Osaka Keisatsu Hospital Strengthens Specialized Medical System for Urological and Pelvic Floor Disorders with Female Physicians from April

Shoko Hongo, Deputy Director of the Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Center, Osaka Keisatsu Hospital

Osaka Keisatsu Hospital (Location: Tennoji-ku, Osaka City) will reorganize its "Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Center" as an independent medical center from the urology department starting April 2026. This will strengthen its specialized medical system to more comprehensively address pelvic organ prolapse, including uterine prolapse, cystocele, and rectocele, as well as urinary dysfunction such as urinary incontinence and overactive bladder.

Since fiscal year 2024, the center has been offering Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy (SNM) for overactive bladder, primarily led by female physicians, with 7 cases treated to date.

The independence of the center aims to further enhance the medical system and improve convenience for patients.

■ A New Option for Those Suffering from Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by sudden, strong urges to urinate (urinary urgency), often accompanied by frequent urination and urge incontinence. Many individuals feel "too embarrassed to consult" or "unable to properly convey their symptoms," which can significantly disrupt daily life.

Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy (SNM) is a new treatment option for overactive bladder that is suitable for those for whom medication is not sufficiently effective, or who cannot take medication due to side effects or co-existing conditions. Our hospital offers this treatment to provide more options for those suffering from distressing symptoms.

■ What is Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy (SNM)?

SNM is a treatment method that regulates urinary function by sending weak electrical stimulation from a "small pacemaker-like stimulating device" to the sacral nerves, which control bladder and urethral function.

It is widely used in Europe and the United States, and its adoption is progressing in Japan as a treatment option following drug therapy. The stimulating device used is very small, and a key feature is that it does not interfere with daily life after implantation.

Furthermore, since November 2022, it has been conditionally compatible with full-body MRI examinations, establishing a system that can flexibly accommodate post-treatment examinations.

■ A Two-Stage Treatment for Peace of Mind: First Confirm if the Treatment is Suitable

SNM is a gradual treatment performed in two stages. First, a trial stimulation is performed in the initial surgery to confirm "whether the treatment is suitable for you." Only if effectiveness is confirmed, the patient proceeds to the second surgery (definitive treatment).

Because the treatment proceeds only after confirming its effectiveness, it is safe and allows patients to make a choice with confidence. Another feature is that the surgery is short and places relatively little burden on the body.

① Trial Stimulation (1st Surgery: Lead Insertion)

A thin lead (electrode) is placed near the sacral nerves, and changes in symptoms are observed for several days to about 7 days using an external stimulating device.

② Definitive Treatment (2nd Surgery: Implantation of the Stimulating Device)

Only if sufficient improvement is expected from the trial stimulation, a small stimulating device is implanted in the body to provide continuous electrical stimulation.

Our hospital has established a system where both trial stimulation and definitive treatment can be performed during the inpatient period, allowing patients to receive treatment with peace of mind. Since its introduction in fiscal year 2024, 7 cases have already been treated.

■ A System for Easy Consultation with Female Physicians

Urinary problems are often difficult to discuss with others or cause hesitation in seeking medical attention.

Our hospital provides an environment where female patients who feel "difficult to consult" or "hard to convey symptoms" can consult with peace of mind, as specialized female urologists consistently handle diagnosis, surgery, and post-operative follow-up.

Adaptation for treatment is available for both men and women, and anyone can consult.

■ Comment from the Attending Physician

"Many people endure symptoms of overactive bladder because they find it difficult to talk about them. We value creating a place where such individuals can consult with peace of mind.

Patients who have received treatment have commented, 'I was able to talk about a long-standing problem with peace of mind,' and 'I'm glad I found a treatment that suits me.'

Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy (SNM) is a treatment option for those for whom medication is ineffective or who cannot take medication, but medical institutions that can perform it are limited nationwide. Our hospital is one of the few facilities in Osaka Prefecture that performs it. I hope people will feel free to consult us without suffering alone." (Shoko Hongo, Deputy Director)

■ Cases Suitable for SNM

・Overactive bladder (urinary urgency, frequent urination, urge incontinence, etc.)

・Neurological urinary problems

・Those for whom drug therapy is insufficiently effective

・Those for whom continuation is difficult due to drug side effects

・Those who cannot take medication (due to co-existing conditions, constitution, etc.)

■ About the Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Center

・Please see our hospital website for details.
　URL: https://oim.or.jp/treatment/center/post-67/

■ Inquiries

Social Medical Corporation Osaka International Medical & Science Center Osaka Keisatsu Hospital Pelvic