Br J Urol. 1988 Jun; 61(6): 490-3.

Acupuncture in the treatment of bladder instability.

Philp T, Shah PJ, Worth PH.

Shaftesbury Hospital, London.

Twenty patients with lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to bladder instability or sensory urgency were treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture; 77% of patients with idiopathic detrusor instability were symptomatically cured. Urodynamic assessment after treatment showed no consistent changes and instability was abolished in only 1 patient. Bladder capacity rose in those who responded. Acupuncture is safe and free of complications and side effects. In patients with diurnal symptoms associated with idiopathic bladder instability it offers a therapy as effective as other non-invasive treatments.