Acupuncture in the treatment of bladder instability.

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.