cirugías previas, presencia de síntomas menopáusicos, frecuencia urinaria, urgencia miccional y nocturia, demostrado mediante diario miccional durante tres días. Se respondió el cuestionario de calidad de vida "Overactive Bladder Questionnaire" (OABq), en el momento de la evaluación inicial y final del tratamiento. El tratamiento consistió en 8 sesiones de electroestimulación, dos veces por semana con duración de 30 minutos cada sesión. Resultados: El trabajo mostró cambios significativos en los síntomas de frecuencia y nocturia, en el grupo sometido a electroestimulación del nervio tibial posterior (P=0003 = ep 0001, respectivamente). La urgencia miccional y la calidad de vida mejoró en ambos grupos significativamente. Conclusión: la electroestimulación del nervio tibial posterior demostró ser un tratamiento fisioterapéutico eficaz en el tratamiento de los síntomas clínicos y mejoría la calidad de vida de las mujeres con VH.