VESICOURETHRAL DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: CLINICAL AND URODYNAMIC PERSPECTIVES

Purpose

We investigate the association of clinical and urodynamic findings with corresponding clinical grade and possible predictors of clinical grade of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Materials and Methods

A total of 90 patients, 28 to 62 years old (mean age 45.8 +/− 12.1), with the clinical syndrome of MS were consecutively and prospectively studied. All patients were subjected to detailed video urodynamic evaluation and electromyography of the external urethral sphincter.

Results

Urodynamic evaluation revealed detrusor hyperreflexia in 52 patients (57.7%), detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia in 27 (30%) and hypocontractility or areflexia of the detrusor in 15 (16.6%). Residual urine varied widely from 50 to 900 ml. Decreased compliance with areflexia was seen in 5 patients (5.5%) and nonrelaxing sphincter (but not contracting) with bladder hypercontractility was noted in 9 (10%). Statistical analysis followed comparison of 2 proportions. When patients with a less severe form (grades 1 and 2) were differentiated from those with a more severe form of MS (grade 3), we observed a significant difference only in incontinence, high post-void residual, leg spasticity, urinary stones, hydronephrosis, type 3 detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia, no electromyography activity and positive sharp waves. The variables with the highest predictive value between the groups were urinary stones, sepsis, type 3 detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia and no electromyography activity of the external urethral sphincter (100%).

Conclusions

Proper identification of the bladder and external urethral sphincter status, especially exclusion of detrusor overactivity or a dyssynergic response of the external urethral sphincter, will prevent complications that may result in deterioration of quality of life.     

ABOLITION OF CYSTITIS-INDUCED BLADDER INSTABILITY BY LOCAL SPINAL CORD COOLING

Purpose

The efficacy of lumbosacral spinal cord cooling for the suppression of reflex urinary incontinence was evaluated in a rat model of cystitis-induced bladder instability.

Materials and Methods

In female Sprague-Dawley rats, overactivity of the detrusor muscle was induced by inflammation of the urinary bladder. Isovolumetric intravesical pressure, urethral perfusion pressure and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) were recorded simultaneously during repetitive local cooling (-2C or +15C) and rewarming (to 37C) of the dorsal L6/S1 spinal cord segments.

Results

Mustard oil-induced inflammation led to a marked instability of the urinary bladder without affecting urethral outlet functions. Local cooling of the dorsal lumbosacral spinal cord with temperatures of −2C as well as +15C completely abolished bladder voiding contractions in rats with an inflamed bladder as well as in non-inflamed control animals. Cooling had little effect on the EMG activity of the EUS and increased the urethral perfusion pressure. The suppression of detrusor reflex contractions was reversed within 1-7 min. after rewarming of the spinal cord.

Conclusions

Cooling of the dorsal spinal cord at the origin of the parasympathetic innervation of the bladder can be used for a reversible suppression of bladder instability without affecting the urethral outlet. Thus, local spinal cord cooling may offer a suitable method to restore continence in cases of reflex incontinence.     

Pseudodyssynergia (Contraction of the External Sphincter During Voiding) Misdiagnosed as Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis and the Role of Biofeedback as a Therapeutic Option

Purpose

Chronic lower urinary tract symptoms in young men are often attributed to misdiagnosed chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. We analyzed contraction of the external urinary sphincter during voiding (pseudodyssynergia) as an etiology of voiding dysfunction in men with misdiagnosed chronic prostatitis.

Materials and Methods

The video urodynamic studies of 43 men 23 to 50 years old with chronic voiding dysfunction secondary to pseudodyssynergia performed between January 1990 and June 1996 were retrospectively analyzed. Pseudodyssynergia was diagnosed based on several criteria, including electrical activity of the external sphincter during voiding in the absence of abdominal straining, and brief and intermittent closing of the membranous urethra during voiding detected by electromyography and fluoroscopy. Patients with bacterial infection or excessive leukocytes in expressed prostatic secretions were excluded from the study.

Results

Of the patients 39 (91%) were firstborn men. Duration of symptoms ranged from 17 to 146 months (mean 43.6). Average number of previous antibiotic days ranged from 53 to 186 (mean 67.6). In addition, empirical trials of alpha-blockers were unsuccessful. Mean American Urological Association symptom score plus or minus standard deviation was 17.5 +/- 3.7, mean maximum flow rate was 13.3 +/- 4.2 ml. per second, mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow was 46.3 +/- 13.7 cm. water and mean detrusor contraction duration was 132.8 +/- 27.7 seconds. Behavior modification and biofeedback were successful in decreasing symptoms in 35 patients (83%) at 6 months.

Conclusions

These results indicate that some men who are categorized as having and empirically treated for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis are misdiagnosed and, in fact, have functional bladder outlet obstruction. Urodynamics are helpful in diagnosing and predicting success with behavior modification and biofeedback in these patients.     

A study of the continence mechanism of the external urethral sphincter with identification of the voluntary urinary inhibition reflex

PURPOSE: The role of the external urethral sphincter in the opposition and interruption of the act of voiding was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 7 men and 5 women with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 38.6 +/- 11.2 years. The bladder was filled with saline up to the urge sensation. Detrusor and posterior urethral pressures were recorded before and upon resisting the reflex detrusor contraction, and upon interrupting voiding by voluntary external urethral sphincter contraction. The test was repeated by interrupting the urinary stream with external urethral sphincter electrostimulation. The electromyography response of the internal urethral sphincter to the suppression and interruption of voiding was documented before and after internal urethral sphincter anesthetization. RESULTS: Suppression of the reflex detrusor contraction as well as of urinary stream interruption by external urethral sphincter contraction voluntarily or by electrostimulation resulted in a significant detrusor pressure decrease (p <0.01) and urethral pressure increase (p <0.001). Internal urethral sphincter electromyography activity, which normally disappears during voiding, was still present. After internalurethral sphincter anesthetization subjects suppressed the reflex detrusor contraction by voluntary external urethral sphincter contraction for a mean of 62.6 +/- 9.6 seconds, after which involuntary voiding occurred. The internal urethral sphincter showed no electromyography activity. CONCLUSIONS: The external urethral sphincter induces continence by preventing internal urethral sphincter relaxation at the detrusor contraction, which is suggested to be reflex in nature and is called the voluntary urinary inhibition reflex, and by mechanically compressing the urethra. Contraction of the external urethral sphincter, which is a striated muscle, mechanically occludes the urethra for a few seconds, by which time the detrusor has relaxed as an effect of the voluntary inhibition reflex.     

Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbosacral Spinal Cord in Patients with Voiding Dysfunction

Purpose

We evaluated the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spinal cord in patients with voiding complaints and abnormal urodynamic findings but normal neurological and lower spine examinations.

Materials and Methods

We studied 17 women and 13 men 17 to 50 years old (mean age 32.2) who presented with voiding complaints. All patients had a completely normal neurological examination and no evidence of prostatic enlargement. Of the 30 patients 18 had incontinence (17 urge, and 1 stress and urge), 9 frequency and urgency alone, and 3 urinary retention. Seven patients had persistent enuresis (2 primary and 5 secondary). All 30 patients underwent multichannel urodynamics and MRI of the lower spinal cord.

Results

On urodynamic testing, 25 patients had bladder instability, 3 a hypocontractile or weak detrusor, 1 significantly decreased sensation only and 1 stress incontinence. No patient had detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia or outflow obstruction. Only 1 patient with frequency and urgency had a significant finding on MRI (tethered cord) that required surgery.

Conclusions

In young adults who have voiding complaints and abnormal urodynamic findings, with normal neurological and lower spine examinations, the value of MRI of the lumbosacral spine is limited.     

Vesico-ureteral reflux in women with idiopathic high-pressure detrusor overactivity: prevalence,bladder function,and effect on the upper urinary tract

Introduction and hypothesis

To assess the prevalence of vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) and upper urinary tract damage in women with idiopathic high-pressure detrusor overactivity (IHPDO) and to characterize their bladder function.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of women diagnosed with IHPDO (detrusor pressures > 40 cm H₂O during involuntary bladder contractions) from 2007 to 2010 was conducted. Women were assessed for VUR by X-ray voiding cysto-urethrogram. Renal ultrasound or CT urogram, serum BUN/creatinine, and urinalyses were performed if reflux reached the renal pelvices. Cystometric and voiding pressure study data were reviewed for detrusor overactivity pressure and volume, voiding dysfunction, urethral relaxation, compliance, and bladder outlet obstruction.

Results

Sixty-five women were diagnosed with IHPDO, and 50 completed an X-ray voiding cysto-urethrogram. The median (range) detrusor overactivity pressure was 65 (41–251) cm H₂O. Four (8.0 %) women had IHPDO; none had upper urinary tract deterioration. The majority of women exhibited urethral relaxation with voiding, impaired compliance, and bladder outlet obstruction.

Conclusions

Women with IHPDO are at risk of low-grade vesico-ureteral reflux. However, most women with IHPDO are likely protected from reflux by intermittent exposure to high detrusor pressures and the ability to decompress the bladder by urethral relaxation.     

Long-term result of Memokath urethral sphincter stent in spinal cord injury patients

Background

Memokath urethral sphincter stents are used to facilitate bladder emptying in patients with spinal cord injury, but long term follow-up has not been reported.

Methods

Case series of ten men with spinal cord injury who underwent insertion of Memokath stents and were followed for up to nine years.

Results

Within four years, the stent had to be removed in nine out of ten patients because of: extensive mucosal proliferation causing obstruction to the lumen of the stent; stone around the proximal end of the stent, incomplete bladder emptying, and recurrent urinary infections; migration of the stent into the bladder related to digital evacuation of bowels; large residual urine; concretions within the stent causing obstruction to flow of urine, and partial blockage of the stent causing frequent episodes of autonomic dysreflexia. In one patient the stent continued to function satisfactorily after nine years.

Conclusions

The Memokath stent has a role as a temporary measure for treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in selected SCI patients who do not get recurrent urinary infection and do not require manual evacuation of bowels.

     

Urodynamic Analysis of Age-Related Changes of alpha sub 1 -Adrenoceptor Responsiveness in Female Beagle Dogs

Purpose

We have evaluated age-related changes of alpha₁-adrenoceptor responsiveness in the lower urinary tract of female beagle dogs by urodynamic analyses.

Materials and Methods

Six aged parous and 6 young nonparous female beagle dogs were studied. Mean ages (plus/minus standard error of the mean) of the 2 groups were 68.3 plus/minus 2.3 and 12.4 plus/minus 0.08 months. Before and after 4 administrations of alpha₁-adrenoceptor agonist (midodrine hydrochloride 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg./kg. intravenously), cystometry, urethral pressure profilometry and external urethral sphincter electromyography were performed.

Results

After 0.3 mg./kg. midodrine administration, mean bladder capacity in the aged dogs significantly decreased, compared with that in the young dogs (p less than 0.05). After the minimum dose administration (0.03 mg./kg.), the urethral closing pressure in both groups increased significantly (p less than 0.05) with no changes in bladder capacity or arterial blood pressure. The proximal urethral closing pressure in the aged dogs increased dose dependently. After administration of 1.0 mg./kg. drug it reached 257 percent of the initial values (p less than 0.01), which was significantly greater than that in the young dogs (p less than 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that 1) age-related increase of alpha₁-adrenoceptor responsiveness occurs in the bladder and in the proximal urethra. The former may be one of the etiologies of detrusor instability in the elderly. 2) A lower dose of midodrine hydrochloride may be useful for the treatment of stress incontinence, independent of age.     

BLADDER LEAK POINT PRESSURE: THE MEASURE FOR SPHINCTEROTOMY SUCCESS IN SPINAL CORD INJURED PATIENTS WITH EXTERNAL DETRUSOR-SPHINCTER DYSSYNERGIA

Purpose

Transurethral resection of the external sphincter in patients with spinal cord injury and detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia has high failure and reoperation rates. Retrospectively we examined elevated bladder leak point pressure after transurethral resection of the external sphincter as an indicator of failure.

Materials and Methods

A total of 55 spinal cord injury patients (mean age 50 years) underwent 1 or more sphincter resections, most recently a mean of 11 years ago. We reviewed the most recent urodynamic studies for bladder leak point pressure, bladder compliance and persisting external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Each patient was assessed for the presence of an indwelling catheter, upper tract damage, stones, bacteriuria, autonomic dysreflexia and vesicoureteral reflux. The incidence of each of these urodynamic and clinical parameters among patients with bladder leak point pressure less than 40 cm. water was compared to the incidence among those with bladder leak point pressure greater than 40 cm. water.

Results

Patients with bladder leak point pressure greater than 40 cm. water had a significantly higher incidence of upper tract damage (p = 0.021) and persisting external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (p = 0.00008). The incidence of an indwelling catheter was no different between patients with bladder leak point pressure less than and greater than 40 cm. water.

Conclusions

Bladder leak point pressure greater than 40 cm. water is a valid indicator of failure of transurethral resection of the external sphincter since there is a significantly higher incidence of upper tract damage and persisting external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in these patients. Patients with favorable urodynamic parameters after transurethral resection of the external sphincter but with indwelling catheters were poorly selected for this procedure. Furthermore, those without an indwelling catheter after transurethral resection of the external sphincter may still have adverse urodynamic parameters and are at significant risk for upper tract damage.     

排尿期尿道测压的临床应用

目的：确定下尿路梗阻及其梗阻部位。方法：对４１例有下尿路梗阻症状患者进行了排尿期尿道测压（ＭＵＰＰ）,其中包括前列腺增生症（ＢＰＨ）２９例,男性尿道狭窄３例,逼尿肌－外括约肌协同失调３例,女性压力性尿失禁４例,女性尿道末端缩窄综合征１例,前例腺炎１例。结果：２９例ＢＰＨ患者中,２６例有梗阻,其中梗阻位于膀胱颈部２０例;３例逼尿肌－外括约肌协同失调患者表现为外括约肌部压力下降;４例女性压力性尿失禁患     

A Urodynamic Analysis of Age Associated Changes in Urethral Function in Women with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Purpose

The urethral resistance relation was studied in relation to stress incontinence and detrusor instability, and used to examine age related differences in women.

Materials and Methods

We investigated women with lower urinary tract symptoms and analyzed pressure-flow plot data.

Results

Women with pure detrusor instability had greater detrusor pressures at urethral opening and closure than those with a stable bladder and no stress incontinence. The latter women had greater detrusor opening and closing pressures than those with a stable bladder and genuine stress incontinence at all ages. Detrusor pressures at urethral opening and closure were less in absolute terms in association with greater age. Urethral resistance was lower during voiding in women with stress incontinence.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed a distinct difference in detrusor pressures at urethral opening and closure between women with and without stress incontinence. Differences were also demonstrated between women with and without detrusor instability. We found lower values of these indirect measures of urethral function in association with greater age. There was no evidence of lower urethral compliance in older women with lower urinary tract symptoms.     

Gracilis Muscle Dynamic Urethral Sphincter Myoplasty: Rat Model Experience

Purpose

Dynamic urethral sphincter myoplasty (skeletal muscle urinary sphincter reconstruction) using a neurovascularly intact gracilis muscle was investigated in a rat model.

Materials and Methods

In female Sprague-Dawley rats, a unilateral gracilis anticus muscle flap was dissected from the medial thigh, preserving the medial muscular insertion, vascular flow, and innervation. This muscle graft was used to completely encircle the urethra and was fixed in position. Urodynamic leak point pressure (LPP) and bladder volume at leakage were measured with cystometry after 1 month, using an 18 gauge catheter placed through the bladder dome with a constant infusion rate of 0.2 ml. per minute. In addition, the effect of electrical stimulation of the gracilis myoplasty (current parameters: 1 to 10 mA, 1 to 60 Hz, 0.05 to 1 msec. duration) on intravesical leak point pressure was noted during cystometry.

Results

The gracilis muscle measured 3.8 plus/minus 0.3 cm. in length, 0.5 plus/minus 0.1 cm. in width and 0.2 plus/minus 0.1 cm. in thickness. Blood flow rates to the grafted and contralateral gracilis myoplasty were similar at 43 plus/minus 26 and 51 plus/minus 30 g.cm.³, respectively (p = 0.46). The leak point pressure (LPP) of control, unstimulated gracilis myoplasty and gracilis myoplasty with electrical stimulation were 28 plus/minus 8, 32 plus/minus 12, and 85 plus/minus 27 mm.Hg (p less than 0.01). Bladder volumes at LPP in the 3 respective groups were 0.5 plus/minus 0.2, 0.6 plus/minus 0.3 and 1.2 plus/minus 0.6 ml (p less than 0.01).

Conclusions

Gracilis myoplasty is not obstructive, as substantiated by unchanged leak point pressure and leak point capacity. Myoplasty with low current stimulation, however, significantly increased LPP and leak point capacity.     

External sphincter dyssynergia: an abnormal continence reflex

Some of the characteristics of detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia were examined in 14 patients with traumatic upper motor neuron lesions within 44 weeks of injury. The sacral evoked response latencies of the male patients were shortened at any time after injury. A continence reflex could be demonstrated in most patients at any time after injury. Comparing averaged values for the group at 4-week intervals, resting pressure at the external urethral sphincter and post-void residual volumes reached nadirs at 12 weeks while voiding efficiency peaked at this time. Thus, voiding function appears to be optimal 12 weeks after injury. During reflex detrusor activity, increases in external urethral sphincter electromyographic activity and external urethral sphincter pressure were associated clearly with a positive slope of the intravesical pressure trace, whereas decreases in both parameters were associated with a negative slope. Voiding occurred only during a negative slope. Although propantheline induced detrusor areflexia, episodic peaks in external urethral sphincter pressure and electromyographic activity continued to occur. We propose that external sphincter dyssynergia, which is independent of detrusor contraction, is the continence reflex exaggerated owing to the loss of supraspinal influences. We believe that the multiple patterns of dyssynergia described previously by others are variations, largely owing to technique, of the single pattern we have observed. The observation of synergic-like urethral responses in some patients during a negative slope of the intravesical pressure, even with complete suprasacral spinal lesions, implies existence of a pathway for synergic-like voiding in the spinal cord.     

Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia,detrusor instability,and urethral sphincter spasticity as the urodynamic findings in the urethral syndrome: Role of treatment with a combined anticholinergic and alpha blocking agent,bladder drill,and antibiotics

The combined effect of isopropamide 5 mg plus trifluoperazine 1 mg (a combined anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic antagonist) (Smith, Kline and French Canada Ltd, Ontario, Canada), antibiotics, and bladder drill was retrospectively assessed on 100 consecutive women, aged 16 to 47 years, presenting with the signs and symptoms of the urethral syndrome. Assessment included history, physical examination, routine bacterial and chlamydial cultures (cervical, urethral, vaginal, and urine), cystourethroscopy, and urodynamics. Urodynamic diagnoses included detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (n=84), detrusor instability (n =8), external urethral sphincter spasticity (n=4), and sensory urgency (n=1). Three patients with positive urine cultures were excluded. Urethrotrigonitis was visualized at cystourethroscopy in all patients. Only one case of chlamydial urethritis-cervicitis was identified by culture: 82% of patients had a history of prior antibiotic therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms and 21% were being treated with antibiotics at the time of their initial assessment.Following 1 month of treatment, 44 (45%) patients were cured of all symptoms, 49 (51%) were improved, 3 (3%) were unchanged and 1 (1%) was worse. Significant changes in uroflowmetry included a reduction in postvoid residual urine volume from 49 ± 28 ml to 14 ±21 ml (P=0.029) in the unstable bladder group and a conversion from intermittent to continuous uroflow patterns in the detrusor sphincter dyssynergia group (P <0.005, ²) and overall (P <0.005, ²). A statistically significant number of patients (P <0.025, ²) converted from increased to normal tracings on repeat perianal electromyography, suggesting that the pathophysiology of the urethral syndrome is urethral spasticity related to urethral inflammation rather than actual infection.We conclude that detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, bladder instability, and urethral sphincter spasticity are the common urodynamic findings in the urethral syndrome. A combination of anticholinergic and alpha blocking agent, antibiotics, and a bladder drill markedly improved (96%) symptoms in women with the urethral syndrome.     

Urethral Closure Pressure Changes with Age in Men

Purpose

The natural history of external urethral sphincter function in elderly men is unknown.

Materials and Methods

In 257 men 45 to 88 years old external sphincter function changes with aging were analyzed by urodynamic studies, including functional urethral length, maximal urethral pressure, sphincter length and maximum urethral pressure during voluntary contraction.

Results

Mean functional urethral length was 51.9 mm. and there was no statistical decrease with age. However, sphincter length decreased with age from 24.3 to 14.8 mm., maximal urethral pressure from 88.7 to 55 cm. water and maximal urethral pressure during voluntary contraction from 221.4 to 166.3 cm. water.

Conclusions

Sphincter function according to urethral pressure profile decreases with patient age.     

Urodynamic Assessment of Urethral Sphincter Function In Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence

Purpose

Direct measurement of maximum urethral pressure by urethral profilometry has been used widely to assess urethral sphincter function. We attempted to determine if there was any relationship between maximum urethral pressure, which is measured at the level of the membranous urethra, or extrinsic urethral sphincter function, and the amount of abdominal pressure needed to cause leakage (abdominal leak point pressure) in men with post-prostatectomy incontinence. We also examined the relationship between external sphincter function and continence or incontinence.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated fluoro-urodynamics performed in 37 men with post-prostatectomy incontinence. Urodynamic study consisted of measurement of maximum urethral and abdominal leak point pressures, and assessment of extrinsic sphincter function by pressure measurements and radiographically.

Results

Data were analyzed on 27 patients for whom abdominal leak point and maximum urethral pressures were available. Mean maximum urethral pressure was 52.5 cm. water (range 20 to 165) and mean abdominal leak point pressure was 77.8 cm. water (range 27 to 132). Regression analysis was performed between maximum urethral and abdominal leak point pressures. A Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.13834 was calculated (p = 0.4914) indicating virtually no correlation between the 2 measurements in our sample. Extrinsic urethral sphincter was normal in all patients. Only 1 of 37 patients had no evidence of intrinsic sphincter deficiency, that is there was no urine leakage with increases in abdominal pressure and the patient was incontinent solely based on bladder dysfunction (detrusor instability).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that incontinence after prostatectomy due to an increase in abdominal pressure (stress incontinence) does not depend on extrinsic sphincter function and is not related to maximal urethral pressure. We conclude that post-prostatectomy incontinence due to sphincter dysfunction results from intrinsic sphincter deficiency. In our experience bladder dysfunction is rarely the sole cause of post-prostatectomy incontinence.     

Botulinum toxin as a new therapy option for voiding disorders: current state of the art

Botulinum toxin is a presynaptic neuromuscular blocking agent inducing selective and reversible muscle weakness up to several months when injected intramuscularly in minute quantities. Different medical disciplines have discovered the toxin to treat mainly muscular hypercontraction. In urology, indications for botulinum-A toxin have been neurogenic detrusor overactivity, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, motor and sensory urge and, more recently, chronic prostatic pain. The available literature was reviewed using Medline Services. The keywords "botulinum-A toxin", "detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia", "neurogenic bladder", "spinal cord injury", "denervation", "chronic prostatic pain", "chronic urinary retention" were used to obtain references. A toxin injection is effective to treat detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia when injected either transurethrally or transperineally. After treatment, external urethral sphincter pressure, voiding pressure and post-void residual volume decreased. The effect lasts between 2 to 9 months depending on the number of injections. Best indications seem to be multiple sclerosis and incomplete spinal cord injury patients suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. According to the previous results, the use of botulinum-A toxin injections into the external urethral sphincter has been extended to a variety of bladder obstructions and to decrease outlet resistance in patients with acontractile detrusor. In cases of successful treatment, spontaneous voiding re-occurs and catheterization can be resumed. Injections of the toxin into the external urethral sphincter also seem to have a beneficial effect on chronic prostatic pain, presumably by reducing hypertonicity and hyperactivity of the external urethral sphincter. Injections of botulinum-A toxin into the detrusor muscle has first been tested to treat neurogenic detrusor activity in spinal cord injured patients and in myelomeningocele children. Long lasting (mean 9 months) detrusor relaxation occurs after injection of usually 300 units of Botox). Continence is restored in about 95% of the patients and anticholinergic drugs can be markedly reduced or even stopped. Excellent results of botulinum-A toxin injections into the detrusor in neurogenic detrusor overactivity have lead to an expansion of this treatment to incontinence due to idiopathic detrusor overactivity. Although preliminary results are promising, adequate dosage of the toxin required for this indication is not yet known. In conclusion, it appears that botulinum toxin injection into either the external urethral sphincter or the detrusor offers new promising treatment options for many different urological dysfunctions. However, large controlled trials are absolutely required to establish the role of botulinum-A toxin injections in the fields of urology and neurourology on evidence based medicine.     

Permanent urethral stents for detrusor sphincter dyssynergia

A series of 22 patients, most of whom had spinal injuries with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, have had Medinvent Wallstents placed across the distal mechanism. All but 8 patients had undergone outflow surgery and 11 had had repeated unsuccessful sphincterotomies. The proximal end of the stent was placed over the verumontanum unless fertility was contemplated, when it was placed immediately below the verumontanum. Fifteen patients achieved complete voiding after placement of the first stent; 3 developed bladder neck obstruction after stenting, but in 1 of these cases resolution occurred after bladder neck incision. The 3 patients with artificial urinary sphincters failed to improve after stenting. Use of the urethral stent for patients with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia and failed sphincterotomy is a major advance. It should probably be the primary treatment in selected cases. Its effect on fertility is currently under assessment.     

Transurethral electroresection of the external urethral sphincter in the urological management of male tetraplegics

Transurethral electroresection of external urethral sphincter (TUR-sph) was performed in sixteen male tetraplegics to obtain good voiding efficiency and to prevent autonomic dysreflexia due to detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Ratio of residual urine as a parameter of voiding efficiency and blood pressure and plasma noradrenaline level during voiding as parameters of the significance of autonomic dysreflexia were evaluated before and after TUR-sph, and all these parameters had significantly improved after TUR-sph. After discharge from the hospital, all patients urinated comfortably with the maneuver of suprapubic percussion by themselves and/or their helpmates, and no patients complained of any inconvenience due to urinary incontinence. Moreover, no patients had the episode of autonomic dysreflexia in daily life except for one patient who had it once with urinary tract infection. TUR-sph brings not only the improvement of voiding efficiency but also the effect as a safety valve against autonomic dysreflexia by means of preventing the occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia due to detrusor sphincter dyssynergia.     

OUR EXPERIENCE WITH PUBOVAGINAL SLINGS IN PATIENTS WITH STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE

Purpose

Pubovaginal slings successfully treat stress urinary incontinence in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Because of its durability, it has been attractive procedure in select patients with urethral hypermobility. We examine our experience with pubovaginal sling.

Materials and Methods

A total of 150 patients were evaluated for pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence. An abdominal leak point pressure was determined in all patients. Of patients with type II stress urinary incontinence, 36 patients (80%) underwent additional gynecological procedures at the time of the pubovaginal sling, compared to 29% with intrinsic sphincter deficiency and 33% with coexisting urethral hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Results

The overall cure rate was 93% with a mean followup of 22 months. At 1 week postoperatively spontaneous voiding was accomplished by 56% of the patients with urethral hypermobility and 57% with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Only 2.8% of patients required surgical therapy for prolonged urinary retention. De novo urgency/urge incontinence occurred in 19% of women with a 3% incidence of persistent urge incontinence.

Conclusions

Pubovaginal slings are effective and durable. Voiding dysfunction is uncommon and is temporary in most patients.