Post-prostatectomy incontinence: the influence of bladder dysfunction

The urodynamic studies of 38 patients referred for evaluation of incontinence after prostatectomy were reviewed. Only 15 patients (39.5 per cent) had pure sphincteric insufficiency as the sole cause of the incontinence. Of the 38 patients 16 (42 per cent) had sphincteric insufficiency combined with a significant component of bladder dysfunction (detrusor instability and/or low bladder wall compliance) as the cause of the incontinence. A total of 7 patients (18.5 per cent) had no evidence of sphincteric insufficiency but they had post-prostatectomy incontinence solely caused by detrusor instability and/or low bladder wall compliance. Of the patients referred for post-prostatectomy incontinence 60.5 per cent had bladder dysfunction as a major factor in the incontinence, which emphasizes the need for comprehensive urodynamic evaluation before treatment is recommended. Of 26 patients whose treatment was based on urodynamic findings and who were available for followup 23 (88 per cent) were adequately continent after treatment, with 35 per cent responding to pharmacological treatment alone and 54 per cent requiring placement of an artificial urinary sphincter with or without associated pharmacological therapy. The potential role of bladder dysfunction as a causative factor in post-prostatectomy incontinence must be considered to optimize the results of treatment and to avoid an unnecessary operation.     

人工尿道括约肌治疗尿失禁(附四例报告)

目的　探讨人工尿道括约肌治疗真性尿失禁的效果和安全性。　方法　采用美国AMS公司 80 0型人工尿道括约肌植入治疗 4例真性尿失禁患者 ,记录手术前后的排尿日记 ,尿动力学测定 ,观察其不良反应。　结果　 4例患者人工尿道括约肌植入术后 4～ 6周开通人工尿道括约肌 ,尿失禁得到良好控制 ,恢复自主排尿 ,未出现因感染而取出装置的严重并发症 ;随访 17～ 4 6个月 ,白天或夜间均无漏尿 ,无需尿垫 ,能自主排尿 ,生活质量评分平均 1分。尿动力学测定膀胱顺应性及稳定性良好 ,最大尿道闭合压 8.2～ 9.4kPa ,平均 8.7kPa ,3例无剩余尿 ,1例有少量剩余尿 ,仅 1例曾因机械故障更换控制泵。　结论　人工尿道括约肌植入术治疗真性尿失禁疗效满意 ,手术简单 ,安全可靠 ,无严重并发症。     

Upper urinary tract deterioration after implantation of artificial urinary sphincter

The preoperative urodynamic evaluations of twenty patients with myelomeningocele who had had artificial sphincter implantation because of urinary incontinence were reviewed. Four patients developed hydronephrosis and severe impairment of renal function between two and six years after implantation of the artificial sphincter. The condition was partly reversible after removal of the artificial sphincter. The urodynamic evaluation prior to implantation revealed in the four mentioned patients compared to the 16 patients with normal upper urinary tract, a tendency to lower bladder compliance, lower bladder capacity and more severe detrusor hyperreflexia, but it was not possible to make a clear discrimination between the two groups. Attention is drawn to this unfortunate combination of effects after artificial sphincter implantation. Periodic control of the upper urinary tract by urography is recommended.     

女性盆底器官脱垂伴尿失禁患者的尿动力学特征

目的 探讨女性盆底器官脱垂伴尿失禁患者膀胱储尿期和排尿期的尿动力学参数变化. 方法对182例女性尿失禁和盆底器官脱垂患者进行尿动力学检查,其中尿失禁140例,尿失禁伴盆底器官脱垂42例.在统一标准下行尿动力学检查测定膀胱灌注量、排尿量、膀胱顺应性、最大尿流率、最大尿流率逼尿肌压、最小尿流率逼尿肌压、尿道阻力因子(URA)、膀胱梗阻指数(OBI)以及归-化逼尿肌收缩力,评价女性尿失禁患者盆底器官脱垂对膀胱储尿功能和排尿功能的影响. 结果 尿失禁组与尿失禁伴盆底器官脱垂组患者尿失禁病程[(58.1±75.4)与(41.9±55.4)个月]、膀胱灌注量[(295.3±95.8)与(276.5±80.8)ml]、膀胱顺应性[(77.7±122.1)与(51.5±61.9)ml/cm H2O]、最大尿流率[(15.8±12.5)与(14.7±13.9)ml/s]、最小尿流率逼尿肌压[(3.2±5.8)与(2.8±5.5)ml/cm H2O]、归-化逼尿肌收缩力[(7.5±12.8)与(8.2±13.8)cm H2O]相比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);而年龄[(58.7±12.2)与(67.1±8.3)岁]、排尿量[(269.2±145.2)与(248.9±135.1)ml]、最大尿流率逼尿肌压[(20.4±16.2)与(25.7±21.3)cm H2O]、URA[(11.3±9.5与(14.8±12.6)cm H2O]、OBI[(15.6±14.5)与(21.7±20.1)cm H2O]2组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论高龄女性尿失禁患者更可能伴有盆底器官脱垂,而盆底器官脱垂对膀胱储尿功能无影响,但可影响排尿期相关参数,增加膀胱出口阻力和膀胱残余尿量.     

Dysfunctional voiding in women

PURPOSE: We characterized presenting symptoms and urodynamic findings in women with dysfunctional voiding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 26 women diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding. Those with a known or suspected history of neurological disease before evaluation were excluded from study. All patients completed an American Urological Association symptom index, and scores were classified as total, storage (irritative) and emptying (obstructive). The diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding was made on multichannel video urodynamics. There was increased external sphincter activity during voiding. Presenting symptoms and urodynamic findings in all cases were summarized. In addition, symptoms and urodynamic findings in patients later diagnosed with occult neurological disease were compared with those in patients without neurological disease. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 39.2 years (range 19 to 79). Mean total American Urological Association-7 score was 24.4 of 35. Frequency and urgency were the most common presenting symptoms in 82% of cases. Mean storage score was 11.3 of 15 and mean voiding score was 13.2 of 20. Urge and stress incontinence was noted in 6 (23%) and 4 patients (15%), respectively, while 11 (42%) had a history of recurrent urinary tract infection. Cystometrography revealed detrusor instability in 11 cases (42%), sensory urgency in 11 (42%) and impaired compliance in 2 (8%), including 1 with instability. There was great variability in voiding parameters. Mean maximum urinary flow plus or minus standard deviation was 10.4 +/- 6.2 cc per second, mean detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow was 50.3 +/- 23.5 cm. water and mean post-void residual urine volume was 103.4 +/- 120.0 cc. Video urodynamics prompted neurological evaluation, which revealed occult neurological disease in 5 patients who were then reclassified with external-detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms may have dysfunctional voiding patterns. Storage symptoms appear to be even more common than voiding symptoms in this study group. These patients tend to have decreased flow, increased voiding pressure and high post-void residual urine volume. However, there is wide variation in these parameters among individuals. Therefore, careful review of the voiding phase, including pelvic floor electromyography and the fluoroscopic appearance of the bladder outlet, is critical. Occult neurological disease should be suspected in patients with dysfunctional voiding.     

Postprostatectomy incontinence. Pathophysiology, evaluation, and management

Given the prevalence of bladder dysfunction (i.e., poor compliance or detrusor instability) as a cause of postprostatectomy incontinence, urodynamic studies are essential in the evaluation of such patients. Appropriate management strategies based on the findings of a pertinent history and physical examination, appropriate radiologic studies, and urodynamics optimize the opportunity for successful treatment. Because bladder dysfunction frequently accompanies sphincter insufficiency, bladder dysfunction must be diagnosed and treated effectively before implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter.     

DETRUSOR INSTABILITY IN MEN: CORRELATION OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS WITH URODYNAMIC FINDINGS

PURPOSE: We evaluated the correlation of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of detrusor instability with urodynamic findings in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled in our prospective study were 160 consecutive neurologically intact men referred for urodynamic evaluation of persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. All patients had storage symptoms suggestive of detrusor instability. Patients were further clinically categorized according to the chief complaint of urge incontinence, frequency and urgency, nocturia or difficult voiding. The clinical and urodynamic diagnosis in all patients as well as specific urodynamic characteristics of those with detrusor instability were analyzed according to the these 4 clinical categories. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 61 +/- 15 years. The chief complaint was urge incontinence in 28 cases (17%), frequency and urgency in 57 (36%), nocturia in 30 (19%) and difficult voiding in 45 (28%). Detrusor instability was diagnosed in 68 cases (43%). A higher incidence of detrusor instability was associated with urge incontinence than with the other clinical categories (75% versus 36%, p <0.01). Of the patients 109 (68%) had bladder outlet obstruction, including 50 (46%) with concomitant detrusor instability. The prevalence of bladder outlet obstruction was similar in all patients regardless of the chief complaint. All other urodynamic diagnoses were also similar in the 4 clinical categories. The mean bladder volume at which involuntary detrusor contractions occurred were lower in patients with urge incontinence and frequency and urgency than in those with nocturia and difficult voiding (277.1 +/- 149.4 and 267.7 +/- 221.7 versus 346.7 +/- 204.6 and 306.2 +/- 192.1 ml., respectively, not statistically significant, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Detrusor instability and bladder outlet obstruction are common in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. The symptom of urge incontinence strongly correlated with detrusor instability. Other lower urinary tract symptoms did not correlate well with any urodynamic findings. Therefore, we believe that an accurate urodynamic diagnosis may enable focused and more efficient management of lower urinary tract symptoms in men.     

人工尿道括约肌治疗真性尿失禁

目的：探讨人工尿道括约肌治疗真性尿失禁的效果和安全性。方法：对1例前列腺电切术后尿失禁患者进行AMS800人工尿道括约肌植入治疗。记录植入术前术后的排尿日记，并观察不良反应。结果：施行人工尿道括约肌植入术后6周开通人工尿道括约肌，尿失禁得到良好地控制，恢复自主排尿，未发生并发症，无其他不良反应，结论：人工尿道括约肌植入术是一种安全有效的治疗真性尿失禁的方法。     

Voiding dysfunction after radical retropubic prostatectomy: more than external urethral sphincter deficiency

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the relationship between RRP and urodynamic bladder dysfunction, and compare preoperative and postoperative functional status over long-term follow-up. Hypothesis on the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying urodynamic dysfunction has been reported. METHODS: PubMed databank search for original articles followed by review of urodynamic parameters: bladder filling sensation, detrusor overactivity, bladder compliance, cystometric bladder capacity, impaired detrusor contractility, bladder outlet obstruction, urinary incontinence. RESULTS: Detrusor dysfunction was rarely present as the sole diagnosis and was usually coupled with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Data on bladder filling sensation, cystometric capacity, detrusor overactivity, impaired detrusor contractility, and bladder outlet obstruction were limited and contradictory. Detrusor overactivity was a de novo dysfunction in 2%-77% of patients. Impaired bladder compliance was present in 8%-39% of patients and was de novo in about 50%. Impaired detrusor contractility was found in 29%-61% of patients, was de novo in 47%, and recovered in about 50% of patients. The role of these dysfunctions as etiologic agents of urinary incontinence or voiding symptoms was unevenly assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative decentralization of the bladder, inflammation and/or infection, and geometric bladder wall alteration associated with preexisting hypoxemia with/without neuroplasticity have been posited as causes of detrusor dysfunction. Nevertheless, the lack of consistent preoperative urodynamic investigation makes it difficult to assess the operation's exact role in causing these dysfunctions. Thus, urodynamics performed, at least in selected cases, preoperatively and during follow-up could help arrive at a precise diagnosis of the underlying dysfunction, indicate the appropriate treatment, and prevent the incidence and onset of postoperative urinary incontinence.     

Preoperative urodynamic evaluation may predict voiding dysfunction in women undergoing pubovaginal sling

PURPOSE: We determine which urodynamic parameters can best predict postoperative voiding dysfunction following pubovaginal sling surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 98 consecutive women who had undergone pubovaginal sling surgery with allograft fascia lata between July 1998 and July 2000 were reviewed. Urodynamic and followup data were sufficient for evaluation for 73 patients. Urodynamic and clinical parameters were correlated with urinary retention, time to return of efficient voiding and development of postoperative urgency symptoms. RESULTS: Average time to return of efficient voiding was 3.92 days (median 3). Of 21 women who voided without a detrusor contraction urinary retention developed in 4 (23%) versus 0 of 48 who voided with detrusor contraction (p = 0.007). Urinary retention was defined as the need to perform even occasional self-catheterization. All 4 women with urinary retention had a detrusor pressure of less than 12 cm. H(2)O (0 in 3, 4 in 1). None of the women with a detrusor pressure of greater than 12 cm. H(2)O had urinary retention (p = 0.047). The presence of Valsalva voiding in women without a detrusor contraction did not affect the incidence of urinary retention (11.1%) compared to those who did not demonstrate Valsalva voiding (5.1%) (p = 0.603). Peak flow rate, detrusor instability on preoperative urodynamics and post-void residual urine volume were not associated with postoperative urinary retention. Finally, post-void residual urine volume predicted delayed return to normal voiding (p = 0.001). There were no other urodynamic parameters that were significantly associated with urinary retention, delayed return to normal voiding or postoperative urgency symptoms including peak flow rate, capacity or compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Women who void without or with a weak detrusor contraction are most likely to have urinary retention postoperatively. Therefore, we conclude that preoperative urodynamic evaluation may be used to counsel women regarding the risk of urinary retention following the pubovaginal sling procedure.     

Use of the artificial urinary sphincter in spinal cord injury patients

A total of 49 patients with neuropathic bladder dysfunction and urinary incontinence underwent implantation of the AS791/792 artificial urinary sphincter. Preoperative urodynamic evaluation allowed the bladder response to be categorized as hyperreflexia, areflexia and low compliance. The over-all success rate in obtaining total urinary continence in these patients was 70 per cent, although the type of bladder present did influence the degree of success. Although urodynamic evaluation is an essential prerequisite for sphincter implantation there were no clear-cut data that allowed an accurate prediction of the postoperative result. The only absolute contraindication to implantation of the artificial urinary sphincter is significant bladder fibrosis. Owing to the success in obtaining total urinary continence in this complicated group of patients, we believe that the artificial urinary sphincter should be considered in carefully selected patients with neuropathic bladder dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury.     

Effect of dominant hemispheric stroke on detrusor function in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms

Objectives: To determine the effect of unilateral hemispheric lesion on voiding dysfunction by comparing urodynamic parameters in dominant, non‐dominant and bilateral hemispheric stroke patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients from a magnetic resonance imaging and urodynamic study. We identified 69 cases among 192 stroke patients who had undergone urodynamic study due to lower urinary tract symptoms from June 2003 to December 2008. Results: Among the analyzed variables in the urodynamic study, total bladder capacity, voided volume, postvoid residual urine volume, maximum flow rate, average flow rate, detrusor pressure at the maximum flow rate, and bladder compliance did not show statistically significant differences among dominant, non‐dominant and bilateral hemispheric stroke patients groups (P > 0.05). The dominant hemispheric stroke group had detrusor overactivity in 64.2% of cases and detrusor underactivity in 35.8%; the non‐dominant hemispheric stroke group had detrusor overactivity in 66.7% of cases and detrusor underactivity in 33.3%; and the bilateral stroke group had detrusor overactivity in 60.0% of cases and detrusor underactivity in 40.0% (P = 0.946). Conclusion: Urodynamic findings cannot be characterized by the laterality of the unilateral hemispheric ischemic lesion. There are no significant differences in lower urinary tract symptoms between dominant, non‐dominant and bilateral hemispheric ischemic stroke patients.     

The impact of radical prostatectomy on patient well-being: a prospective urodynamic study focused on detrusor function

Prostate cancer is common in aged men and radical prostatectomy is established as a therapeutic measure. However, to date there is little information about its impact on voiding function. We conducted a prospective clinical study to elucidate the impact of radical prostatectomy on voiding function in 17 patients with prostate cancer, by urological evaluation including filling and voiding cystometry (pressure flow study). The patients who were estimated as having weak detrusor function including very weak detrusor function at 3 months postoperatively had significantly more frequent urinary incontinence compared with the others (p < 0.05). Of 8 patients who showed urinary incontinence for more than 3 months, 7 (88%) patients developed weak detrusor function at 3 months after operation, but 4 of them were estimated as having normal detrusor function preoperatively. These patients revealed reduced maximum flow rate and significantly increased quality of life score compared with the other patients (p < 0.05). An initially reduced bladder compliance disclosed a tendency to a rapid return to normal with time after surgery. Detrusor overactivity itself and neoadjuvant antiandrogen therapy were not related to prolonged postoperative urinary incontinence. The present study indicates that caution is required when administering medication that could potentially affect detrusor function, regardless of the type of preoperative detrusor function, in patients with persistent urinary incontinence or a reduced urinary stream. Particular emphasis is laid on the importance of urodynamic assessment of post-prostatectomy detrusor function and appropriate management modalities based on the results.     

An artificial somatic-autonomic reflex pathway procedure for bladder control in children with spina bifida

PURPOSE: Neurogenic bladder is a major problem for children with spina bifida. Despite rigorous pharmacological and surgical treatment, incontinence, urinary tract infections and upper tract deterioration remain problematic. We have previously demonstrated the ability to establish surgically a skin-central nervous system-bladder reflex pathway in patients with spinal cord injury with restoration of bladder storage and emptying. We report our experience with this procedure in 20 children with spina bifida. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder underwent limited laminectomy and a lumbar ventral root (VR) to S3 VR microanastomosis. The L5 dorsal root was left intact as the afferent branch of the somatic-autonomic reflex pathway after axonal regeneration. All patients underwent urodynamic evaluation before and after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative urodynamic studies revealed 2 types of bladder dysfunction- areflexic bladder (14 patients) and hyperreflexic bladder with detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (6). All children were incontinent. Of the 20 patients 17 gained satisfactory bladder control and continence within 8 to 12 months after VR microanastomosis. Of the 14 patients with areflexic bladder 12 (86%) showed improvement. In these cases bladder capacity increased from 117.28 to 208.71 ml, and mean maximum detrusor pressure increased from 18.35 to 32.57 cm H2O. Five of the 6 patients with hyperreflexic bladder demonstrated improvement, with resolution of incontinence. Urodynamic studies in these cases revealed a change from detrusor hyperreflexia with detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia and high detrusor pressure to nearly normal storage and synergic voiding. In these cases mean bladder capacity increased from 94.33 to 177.83 ml, and post-void residual urine decreased from 70.17 to 23.67 ml. Overall, 3 patients failed to exhibit any improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The artificial somatic-autonomic reflex arc procedure is an effective and safe treatment to restore bladder continence and reverse bladder dysfunction for patients with spina bifida.     

Stress-overflow urinary incontinence after radical hysterectomy and radiation therapy for cervical cancer

A 40-year-old woman was evaluated for urinary incontinence, loss of bladder sensation and residual urine 12 months after radical abdominal hysterectomy and external pelvic radiation therapy for stage IIb cervical cancer. The patient had no history of abnormal lower urinary tract function before treatment. The urodynamic follow-up study at 12 months showed 80 ml of residual urine, low bladder compliance (detrusor pressure of 77 cmH₂O at 200 ml filling) and an incompetent urethral closure mechanism. Cystoscopy showed a pale bladder mucosa with telangiectasia. Two years later the urodynamic findings were almost unchanged, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency measured according to Snooks and Swash showed prolonged motor latency to the external urethral sphincter. Thus, this patient had combined stress overflow incontinence with pudendal neuropathy and fibrosis of the bladder wall.     

Bladder outlet obstruction in women: definition and characteristics

The prevalence of bladder outlet obstruction in women is unknown and most probably has been underestimated. Moreover, there are no standard definitions for the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in women. Our study was conducted to define as well as to examine the clinical and urodynamic characteristics of bladder outlet obstruction among women referred for evaluation of voiding symptoms. Bladder outlet obstruction was defined as a persistent, low, maximum "free" flow rate of <12 mL/s in repeated non-invasive uroflow studies, combined with high detrusor pressure at a maximum flow (p(det.Q)(max) >20 cm H(2)O) during detrusor pressure-uroflow studies. A urodynamic database of 587 consecutive women identified 38 (6.5%) women with bladder outlet obstruction. The mean age of the patients was 63.9 +/- 17.5 years. The mean maximum "free" flow, voided volume, and residual urinary volume were 9.4 +/-3.9 mL/s, 144. 9 +/- 72.7 mL, and 86.1 +/- 98.8 mL, respectively. The mean p(det. Q)(max) was 37.2 +/- 19.2 cm H(2)O. Previous anti-incontinence surgery and severe genital prolapse were the most common etiologies, accounting for half of the cases. Other, less common, etiologies included urethral stricture (13%), primary bladder neck obstruction (8%), learned voiding dysfunction (5%), and detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (5%). Symptomatology was defined as mixed obstructive and irritative in 63% of the patients, isolated irritative in 29%, and isolated obstructive in other 8%. In conclusion, bladder outlet obstruction in women appears to be more common than was previously recognized, occurring in 6.5% of our patients. Micturition symptoms relevant to bladder outlet obstruction are non-specific, and a full urodynamic evaluation is essential in making the correct diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan.     

Video cystometry in young infants with renal dilation or a history of urinary tract infection

Cystometry is increasingly being used in infants to diagnose bladder dysfunction. However, infantile urodynamic patterns have not been fully established. In this study we investigated the urodynamic patterns in young infants with renal dilation or a history of urinary tract infection, but with no apparent lower urinary tract symptoms. We use video cystometry with simultaneous perineal EMG recording. Thirty-five infants (27 male and 8 female) with congenital renal dilatation or a history of urinary tract infection at age 2 days to 24 months old were involved. We found that detrusor instability occurred in 8.6% of these subjects. Bladder capacity increased with age but less than would nomally be expected. An intermittent voiding pattern was observed in 57% (20/35) of subjects and was characterized by a single or recurring increase in sphincter activity with a simultaneous rise in the voiding detrusor pressure curve. The maximum voiding detrusor pressure with pelvic floor overactivity was significantly higher than that with no pelvic floor overactivity (105+/-44 cmH2O vs 69+/-22 cmH2O, P < 0.001). The median post-voiding residual volume was 2 (range 0 to 65) ml. We conclud that in infants with no apparent lower urinary tract symptoms, bladder instability is uncommon, and the capacity is lower than the normally expected range; an intermittent voiding pattern is common and the residual urine volume showed great variation. This probably represents an immature detrusor-sphincter function.     

Neurogenic urinary incontinence: current treatment concepts

Neurogenic urinary tract dysfunction is characterized by inadequate voiding and urinary incontinence. The aim of therapy nowadays is adequate bladder emptying and control of urinary incontinence. Neurogenic urinary incontinence can be caused by (a) detrusor hyperreflexia, (b) sphincter hypo- or areflexia, (c) a combination of both, or also (d) detrusor hyporeflexia with consequent overlow incontinence. Based on a simple urodynamic classification the current treatment strategies are presented. (a) Detrusor hyperreflexia can be transformed into hypo- or are-flexia pharmacologically with potent drugs now available. Bladder emptying then has to be assisted or can be achieved by intermittent catheterization. If conservative therapy fails, sacral posterior root rhizotomy together with implantation of a sacral anterior root stimulator (Brindley) is an alternative, especially for women. If the anatomical situation does not allow sacral deafferentation (e.g. in patients with myelomeningocele or sacral dysplasia) bladder augmentation is the method of choice: a detubularized segment of ileum will serve as an energy destroyer for the pressure resulting from uncontrollable detrusor contractions. In contrast to detrusor hyperreflexia (b) hypo- or areflexia of the sphincter cannot be influenced pharmacologically. Method of choice for restoration of urinary continence in these patients is the implantation of a hydraulic sphincter system (Scott); in this way urinary continence is achieved without creating outflow obstruction. The alternative is conventional colposuspension with maximal elevation of the bladder neck in order to create bladder neck outflow obstruction allowing the achievement of continence. In this situation intermittent catheterization is essential for bladder emptying (and can sometimes be difficult). If (c) detrusor hyperreflexia is combined with sphincter hypo- or areflexia, urinary incontinence is due to detrusor and sphincter dysfunction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction after sacrococcygeal teratoma resection

PURPOSE: SCT treatment in newborns consists of surgery and selective chemotherapy. Few reports document urological sequelae using this approach. This review focuses on the urological and neurourological findings following SCT treatment in the newborn period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of all infants with SCT resected in early infancy who underwent urodynamic evaluation for bladder dysfunction between 1986 and 2004. The radiological, neurological and urodynamic findings, and postoperative incontinence management were analyzed. RESULTS: We analyzed UDS of 14 patients who presented with urinary infection or incomplete bladder emptying after SCT resection. At the time of UDS an abnormal neurological examination was noted in 5 patients (36%). Detrusor overactivity was seen in 8 patients, underactivity in 2 and normal activity in 4. Abnormal urethral sphincter EMG potentials were observed in 7 of 13 patients (54%). Five of 13 patients (38%) had sphincter dyssynergia during voiding. Consequently, CIC was needed in 11 of the 14 patients (79%) to empty the bladder, of whom 5 also required anticholinergics to improve detrusor compliance and dryness. Only 3 patients voided spontaneously with normal bladder and sphincter function, of whom 2 were toilet trained. Hydronephrosis was seen in 6 patients and reflux was noted in 7 (including 5 of 6 with hydronephrosis). Antireflux surgery was performed in 6 patients, all of whom had up to grade 4 reflux due to recurrent urinary tract infection. One girl with grade 2 reflux had spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSIONS: SCT and its treatment can produce neurourological dysfunction of the lower urinary tract with high grade reflux, and abnormal bladder and urethral function. Complete assessment, including urodynamic studies, is imperative preoperatively and postoperatively. Constant vigilance is required to maintain as near normal bladder function as possible and to prevent upper urinary tract injury.     

Successful outcome of artificial urinary sphincters in men with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence despite adverse implantation features.

A total of 75 men with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence underwent artificial urinary sphincter implantation with a mean followup of 3.7 years. Average patient age at implantation was 67 years, with 30 men being 70 years old or older. In only 15 men (20%) was there no adverse implantation feature, while the remainder had adverse features, such as detrusor hyperactivity (44), bladder neck or urethral stricture disease (27), previous radiation therapy (11) and metastatic prostate cancer (11). Although men with ideal implantation characteristics, men with normal detrusors and men who underwent prostatectomy for benign disease had slightly better outcome in terms of urinary continence, in general each group of men with and without adverse features had satisfactory urinary continence. Other than men with a benign prostate, who fared better, each group of men with and without adverse features had equal need for device revisions. In conclusion, men with post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence should not be excluded from consideration for artificial urinary sphincter implantation based on the failure to meet ideal implantation criteria provided such adverse features are recognized and appropriately addressed.