Complications associated with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure: the Korean experience

The object was to assess the incidence of complications in patients who had undergone the tension-free vaginal tape procedure and their management. A total of 274 women 28–80 years old (mean: 55.1) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. Follow-up evaluation included questionnaire assessment, physical examination with a stress test, uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine measurement. Bladder perforations were noted in 13 (4.7%). Thirty-eight patients (13.9%) had postvoid residual urine volume >100 ml twice consecutively or failed to void. Twenty-three women had resolution of their voiding dysfunction with intermittent catheterization. Fourteen patients underwent urethral dilatation and four subsequently underwent a release and/or cutting of the tape. Fifty-seven patients (20.8%) had other voiding problems, but a normal voiding pattern was achieved spontaneously in 34. Fourteen women have shown resolution of their voiding symptoms after urethral dilatation. The present study demonstrates that the tension-free vaginal tape procedure is a safe technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence. In addition, our findings suggest that there may be a role for urethral dilatation in the management of voiding difficulty associated with the procedure.     

The Size of External Urethral Meatus on Maximum Stretch in Indian Adult Males

Size of the external urethral meatus in adult Indian males is not yet documented. However, for choosing optimum size of an instrument, it is important to know the maximum stretchable external urethral meatal size in a particular patient. Hence, a prospective study was conducted at our institution to document the maximum stretchable adult male external urethral meatus size. After obtaining consent, 340 adult males who were undergoing urethral instrumentation for reasons other than the diseases of the urethra underwent urethral calibration using a “urethral calibrator” during February 2009 to April 2010. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 17. The average maximum stretchable external urethral meatal size in an Indian adult male was 28.49 Fr. Ours is the only study to document the maximum stretchable adult external urethral meatal size in Indian males which helps us for better instrumentation.     

Large urethral prolapse formation after calcium hydroxylapatite (Coaptite) injection

A 67-year-old woman who had failed two prior anti-incontinence surgeries presented with stress urinary incontinence and intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. Calcium hydroxylapatite (Coaptite(R)) was injected cystoscopically into the bladder neck and proximal urethra and resolved her incontinence. Seven months later, she presented with difficulty in voiding and a urethral mass. Physical examination revealed a large prolapse of the urethral mucosa obstructing the external urethral meatus. Surgical exploration revealed local migration of calcium hydroxylapatite particles from the site of injection (bladder neck and proximal urethra) to the distal urethra. The prolapsed urethral mucosa was incised and marsupialized. Improper injection techniques likely contributed to urethral prolapse in this complication. Meticulous attention to injection techniques is the key to treatment success of urethral bulking agents, particularly in patients who have a scarred/fixed urethra or have multiple urethral/vaginal surgeries.     

Urethral diverticulum in women: diverse presentations resulting in diagnostic delay and mismanagement

PURPOSE: We describe various clinical presentations of urethral diverticulum, which may mimic other pelvic floor disorders and result in diagnostic delay. Management and outcome results are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 46 consecutive cases of urethral diverticulum. Patient characteristics, history, clinical evaluation, management and long-term followup are reported. RESULTS: Mean patient age plus or minus standard deviation was 36.3 +/- 11.7 years. Most (83%) cases were referred as diagnostic dilemmas with symptoms present for 3 months to 27 years. Mean interval between onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 5.2 years. The most common symptoms were pain (48% of cases), urinary incontinence (35%), dyspareunia (24%) and frequency/urgency (22%). The number of physicians previously consulted ranged from 3 to 20 and prior therapies included oral and/or vaginal medications, anti-incontinence surgery and psychotherapy. The diverticulum was palpable on examination in 24 patients (52%), in only 6 of whom was it possible to "milk" contents per meatus. Of these 24 palpable diverticula 2 contained malignancy, and 2 others contained endometriosis and stones, respectively. Diagnosis was made by voiding cystourethrography in 30 cases (65%), double balloon urethrography in 5 (11%) and transvaginal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging in 7 (15%). Diverticula were incidental findings during vaginal surgery in 4 cases (9%). Treatment consisted of diverticulectomy and/or Martius flap, pubovaginal sling and urethral reconstructive procedures when indicated in 35 cases (76%), and 2 other patients underwent radical surgery for diverticular malignancy. Subsequently all but 2 patients with pain were cured. In another patient de novo stress incontinence developed postoperatively. None of the patients who underwent concomitant pubovaginal sling had postoperative incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms of urethral diverticulum may mimic other disorders. This condition should be considered in women with pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and irritative voiding symptoms not responding to therapy. Surgical treatment is usually effective in alleviating associated symptoms.     

Penile fracture associated with complete urethra and bilateral corpora cavernosa transection

Penile fracture is a rare urological emergency caused by blunt trauma to the erect penis. It occurs due to the forcible bending of the turgid erect penis against resistance leading to tunica albuginea tear. The rupture of tunica albuginea surrounding the corpora cavernosa leads to hematoma formation and classical ‘aubergine’ deformity. Timely intervention is essential to improve sexual function. Urethral injury may occur concomitantly in case of severe trauma. Blood at the meatus, inability to void and haematuria are distinctive features. We describe a case of 36-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with penile fracture during sexual intercourse associated with blood at the meatus and voiding difficulty. On surgical exploration, complete bilateral corpora cavernosa tear and penile urethral transection was noted. The patient was successfully managed with timely repair. This case highlights the need for suspicion of an associated urethral injury in patients of penile fracture with blood at the meatus.     

Dorsal graft urethroplasty for female urethral stricture

PURPOSE: Urethral strictures in females are uncommon, and treatment options and outcome are not well-defined with scanty reports. We describe a new method of urethroplasty for the repair of female urethral stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three 60-year-old females, each with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections and obstructive voiding symptoms due to urethral stricture, underwent urethroplasty with a dorsal vaginal or buccal mucosal graft. The dorsal aspect of the distal urethra was dissected from the surrounding tissue through a suprameatal incision and the urethral wall was incised through the stricture at the 12 o'clock position. A 1.5 cm wide free graft was harvested from the vaginal wall or buccal mucosa in 1 case, and the mucosal surface was placed upon the urethral lumen and sutured with a running 5-zero polyglactin suture to the open urethra. Indwelling 18Fr urethral and 16Fr suprapubic catheters were left in place for 2 and 3 weeks, respectively. RESULTS: No additional treatment was required during the 1, 8 and 27 months of followup. All patients had normal micturition following catheter removal. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal graft urethroplasty is feasible and effective for the correction of persistent female urethral stricture.     

Vestibular flap urethroplasty for strictures of the female urethra. Impact on symptoms and flow patterns

INTRODUCTION: To assess the impact on subjective symptoms and flow patterns of a new surgical technique designed to correct strictures of the female distal urethra and urethral meatus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients (mean age 41.2 years) with symptomatic strictures of either the distal urethra or the urethral meatus entered the study. Patients reporting an AUA score >20, a diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction according to the Abrams-Griffiths nomogram and the Schaefer linPURR diagram, urethral calibration <20 F and radiologic evidence of the stricture, were considered eligible for surgery. A pedicled flap isolated from the vaginal vestibule was anastomosed with two longitudinal running sutures along the two edges of an opened urethra. RESULTS: In all cases, diffuse fibrosis of the urethral wall was demonstrated at histological examination. Mean (+/- SE) preoperative and 12-month follow-up results were as follows: AUA score 25.2 +/- 2.1 vs. 8.4 +/- 1.2 (p < 0.0001); peak flow rate (ml/s) 13.2 +/- 1.2 vs. 36 +/- 1.5 (p < 0.0001); detrusor pressure at Q(max) (cm H(2)O) 45 +/- 5 vs. 17 +/- 3; residual urine volume (ml) 120 +/- 5 vs. 20 +/- 5 (p < 0.0001). Fifteen patients (88%) showed an unobstructed Abrams-Griffiths nomogram and a Schaefer linPURR diagram postoperatively. All but 2 cases (88%) could be calibrated at 28 F postoperatively and showed a normal urethral lumen at voiding cystourethrography. Complications were never noted. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with symptomatic strictures of the distal urethra or urethral meatus may be treated efficaciously and safely with vestibular flap urethroplasty. Although this technique must be performed under optical magnification it is easy to perform and is not associated with complications.     

游离黏膜尿道成形治疗硬化性苔藓样病所致尿道狭窄的疗效观察

目的 提高对硬化性苔藓样病( lichen sclerosus,LS)导致尿道狭窄的认识,观察游离黏膜尿道成形治疗LS所致尿道狭窄的疗效. 方法 2007年1月-2010年12月收治LS所致前尿道狭窄患者36例,年龄27～75岁,平均41岁.尿道狭窄段长5.0 ～20.0 cm,平均11.5 cm.根据尿道狭窄段长短和严重程度选择不同的黏膜组织,其中行口腔内黏膜(舌、颊黏膜)尿道成形27例,结肠黏膜尿道成形8例,另1例老年患者行前尿道劈开.在行尿道重建术前对病变累及的阴茎头、尿道口、尿道行病理学检查. 结果 36例患者术后3周拔除导尿管,排尿通畅;活检结果提示上皮基底部特征性病变,过度角化,上皮层变薄,淋巴细胞浸润等.术后随访6 ～ 50个月,平均22个月.出现尿道外口狭窄3例(8.3％),其中口腔内黏膜尿道成形者2例,结肠黏膜重建尿道者1例,行尿道外口切开后排尿通畅.余患者术后排尿通畅,最大尿流率17.2～47.0 ml/s,平均23.4 ml/s. 结论 采用游离黏膜尿道成形治疗LS所致尿道狭窄疗效较好,但需密切随访,因病变迁延可致尿道再狭窄,尤其是尿道口再狭窄.     

尿道背侧颊黏膜镶嵌补片法治疗长段前尿道狭窄

目的 评价颊黏膜尿道背侧镶嵌技术尿道修复重建手术的有效性和安全性.方法 男性前尿道狭窄患者57例.平均年龄36(17～52)岁.尿道狭窄长度平均3.0(2.5～7.0)cm.颊黏膜取材长度平均4.0(3.5～8.0)cm,平均宽度2.3(I.8～2.5)am.57例均有经尿道内窥镜冷切电切手术史,其中1次手术史29例(51%),2次20例(35%),3次8例(14%),行耻骨上膀胱造瘘48例,9例采用尿道扩张维持.手术游离并旋转尿道,并于尿道背侧纵行切开,6-0可吸收线缝合颊黏膜与尿道切缘.保留尿管4周,拔管时行顺行尿道造影.患者排尿困难和尿线变细、尿道造影或尿道镜发现尿道管腔狭窄<16 F确定为尿道狭窄复发.结果 57例手术均成功,平均手术时间135(105150)min.平均随访11.2(1～23)个月.尿道通畅54例(95%),术后2～3个月复发3例(5%),狭窄部位均为远端的颊黏膜与尿道结合部,行尿道内窥镜冷刀切开,定期尿道扩张治疗.伤口感染3例,未发生尿瘘及尿道憩室.患者口腔疼痛持续2～5 d,平均2.3 d.术后无张VI困难、颊部麻木及腮腺导管梗阻等并发症发生,VI腔颊部均未见瘢痕形成.结论 VI腔颊黏膜尿道背侧镶嵌补片修复重建尿道,效果确切、并发症少、狭窄复发率低,是理想的长段前尿道狭窄的修复重建手段.     

Anomalies of the external urethral meatus in girls with non-neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in a prospective study the clinical and urodynamic characteristics associated with the correlation previously reported between non-neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction and minimal meatal deformities in girls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to June 1996 all girls referred for urodynamics to investigate non-neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction were examined for meatal anomalies. Two types of meatal anomalies were recognized, i.e. hypospadias, in which the urethral meatus is displaced dorsally and meatal web or covered hypospadias, in which there is a mucosal web on the dorsal side of the urethral meatus that deflects the urinary stream anteriorly. The girls presenting with minimal meatal deformities were compared with those presenting a normal meatal configuration for their history and video-urodynamic features. RESULTS: During the study, 288 girls were referred for video-urodynamics; 88 presented with meatal anomalies (24 hypospadias and 64 covered hypospadias) and comprised the study group; all other girls were considered as the control group. Incontinence during the day was more frequent in the study group (56%) than in the control group (34%) (P=0.003). Nocturnal enuresis was more frequent in the control group (87%) than in the study group (68%, P=0.006). Urge was more frequent in the study group (80%) than in the control group (65%, P=0.02), as was anterior deflection of the urinary stream (voiding over the toilet rim), in 48% and 4.5%, respectively (P<0.001). On video-urodynamics, dysfunctional voiding (detrusor sphincter dyscoordination during voiding) was more frequent in the study group (59%) than in the control group (38%, P=0.009), and vaginal voiding was more frequent in the study group (40%) than in the control group (11.5%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Girls presenting with meatal anomalies have more severe dysfunction, as estimated by urodynamics. Although the natural history of these anomalies and the incidence in the normal population is not known, it is thought that there is an aetiological correlation between the functional voiding disorders and the meatal anomaly. Surgical treatment to correct the anomalies is proposed.     

Urethral injuries in female subjects following pelvic fractures.

Pelvic fractures resulting from high speed motor vehicle and/or pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents commonly coexist with urethral injuries in the male patient. A review of 130 female patients with pelvic fractures managed at our institution revealed coexisting urethral injuries in 6 (4.6%). Partial urethral disruptions accounted for the majority of morbidity with early removal of the Foley catheter resulting in urinary extravasation, voiding difficulties and vulvar edema. In 3 patients the injury was misdiagnosed, 2 of whom had life-threatening sepsis with necrotizing fascitis as a consequence. Blood at the vaginal introitus was noted in more than 80% of our patients. However, only half of them had a careful vaginal inspection. If this pertinent portion of the physical examination had been performed more than two-thirds of our patients could have been correctly diagnosed. The need for meticulous vaginal examination when blood is located at the vaginal introitus, and the need for careful cystoscopic and/or radiographic evaluations in the female patient with voiding difficulties and/or vulvar edema in the acute post-traumatic phase are stressed.     

Incomplete urethral duplication in a male. A case report

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital anomaly affecting mainly males and being usually diagnosed during paedriatric age. We report a 20 year old male complaining of double urethral meatus with double urinary stream. Physical examination confirmed and additional hypospadic meatus below a normally placed urethral meatus. Retrograde urethro-cystography and voiding cysto-urethrograms showed two distinct urethras originating from a common bladder neck and the diagnosis of Effmann type IIA2 incomplete urethral duplication was made. No treatment was felt to be applied after associated anomalies were ruled out.     

应用膀胱三角区壁瓣成形尿道治疗女性外伤性尿道缺损(附5例报告)

目的：探讨膀胱三角区壁瓣成形尿道治疗女性外伤性尿道损伤的疗效。方法：自膀胱颈后唇向上，取梯字形壁瓣，形成锥状管，经膀胱颈口，自阴道前壁外拉至外阴部，在原尿道外口处固定，替代尿道。结果：3例随访8年，1例6年，1例5年，平均随访7年，均排尿通畅，无尿失禁和尿道狭窄。结论：女性外伤性尿道缺损，应用膀胱三角区壁瓣形成锥状管替代尿道法治疗，手术简单，对患者打击小，成功率高，远期效果好。     

排尿期尿道超声显像在男性尿道疾病诊断中的应用

目的探讨排尿期尿道超声显像在男性尿道疾病诊断中的临床应用价值。方法对58例尿道疾病患者及8例正常尿道行排尿期尿道的经会阴及经阴茎超声检查。其中膀胱颈口尿道梗阻8例，良性前列腺增生（BPH）致尿道梗阻16例，急性尿道炎19例，慢性尿道炎7例、合并狭窄2例，尿道外伤性狭窄2例，尿道瘘2例，假性尿道、尿道炎性息肉、尿道尖锐湿疣和尿道癌各1例。结果排尿期尿道超声显像可动态观察膀胱颈口开放及后尿道顺应性扩张情况，膀胱颈口梗阻及良性前列腺梗阻表现为随着膀胱底及基底部下降，尿道内口被挤压形成颈口狭窄，而其以下水平尿道扩张正常或降低，患者愈用力排尿，梗阻愈加重。对急慢性尿道炎可明确炎症部位、范围、程度、有无脓栓附着等，同时对尿道慢性炎性狭窄或外伤性狭窄以及假性尿道、尿道瘘、尿道赘生物及恶性肿瘤等显像良好。结论排尿期尿道超声检查为非侵入性检查、可重复性强，对尿道疾病的诊断及治疗效果评价具有重要的临床意义。     

尿道处女膜融合症合并尿道肉阜的诊治

目的：探讨尿道处女膜融事症并尿道肉阜的诊断标准及治疗方法。方法：尿道肉阜患者，若同时阴道口至尿道阜基底部的最短距离〈０．４ｃｍ则诊为此病。共诊治１０７例，采用尿道肉阜缝扎切除，尿道外口阴道口间距延长术，保持尿道外口阴道口间距〉０．５ｃｍ，且使尿道外口的口径〉０．８ｃｍ。结果：痊愈８６例，好转１７例，无效４例。     

Learned voiding dysfunction (non-neurogenic, neurogenic bladder) among adults

Data concerning learned voiding dysfunction (Hinman syndrome; non-neurogenic, neurogenic bladder) in adults are scarce. The present study was conducted to assess the pre-valence and clinical characteristics of this dysfunction among adults referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms. Learned voiding dysfunction was suggested by a characteristic clinical history and intermittent "free" uroflow pattern and by the absence of any detectable neurological abnormality or anatomic urethral obstruction. A definitive diagnosis was made by the demonstration of typical external urethral sphincter contractions during micturition by EMG or fluoroscopy. A urodynamic database of 1,015 consecutive adults was reviewed. Twenty-one (2%) patients (age, 24-76 years) met our strict criteria of learned voiding dysfunction. Obstructive symptoms were the most common presenting symptoms, followed by frequency, nocturia, and urgency. Eight (35%) patients had recurrent urinary tract infections, seven of these being women. None of the patients had any clinically significant upper urinary tract damage. First sensation volume was significantly lower in women than in men. Both detrusor pressure at maximum flow and maximum detrusor pressure during voiding were found to be significantly higher in men than in women. Further differentiation between adult women and men failed to reveal any other clinically significant differences. In conclusion, by strict video-urodynamic criteria, 2% of our patients had learned voiding dysfunction. Other patients, with presumed learned voiding dysfunction, who did not undergo video-urodynamics were not included in the present series. Thus, the prevalence of learned voiding dysfunction among adults referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms is likely to be even higher.     

Prevalence of post-micturition symptoms in association with lower urinary tract symptoms and health-related quality of life in men and women

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Post‐micturition symptoms are infrequently reported in isolation of other LUTS. Whether post‐micturition symptoms should be grouped with voiding symptoms in men, as was recently done for women in the IUA/ICS classification for standardized reporting, remains unclear. Data is needed regarding the prevalence and quality‐of‐life impacts of post‐micturition symptoms, considering gender and overlap with other LUTS. For both men and women, post‐micturition symptoms were more consistently present alongside voiding rather than storage symptoms, thereby providing some support for the new classifications. In men, post‐void dribbling accounted for much of post‐micturition symptoms, whereas in women, incomplete emptying was more common. Across all LUTS subtypes, men and women who reported a feeling of incomplete emptying were among those most bothered by their health problems.

OBJECTIVE

? To estimate the prevalence of post‐micturition symptoms (a feeling of incomplete emptying following urination and post‐micturition dribble) in a population‐based sample of men and women, and to examine overlap with storage and voiding LUTS and associations with health‐related quality of life (HRQL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

? Data were obtained by in‐person interview in the Boston Area Community Health survey, a population‐based random sample of 2301 men and 3202 women aged 30–79 years in the USA. ? Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were defined using the International Prostate Symptom Score and standardized terminology. ? Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate associations between urological symptoms and validated HRQL measures (SF‐12 and activities interference) cross‐sectionally.

RESULTS

? The overall prevalence of post‐micturition symptoms was 11.8% in men and 8.5% in women. ? The prevalence increased with age in men but not women. ? In men, post‐void dribbling contributed to much of the post‐micturition symptoms, whereas, in women, incomplete emptying was more common. ? For both genders, over 50% with voiding symptoms also had post‐micturition symptoms, compared to less than 50% of respondents who reported storage symptoms. ? The presence of post‐micturition symptoms, particularly incomplete emptying, was indicative of mildly impaired physical HRQL and activities interference in men and women, and mental HRQL in men (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

? Post‐micturition symptoms were more prevalent than any individual voiding symptom and commonly overlapped with other LUTS. ? Over half of men and women with a voiding symptom also had a post‐micturition symptom. ? The presence of post‐micturition symptoms was indicative of impaired HRQL.     

Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra: Report of a rare neoplasm of the urinary tract

IntroductionMelanoma is a malignant tumor that can affect any area of the anatomical economy. Its occurance in the female urethra is extremely rare. We report a case of primary malignant urethral melanoma developed in an elderly female patient.Presentation of caseA 70 years old female presented with dysuria, poor stream, gross haematuria, intermittent blood spots, and a painful mass. On physical examination, there were no suspicious lesions on the skin. On external genital examination, a lesion at the level of the urethral meatus was observed. The mass was removed by wide local excision under spinal anaesthesia. The pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma of the urethra.DiscussionThe common presentations include bleeding and/or discharge per urethra, voiding dysfunction and the presence of tumor mass. Survival depends on the stage, location and size of the neoplasm at the time of diagnosis. Despite major surgery, radiotherapy or immunotherapy; malignant melanoma usually has a poor prognosis.ConclusionMelanoma of the female urethra is an extremely uncommon pathology leading to paucity of literature and any definite recommendations regarding management. The histological and immunohistochemical findings can be helpful in making an early and accurate diagnosis of malignant melanoma in the urogenital region.     

The cystometric nuclear cystogram.

Vesicoureteral reflux is a common clinical problem that we monitor by interval nuclear cystography. Of the children having nuclear cystograms 40% also have voiding abnormalities, including incontinence (damp pants), urgency and infrequent micturition. We have evaluated these symptoms by recording the intravesical pressure during the nuclear cystogram. This combined examination, the cystometric nuclear cystogram, has been done on 46 children. An abnormal cystometrogram was found in 61% of the children with a voiding abnormality and helped to establish a basis for successful therapy. The cystometric nuclear cystogram aids in the diagnosis and rational therapy of childhood voiding abnormalities. It is a practical method to obtain a cystometrogram in children with voiding abnormalities who are being evaluated for ureteral reflux and it has facilitated the management of childhood ureteral reflux.     

A mathematical model for micturition gives new insights into pressure measurement and function

Our objective was to analyze the factors contributing to the development of detrusor pressure during micturition in the female with reference to a mathematical model. One hundred patients with predominantly stress incontinence were investigated with micturition pressure studies. Frictional and dynamic losses were estimated at various flow rates using a mathematical model. Almost 25% of patients recorded a micturition pressure below 11 cmH₂O at peak flow (mean 23 cmH₂O, range 0–91). Large inter- and intrapatient variations in micturition pressures were recorded on retesting. The low pressures were explained by a recently described external opening mechanism, backward stretching of the vagina during micturition by the muscles of the pelvic floor. This opened out the outflow tract and created the potential for a falsely high P_abd. The large variability in micturition pressures on retesting was attributed to changes in urethral radius being magnified to the fourth power. It was concluded that, micturition itself, and the components for pressure generation, are complex non-linear entities which appear to be greatly modified by the external striated pelvic floor opening mechanism. Addressing anatomical defects in this mechanism may be a fruitful route of future enquiry in females with emptying problems.Editorial Comment: The authors in a previous series of articles presented a concept of an external striated muscle opening force, involving the pelvic floor muscles which assist in micturition. The theory being that a downward, backward contraction of the pelvic floor muscles opens the urethra, allowing for micturition with associated detrusor contraction. In this current study they use an experimentally validated mathematical model to support their hypothesis from the previous studies, utilizing data from micturition flow studies obtained from patients with documented lower urinary tract dysfunction. Dr Petros presents an interesting theory that, with continued evaluation of anatomical defects in the micturition mechanism, we may uncover answers to the many questions regarding female voiding dysfunction.