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.     

Voiding and MRI Analysis of the Brain

Observations of surgery, angiography and postmortem studies have indicated that the frontal lobe is a higher center important in the control of micturition. CT and MRI have made it possible to extend these early observations, and we report here the results of imaging in patients with hemispheric and brain-stem strokes. In a series of stroke patients urinary dysfunction was found in 68% with frontal lesions 20% with parietal, 14% with temporal and none with occipital lobe lesions. With lesions in the frontal lobe, it appears that medial aspects are particularly important in the prefrontal lobe, cingulate gyrus, paracentral lobule and the orbital area in micturition control. Frontal lobe disease may cause disorders of storage as well as voiding, as shown by urodynamics: detrusor hyperreflexia, detrusor areflexia, uninhibited sphincter relaxation and unrelaxing sphincter on voiding were found. We have also had the opportunity to make observations about the role of the basal ganglia and pons in micturition control in humans.     

Female Voiding Dysfunction and Movement Disorders

Voiding dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s disease has been well described in male patients. Few studies detail voiding dysfunction in female Parkinson patients. Apparent differences between patients with Parkinson’s subtypes have also not been sufficiently defined. The majority of female Parkinson patients who have urinary symptoms (>70%) will manifest symptomatic urgency with or without urge incontinence. The remaining patients will have mixed irritative and obstructive or purely obstructive symptoms. Urodynamic evaluation demonstrates detrusor hyperreflexia in 70%–80% of female patients. However, women with Parkinson-related syndromes demonstrate detrusor hypocontractility or areflexia in 20%–30% of cases. Electromyography reveals sphincteric dysfunction (pseudodyssynergia, bradykinesia) in 30%–50% of female Parkinson patients. Also, in patients with Parkinson-related syndromes a high prevalence of peripheral denervation can be documented on electromyographic study of the pelvic floor. Voiding dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s disease in female patients is complex and not always congruent with symptoms. Urodynamic evaluation is crucial to fully elucidate lower urinary tract dysfunction in female patients with Parkinson’s and Parkinson-related disorders.     

Botulinum toxin in the management of lower urinary tract dysfunction: contemporary update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the most recent experience concerning the application of botulinum toxin in the human lower urinary tract. RECENT FINDINGS: Botulinum toxin was initially applied in the bladder of patients with spinal neurogenic detrusor overactivity and urinary incontinence, or in the urethra in cases of detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia. A large multicentric European study fully confirmed the initial expectancy in the former condition. In addition, the application of botulinum toxin was extended to the treatment of other urological disorders including non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity, non-relaxing urethral sphincter and detrusor underactivity. Interesting reports on the injection of botulinum toxin into the prostate of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia are also reviewed. SUMMARY: Bladder injection of botulinum toxin is not yet an approved treatment for lower urinary tract dysfunction. Nevertheless, available data suggest that in the near future the toxin will become a standard therapeutic option in incontinent patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic forms of overactive bladder, who do not respond to or do not tolerate anticholinergic medication. In addition, it might be expected that urethral botulinum toxin injections improve bladder emptying in patients with dysfunctional voiding problems besides detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia.     

Urethral function in neurological disorders of the lower urinary tract

Simultaneous measurements of intravesical pressure, urethral pressure, and electromyographic activity of perianal muscles were performed during bladder filling and voiding in 56 patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. In 21 patients simultaneous measurements were taken of the EMG activity of the striated-muscle external urethral sphincter. During bladder filling the urethral pressure was found to correspond to the EMG activity of both muscles only in those patients with normal urethral pressure. During voiding the EMG activity of neither muscle corresponded well with changes in urethral pressure. The EMG activity of perianal muscles corresponded to the activity of the external urethral sphincter during filling of the bladder but not during voiding.     

Urodynamic findings in children with cerebral palsy

AIM: More than one-third of children with cerebral palsy are expected to present with dysfunctional voiding symptoms. The voiding dysfunction symptoms of the cerebral palsy patients in the present study were documented. METHODS: Of the study group, 16 were girls and 20 were boys (mean age: 8.2 years). Children with cerebral palsy were evaluated with urodynamics consisting of flow rate, filling and voiding cystometry, and electromyography findings of the external urethral sphincter to determine lower urinary tract functions. Treatment protocols were based on the urodynamic findings. Anticholinergic agents to reduce uninhibited contractions and to increase bladder capacity were used as a treatment. Clean intermittent catheterization and behavioral modification were used for incomplete emptying. RESULTS: Of the children, 24 (66.6%) were found to have dysfunctional voiding symptoms. Daytime urinary incontinence (47.2%) and difficulty urinating (44.4%) were the most common symptoms. Urodynamic findings showed that neurogenic detrusor overactivity (involuntary contractions during bladder filling) with a low bladder capacity was present in 17 (47.2%) children, whereas detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia was present in four patients (11%). The mean bladder capacity of patients with a neurogenic bladder was 52.2% of the expected capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The present study concluded that voiding dysfunction was seen in more than half of the children with cerebral palsy, which is a similar result to other published studies. We propose that a rational plan of management of these patients depends on the evaluation of the lower urinary tract dysfunction with urodynamic studies. These children benefit from earlier referral for assessment and treatment.     

Voiding Dysfunction in Women with Lumbar Disc Prolapse

A significant proportion of women with lumbar disc prolapse experience voiding dysfunction. The most common finding is detrusor areflexia, frequently associated with impaired sensation. The pertinent neuropathophysiologic findings, clinical features and methods of evaluation and treatment are reviewed.     

Cystometry Techniques in Female Infants and Children

Cystometry is increasingly used in children, being an important diagnostic tool for congenital and acquired malformations such as neurogenic bladder, vesicoureteric reflux, urinary tract infection, urge syndrome, nocturnal enuresis, urinary incontinence and anorectal malformations. During cystometry bladder storage and voiding function can be evaluated. Carefully conducted urodynamic studies provide an insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in voiding dysfunctions that cannot be obtained by any other diagnostic technique. A variety of methods are available, the most sophisticated being filling and voiding cystometry with flowmetry and electromyography (EMG) under fluoroscopy, i.e. videocystometry. A detailed home recording of the frequency and volume of micturition can provide important clues as to the underlying bladder dysfunction, and can significantly aid in the choice of appropriate investigative techniques, as well as in the interpretation of subsequent urodynamic findings. It must be realized that urodynamic studies are invasive procedures and that artifacts may occur and influence the correct interpretation of the results. Infants and children have a different spectrum of bladder dysfunctions from adults and are generally much less cooperative during a urodynamic study. Therefore, cystometric techniques must be significantly modified. This article reviews cystometry techniques and their application in female infants and children. Cystometry/flow/EMG studies with or without fluoroscopy, ambulatory urodynamics and telemetric urodynamic measurement and their application are outlined.     

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)     

Urethral instability as an important element of dysfunctional voiding

PURPOSE: We monitored detrusor and urethral behavior during bladder filling in girls with dysfunctional voiding (incomplete perineal relaxation) to determine the causes of this pathological condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 15 girls without neuropathy but with a staccato voiding pattern in whom symptoms of urinary tract infection and urge incontinence were refractory to treatment we recorded urethral and bladder pressure, and anal sphincter needle electromyography throughout slow bladder filling. RESULTS: Urethral instability was observed in 8 of the 15 girls as urethral pressure decreases with short periods of electromyography silence (6) or as intermittent urethral pressure increases with short perineal spasms (2). Detrusor instability was noted in 12 girls, while bladder pressure was normal in 1 and hypoactive in 2. In 6 cases of an unstable bladder urethral pressure decreases with silent electromyography periods were also noted. In 1 case low basic urethral pressure had short periods of increased pressure with electromyography bursts. In another case high compliance bladder uninhibited sphincter contractions were noted throughout filling. CONCLUSIONS: Dysfunctional voiding is a misleading term since a pathological condition is also present during the bladder filling phase. Frequently observed detrusor and urethral instability may explain the urge sensation during filling and the staccato voiding phase.     

Nicht neurogene Blasenfunktionsst?rungen und vesikoureteraler Reflux bei Kindern

Various types of bladder dysfunction are associated with urinary tract infection, renal damage and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). In this article the influence of functional bladder disturbances such as detrusor instability (overactive bladder, OAB) and bladder sphincter dyssynergia (dysfunctional voiding), on the resolution of vesicoureteral reflux are reviewed. In summary, it is important to distinguish between children with dysfunctional voiding (increased activity of the pelvic floor during voiding) and those with OAB (detrusor overactivity during filling) because the latter has less effects on VUR.     

Voiding Dysfunction following TVT Procedure

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of abnormal voiding in patients who had undergone tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement. Women who had undergone a TVT sling procedure for stress or mixed incontinence more than 3 months previously reported their voiding habits (frequency, urgency, nocturia, urinary stream quality and incontinence) over the previous 3 days. A pelvic examination and ultrasound postvoid residual (PVR) were performed. Normal voiding was classified as a PVR <100 ml, frequency of six or fewer voids per day and two or fewer per night, and a urinary stream considered normal by the patient. Subjects were classified as either ‘normal’ (group 1) or ‘abnormal’ (group 2) voiders. Demographic factors, pre-operative urodynamic testing and concomitant surgical procedures were compared between groups. From September 1999 to November 2000, 59 women underwent a TVT procedure. Two were excluded from analysis [cervical malignancy (1), interstitial cystitis (1)]. There were no healing abnormalities and no patients displayed a positive empty bladder stress test. Forty-two (74%) women were included in group 1 and 15 (26%) in group 2. Urinary continence was reported by 49 (86%): 93% in group 1 and 67% in group 2. Factors highly correlated with postoperative voiding dysfunction included abnormal preoperative uroflow pattern and configuration (P = 0.007), preoperative low peak flow rate <15 ml/s (P = 0.049), preoperative vault prolapse or enterocele (P = 0.001), concurrent vault suspension surgery (P = 0.03) and postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) (P = 0.0006). Preoperative urinary retention (postvoid residual >100 ml) or detrusor instability, age and body mass index differences were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative abnormal uroflow and postoperative UTI were related to group 2 (P = 0.02). Our conclusions were that the TVT sling procedure has success and voiding dysfunction rates similar to those of other proven anti-incontinence procedures. Various factors were shown to be associated with postoperative voiding difficulties. Tension-free placement of the tape may not prevent the development of post-operative voiding dysfunction. Correspondence and offprint requests to: Dr G. Willy Davila, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd., Weston, Florida 33331, USA. Tel: 888–978–0004; Fax: 954–659–5560; E-mail: davilag@ccf.org     

Pathophysiology and subjective symptoms in women with impaired bladder emptying

AIM: To assess the pathophysiology and subjective symptoms in female patients with impaired bladder emptying. METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive female patients attending a urology clinic with postvoid residual urine of more than 100 mL were recruited. Free uroflowmetry, measurement of postvoid residual urine and pressure-flow study were performed in all patients. The detailed assessment of subjective symptoms and their bothersomeness to the patients were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire comprising 12 items: five associated with voiding symptoms, five with storage symptoms, and two with discomfort and pain on voiding. The questionnaire was applied to 83 patients with impaired bladder emptying, 41 patients with urinary incontinence, and 21 normal controls. RESULTS: Although 77% of the patients with impaired bladder emptying consulted a urology clinic because of voiding symptoms, the remaining 23% complained of storage symptoms or symptoms other than lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pressure-flow study revealed the pathophysiology of impaired bladder emptying as impaired detrusor contraction in 68 patients (81.9%), and bladder outlet obstruction in 12 patients (14.8%). The assessment of subjective symptoms using the questionnaire revealed that the patients with urinary incontinence showed a high frequency only in storage symptoms; however, those with impaired bladder emptying revealed a high frequency not only in voiding but also in storage symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with impaired bladder emptying present with a wide range of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with both voiding and storage symptoms. To determine an appropriate treatment modality, the correct diagnosis of the underlying pathophysiology of impaired bladder emptying by pressure-flow study is of primary importance.     

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.     

Vesicoureteral reflux and bladder dysfunction

The relationship between vesicoureteral reflux and bladder dysfunction is inseparable and has long been emphasized. However, the primary concern of all physicians treating patients with vesicoureteral reflux is the prevention of renal scarring and eventual deterioration of renal function.Bladder dysfunction, urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux are the three important factors which are closely related to each other and contribute to the formation of renal scar. Especially, there is ongoing discussion regarding the role of bladder dysfunction in the prognosis of both medically and surgically treated vesicoureteral reflux. The effect of bladder dysfunction on VUR is mostly via inadequate sphincter relaxation during infancy which is closer to immature bladder dyscoordination rather than true dysfunction. But after toilet training, functional obstruction caused by voluntary sphincter constriction during voiding is responsible through elevation in bladder pressure, thus distorting the architecture of bladder and ureterovesical junction. Reports suggest that voiding phase abnormalities in lower urinary tract dysfunction contributes to lower spontaneous resolution rate of VUR. However, filling phase abnormalities such as involuntary detrusor contraction can also cause VUR even in the absence of dysfunctional voiding. With regards to the effect of bladder dysfunction on treatment, meta-analysis reveals that the cure rate of VUR following endoscopic treatment is less in children with bladder bowel dysfunction but there is no difference for open surgery.The pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction associated with UTI can be explained by the ‘milk-back’ of contaminated urine back into the bladder and significant residual urine resulting from functional outlet obstruction. In addition, involuntary detrusor contraction can decrease perfusion of the bladder mucosa thus decreasing mucosal immunity and creating a condition prone to UTI. In terms of renal scarring, dysfunctional voiding seems to be more closely related to renal damage in association with VUR than overactive bladder. However, studies show that UTI can induce renal scarring even without VUR present and urodynamic abnormalities are quite often detected in these cases. Whether reflux of sterile urine in bladder dysfunction can cause significant renal scarring, especially when intrarenal reflux is present remains controversial. Another issue that warrants further research is the direct relationship between bladder dysfunction and renal scarring, since some reports suggest that these two conditions share a common genotype.Recently some studies have suggest VUR as a causal factor of bladder dysfunction, supported by the fact that bladder dysfunction resolves after injection therapy of VUR. Further study with more objective evaluation of bladder dysfunction may be needed.     

Voiding Dysfunction in Women with Diabetes Mellitus

Voiding dysfunction is a common finding in women with diabetes mellitus. A full spectrum of bladder dysfunction, from areflexia to detrusor instability, can result. Urodynamics is frequently required to identify the specific disorder. Current concepts regarding the evaluation and treatment of these patients are reviewed.     

慢性前列腺炎患者的尿动力学分析

目的探讨Ⅲ型慢性前列腺炎患者存在的下尿路症状,结合尿动力学检查分析其原因。方法对30例Ⅲ型慢性前列腺炎患者行尿动力学检查,测量其尿流率、充盈性膀胱测压、压力-流率测定、尿道括约肌肌电图同步检测、尿道测压。结果最大尿流率降低18例（60．0％）,前列腺压增高5例（16．7％）,逼尿肌过度活动11例（36．7％）,膀胱出口处梗阻9例（30％）,膀胱感觉过敏5例（16．7％）,低顺应性膀胱4例（13．3％）,逼尿肌收缩无力4例（13．3％）,逼尿肌外括约肌不同程度协同失调14例（46．7％）。结论Ⅲ型慢性前列腺炎患者出现不同程度的下尿路症状与前列腺或盆腔局部因素诱发的逼尿肌过度活动、膀胱出口梗阻和逼尿肌-外括约肌协同失调有关。认识并解除这些相关因素有助于提高慢性前列腺炎的治疗效果。     

脊髓损伤患者下尿路功能障碍的尿动力学检查

目的提高对神经源性下尿路功能障碍患者的诊断水平,并为针对性选择康复手段提供可靠依据. 方法对220例不同损伤平面和程度的脊髓损伤患者进行尿动力学检查,其中100例患者常规测定膀胱压力容积和尿道压力图,另120例患者采用膀胱-外括约肌压同步连续测定法分别记录膀胱容量为100 ml时的逼尿肌压、反射排尿时的最大逼尿肌压、最大尿道压,并对所得结果进行统计学分析. 结果除圆锥马尾损伤组的最大尿道压(83±38)cm H2O(1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa)和动态逼尿肌压(12±10)cm H2O低于其他各组,其差异有显著意义(t＝2.096～2.656,P<0.05)外,不同损伤组患者膀胱顺应性降低的发生率相似(分别为51.2%,52.4%和50%);同组不同损伤程度患者间各项参数比较差异无显著意义(t＝1.023,P>0.05).120例患者根据膀胱-外括约肌压同步连续测定法记录尿道压曲线发现,其曲线形状大致可分为4型. 结论除圆锥马尾损伤组的最大尿道压和动态逼尿肌压低于其他各组外,其他参数与损伤平面和损伤程度无关.圆锥马尾损伤组多为不完全性损伤,故而逼尿肌括约肌协同失调的发生率较低.尿道压力曲线的表现与外括约肌和尿道周围横纹肌活动有关.     

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.