The pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms after brachytherapy for prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES: To determine the spectrum of pathophysiology underlying the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) persisting for > or = 6 months after brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A database of men from two practice settings was searched for men who developed LUTS persisting for > or = 6 months after completing brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. Patients were evaluated with a structured history and physical examination, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 24-h voiding diary, noninvasive free-flow uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), cystoscopy and a video-urodynamic study. Specific data collected included symptoms, elapsed time since brachytherapy, Gleason score, IPSS, total number of voids/24 h, maximum voided volume, cystoscopic findings, and urodynamics findings (PVR, maximum urinary flow rate, Schaefer obstruction grade, Watts factor, incidence of detrusor overactivity (DO) urethral obstruction and low bladder compliance). These data were compared with those from a previous study of men with LUTS who did not have prostate cancer. RESULTS: The study included 47 men (aged 54-88 years); the median (range) interval between brachytherapy and evaluation was 1.5 (0.5-13) years. Thirty-seven men complained of overactive bladder symptoms (79%), and 31 of incontinence (71%), 21 of obstructive symptoms (44%), and persistent dysuria in 12 (26%). Comparison of urodynamic findings in men with unselected causes of LUTS vs LUTS due to brachytherapy revealed the following comparisons: DO in 252 of 541 (47%) unselected vs 28 of 33 (85%) brachytherapy, (P < 0.001); and urethral obstruction in 374 of 541 (69%) unselected vs 24 of 33 (73%) brachytherapy (P = 0.85). CONCLUSION: The pathophysiology and severity of persistent LUTS in men after brachytherapy differs from that of men with LUTS in the general population. Men after brachytherapy have a much higher incidence of DO, prostatic and urethral strictures and prostatic urethral stones.     

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.     

Clinical and pressure-flow changes after long-term treatment with alfuzosin SR

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the symptomatic and urodynamic changes after 1-5 years of treatment with alfuzosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: Out of 255 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms observed from 1992 to 1997, who completed the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS) and underwent full urodynamic investigation, 161 were found to be obstructed (Sch?fer classes 2-6). One hundred and two subsequently consented to a second clinical and urodynamic evaluation. Out of these, 46 underwent surgical treatment, 20 were elected for watchful waiting (WW) and 36 received a medical treatment. Twenty out of these, with a mean age of 65 years, a mean prostatic volume of 44 ml (20-70) a median Sch?fer's obstruction class of 3 (range 2-5) were treated with slow release alfuzosin 5 mg twice a day. We re-evaluated these 20 patients with a second I-PSS and pressure-flow study after 1-5 years (mean: 2 years) of treatment. The patients in the WW group with comparable baseline characteristics were considered as controls. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the group treated with alfuzosin, no differences were noted for I-PSS (14.9 +/- 6,8; 13.3 +/- 5); maximum flow (124 +/- 6; 14 +/- 6) and projected isometric pressure (105 +/- 36; 105 +/- 26). Statistically significant differences were noted for residual urine (103 +/- 100; 33 +/- 38, p = 0.02); detrusor pressure at maximum flow (64.4 +/- 23; 53 +/- 12, p = 0.04), minimum urethral opening pressure (36.5 +/- 9; 31 +/- 9, p = 0.02), Sch?fer class (2.7 +/- 0.7; 2 +/- 0.8, p = 0.04); urethral resistance algorithm (34.7 +/- 11; 27 +/- 7, p = 0.02). Statistically significant differences between baseline and follow-up were noted for none of the clinical and urodynamic parameters in the WW group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bladder outlet obstruction seem to remain clinically stable and to improve urodynamically when treated with alfuzosin for a long period of time.     

良性前列腺增生并发膀胱过度活动症的尿动力学诊断

目的 探讨良性前列腺增生(BPH)合并膀胱过度活动症(OAB)的尿动力学特点,为正确合理的治疗提供参考.方法 回顾性分析2009年1月至2010年5月就诊的235例BPH患者的尿动力学检查资料.患者年龄52～88岁,平均(68±8)岁.根据患者主诉有无OAB症状分为BPH组和BPH合并OAB组;根据尿动力学检查有无逼尿肌过度活动(DO)又将其分为单纯性BPH组、单纯性BPH合并DO组、BPH合并OAB无DO组及BPH合并OAB伴DO组,比较各组年龄、国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、前列腺体积、最大尿流率、残余尿量、初感容量、强烈尿感容量、梗阻指数和逼尿肌收缩力情况.结果 最终入选219例患者,年龄56～88岁,平均年龄(66±8)岁,平均前列腺体积(35±24)ml,平均最大尿流率(11±6)ml/s.33.8%(74/219)的患者尿动力学检查出现DO.与BPH组(104例)比较,BPH合并OAB组(115组)年龄更大、IPSS评分更高、前列腺体积更大、初感容量及强烈尿感容量更小、梗阻指数及逼尿肌收缩力减弱比例更高(P＜0.05).单纯BPH组、BPH合并DO组、BPH合并OAB无DO组及BPH合并OAB伴DO组分别为93例(42.5%)、11例(5.0%)、52例(23.7%)、63例(28.8%).BPH合并OAB伴DO与BPH合并DO两组比较,前者DO最大逼尿肌压更高、持续DO时间更长.结论 了解BPH合并OAB患者的尿动力学特点对于合理治疗和预测疗效具有重要意义.     

Neurogenic bladder in patients with cervical cord compression disorders

Bladder and urethral functions were evaluated urodynamically in 62 patients with cervical cord compression disorder caused by either ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine (32 patients), cervical spondylosis (14 patients), prolapsed cervical intervertebral disc (14 patients) or cervical spinal canal stenosis (2 patients). The patients included 46 males and 16 females with average age of 57 years (range 39 to 73 years). Symptomatic organic infravesical obstruction was excluded by physical and radiographic examination. Cystometry revealed preoperative neurogenic bladder in 22 patients (35%) including overactive detrusor in 10 patients (45%) and underactive in 6 (27%). Twenty-one of them underwent electromyographic examination of external sphincter and 14 (67%) had overactive sphincter. Bladder and urethral functions appeared to be impaired in association with myelopathy of the pyramidal and spinothalamic tract of the cervical cord, because of high incidence of neurogenic bladder associated with positive Babinski's reflex and sensory disturbance at the perineal and lower extremity area. Furthermore, since many patients with deep sensory disturbance in the lower extremities had underactive detrusor, it appears likely that underactive detrusor was accompanied with myelopathy in the posterior funiculus of the cervical cord which mediates bladder proprioceptive sensation. Of twenty-two neurogenic bladder patients, seventeen underwent a cervical bone operation and eleven received postoperative urodynamic evaluation. The average interval from the operation to urodynamic evaluation was 1.6 months (range 1.1 to 2.3 months). Over half of the patients were found to be improved urodynamically as well as neurologically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The pathophysiology of post-radical prostatectomy incontinence: a clinical and video urodynamic study

PURPOSE: We examine various mechanisms of post-radical prostatectomy incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 83 consecutive men (mean age 68 +/- 6.6 years) referred for evaluation of persistent post-radical prostatectomy incontinence were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent clinical and urodynamic evaluation. Final diagnosis was based on clinical judgment considering patient history, pad test, voiding diary, free (unintubated) uroflow measurements, video urodynamics and linear passive urethral resistance relation curves. We compared free uroflow and pressure flow obtained with a 7Fr urethral catheter in place, and empirically defined low urethral compliance as at least 10 ml. per second difference between these measurements. RESULTS: Sphincteric incontinence was the most common urodynamic finding, occurring in 73 patients (88%). Detrusor instability was identified in 28 patients (33.7%) and in 6 (7.2%) was the main cause of incontinence. In 2 other patients bladder outlet obstruction (1.2%) or impaired detrusor contractility (1.2%) was the only urodynamic finding. Impaired detrusor contractility was diagnosed by linear passive urethral resistance relation in 82% of cases but considered to be clinically relevant in only a third. In 25 cases (30.1%) low urethral compliance was noted, which we consider nearly synonymous with urethral scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Sphincteric incontinence is the most common urodynamic finding in patients with post-radical prostatectomy incontinence, although other findings may coexist. The most accurate diagnosis is attained when all objective measures are put in perspective with the clinical setting.     

Urodynamic findings in boys with posterior urethral valves after treatment with primary valve ablation or vesicostomy and delayed ablation

PURPOSE: Primary valve ablation and temporary vesicostomy with delayed valve ablation are alternative initial management procedures in neonates and infants with posterior urethral valves. To investigate whether initial vesicostomy followed by delayed valve ablation and simultaneous vesicostomy closure may lead to more alterations in bladder function than primary valve ablation only we retrospectively compared postoperative urodynamic findings in 2 small groups of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1980 to 1990, 15 male infants 19 days to 34 months old with posterior urethral valves were treated with 1 of 2 initial surgical approaches, including valve ablation only in 8 (group 1), and primary vesicostomy and delayed valve ablation associated with concomitant vesicostomy closure in 7 (group 2). Mean age at valve ablation and vesicostomy in groups 1 and 2 was 10.8 +/- 11.2 months (range 1 to 35) and 55.4 +/- 43.3 days (range 19 to 151), respectively. Average duration of vesicostomy diversion was 33.6 +/- 18.8 months (range 14 to 70). All patients underwent conventional urodynamics postoperatively using normal saline at room temperature. In groups 1 and 2 mean age at followup was 11.5 +/- 6.6 (range 5 to 16.2) and 9. 4 +/- 3.1 (range 4.10 to 14) years, respectively. Controls comprised 46 age matched males who underwent urodynamics using similar methodology. RESULTS: Postoperative urodynamic assessment of maximum cystometric bladder capacity and the incidence of detrusor instability in each treatment group were not statistically different. In group 1 bladder capacity was significantly higher than that in controls (p <0.0001). In group 2 mean end filling detrusor pressure was increased compared with that in group 1 (29 cm. water, range 15 to 60 versus 8, range 4 to 21). Compliance was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (p <0.0005). Analysis of detrusor voiding pressure at maximum flow was not significantly different in the 2 groups. We noted detrusor under activity in 1 group 1 and 2 group 2 cases. In these patients post-void residual urine volume was 8% to 66% of cystometric bladder capacity. However, only 1 of these 3 patients who required augmentation cystoplasty needed intermittent catheterization. Urodynamic patterns of outflow obstruction developed in 1 patient in each group, including urethral stricture and bladder neck obstruction. At followup we observed no difference in renal function impairment in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective study of rapid filling cystometry suggests that primary valve ablation for posterior urethral valves is associated with a better bladder function outcome than that in patients treated with vesicostomy and delayed valve ablation. Therefore, although cutaneous vesicostomy may be performed as initial management of posterior urethral valves, primary valve ablation is the most effective surgical option in these cases.     

Urethral obstruction in patients with nighttime wetting: urodynamic evaluation and outcome of surgical incision

The aim of this study was to investigate urodynamic findings and the outcome of surgical incision in patients with nighttime wetting due to urethral obstruction. A total of 239 patients with nighttime wetting (157 males and 82 females; mean age, 8.7; range, 4-18 years) was studied. One hundred and ten patients had monosymptomatic enuresis alone and 129 both nighttime wetting and daytime symptoms, that is, the majority was not simple bedwetters, but had signs of bladder overactivity. All patients were first treated with bladder training and fluid intake after dinner was restricted. The non-responders were then treated with tricyclic antidepressants, anticholinergics, or intra-nasal desmopressin and conditioning therapy. Ninety-seven patients who did not respond to these conventional treatments were investigated by voiding cystourethrography, bougie à boule, and urodynamic study. Urethral obstruction was noted in 34 patients (14.2%); posterior urethral valves in three males, ring stricture of the bulbar urethra in 26 males and distal urethral stenosis in five females. Detrusor instability was noted in 30 (94%) of 32 patients. Three patients had <15 mL/s of maximum flow rate and none had post-void residual urine. Pressure at maximum flow (PQ(max)) was 106.5 +/- 26.3 cm H(2)O in pressure/flow study. After surgery, nighttime wetting was cured in 25 patients (73.5%), improved in four (11.8%). Detrusor instability disappeared in six of 16 patients studied (37.5%) and improved in 8 (50%), and PQ(max) decreased significantly after operation (P = 0. 0034). In conclusion, most of the patients with urethral obstruction have detrusor instability and high pressure voiding, and these conditions improved after operation.     

老年男性下尿路症状伴逼尿肌过度活动患者临床及尿动力学特点分析

目的 探讨老年男性下尿路症状伴逼尿肌过度活动(DO)患者临床和尿动力学特点.方法 中重度下尿路症状老年男性患者227例,根据尿动力学检查将患者分为2组,DO组126例,无DO组101例,对2组患者前列腺体积、PSA、尿流率、残余尿、IPSS和尿动力学参数进行比较.结果 2组患者年龄分别为(71.1±8.9)和(66.3±9.4)岁,DO组高于无DO组(P＜0.05);年龄校正后,2组患者前列腺体积分别为(44.3±18.3)和(46.9±17.5)ml,PSA(2.6±1.5)和(2.9±1.3)ng/ml,最大尿流率(同时用排尿量校正)(6.6±4.3)和(8.1±4.9)ml/s,残余尿为(132.5±114.6)和(142.l±129.7)ml,2组间差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05).尿动力学检查,2组患者膀胱初感觉分别为(105.0±42.4)和(130.6±50.5)ml,膀胱顺应值(25.4±14.3)和(36.7±14.3)ml/cm H2O,最大膀胱容量(262.8±106.7)和(349.1±75.8)ml,单次排尿量(130.3±89.4)和(208±101.4)ml,最大逼尿肌收缩压(66.9±38.1)和(53.3±24.1)cm H2O,LinPURR 3.1±1.7和2.4±1.6,2组间各项指标差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).结论 高龄、严重膀胱出口梗阻患者易出现DO;中重度下尿路症状患者,非侵入性临床参数无法判断患者是否存在DO;DO患者尿动力特点为膀胱敏感性增加、顺应性下降、最大逼尿肌收缩压增高、膀胱功能容量减少和单次排尿量减少.     

Predictive value of low maximum flow rate in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Among 84 patients with prostatism selected for transurethral resection of the prostate, 18 had a maximum flow at spontaneous uroflowmetry less than or equal to 7 ml/sec. Preoperatively there was no significant difference between patients with maximum flow less than or equal to 7 ml/sec (Group 1) and patients with maximum flow greater than 7 ml/sec (Group 2) in age, duration of symptoms, symptom scores, bladder volume, residual urine, and detrusor pressure at maximum flow. Patients in Group 1, however, had significantly lower urethral resistance and bladder volume independent maximum flow than patients in Group 2. Postoperatively, patients with preoperative maximum flow less than or equal to 7 ml/sec improved significantly in symptom scores and urodynamic findings apart from bladder volume and detrusor pressure at maximum flow. There were no significant differences between groups in postoperative symptom scores or urodynamic findings. We conclude that preoperative maximum flow rates less than or equal to 7 ml/sec at spontaneous uroflowmetry were related to high urethral resistance and not detrusor decompensation among patients with prostatism, and that patients with maximum flow rates less than or equal to 7 ml/sec fared as well postoperatively as patients with maximum flow greater than 7 ml/sec.     

Diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction in women

PURPOSE: There are no universally accepted urodynamic criteria for diagnosing female bladder outlet obstruction. When accepted criteria for men are applied to women, the diagnosis of obstruction may often be missed, which is most likely due to differences in voiding dynamics. We propose video urodynamic criteria for diagnosing obstruction in women, and describe the urodynamic findings in those with and without obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 331 women who underwent multichannel video urodynamics for nonneurogenic voiding dysfunction. Of these women 261 (mean age 55.8 years) had evaluable voiding pressure flow studies with simultaneous video fluoroscopy of the bladder outlet during voiding. At video urodynamics cases were classified as obstructed if there was radiographic evidence of obstruction between the bladder neck and distal urethra in the presence of a sustained detrusor contraction. Strict pressure flow criteria were not used. Maximum flow rate, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, post-void residual, bladder capacity and the incidence of detrusor instability were compared between obstructed and unobstructed cases. RESULTS: A total of 76 women met the criteria for obstruction (mean age 57.5 years), while 184 (mean age 55) did not. Causes of obstruction were dysfunctional voiding in 25 cases, cystocele in 21, primary bladder neck obstruction in 12, iatrogenic from incontinence surgery in 11, urethral stricture in 3, uterine prolapse in 2, urethral diverticulum in 1 and rectocele in 1. Obstructed cases had lower mean maximum flow rate (9 versus 20.2 ml. per second, p <0.0001), higher mean detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (42.8 versus 22.1 cm. water, p <0.0001) and higher mean post-void residual (157 versus 33 ml., p <0.0001). There was no difference in bladder capacity (381 versus 347 ml.) or incidence of detrusor instability (45 versus 41%). CONCLUSIONS: Using the proposed video urodynamic criteria obstructed cases had significantly higher voiding pressures, lower flow rates and higher post-void residual than unobstructed cases, as expected. However, absolute values, especially for voiding pressure, are not as dramatic in women as in men. Pressure flow studies alone may fail to diagnose obstruction but simultaneous imaging of the bladder outlet during voiding greatly facilitates diagnosis.     

Experience with 100 cases treated with botulinum-A toxin injections in the detrusor muscle for idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome refractory to anticholinergics

PURPOSE: In this prospective, nonrandomized, ongoing study we evaluated the efficacy and safety of botulinum-A toxin injections in the detrusor muscle to treat patients with idiopathic overactive bladder resistant to conventional treatment, such as anticholinergic drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 men and 77 women with a mean age of 63 years (range 24 to 89) with nonneurogenic overactive bladder, including urgency-frequency syndrome, and incontinence despite the administration of maximal doses of anticholinergics were consecutively treated with injections of 100 U botulinum-A toxin in the detrusor muscle at 30 sites under cystoscopic guidance. Micturition diary, full urodynamics, neurological status and urine probes were performed in all participants before treatment. Bladder biopsies were done only in cases of suspected bladder fibrosis or unclear findings. Special attention was given to reflex volume, maximal bladder capacity, detrusor compliance, post-void residual urine, urgency and frequency/nocturia. Clinical, urodynamic and quality of life assessments were performed at baseline, and 4, 12 and 36 weeks after botulinum-A toxin treatment. RESULTS: Overall after 4 and 12 weeks 88% of our patients showed significant improvement in bladder function in regard to subjective symptoms, quality of life and urodynamic parameters (p <0.001). Urgency disappeared in 82% of the patients and incontinence resolved in 86% within 1 to 2 weeks after botulinum-A toxin injections. Mean frequency decreased from 14 to 7 micturitions daily (-50%) and nocturia decreased from 4 to 1.5 micturitions. Mean maximal bladder capacity increased 56% from 246 to 381 ml, mean detrusor compliance increased from 24 to 41 ml/cm H(2)O and pretreatment detrusor instability (mean reflex volume 169 ml) resolved in 74% of patients. Mean volume at first desire to void increased from 126 to 212 ml and mean urge volume increased from 214 to 309 ml. There were no severe side effects except temporary urine retention in 4 cases. Only in 8 patients was the clinical benefit poor and analysis revealed preoperative low detrusor compliance. Mean efficacy duration +/- SD was at least approximately 6 +/- 2 months and then symptoms began to increase. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that intradetrusor botulinum-A toxin injections may be an efficient and safe treatment option in patients with severe overactive bladder resistant to all conventional treatments.     

Impact of radical prostatectomy on the characteristics of bladder and urethra.

A prospective study was done to evaluate the long-term effects of radical prostatectomy on the function of the bladder in filling and voiding. Preoperative urodynamic studies were done on 29 patients with a mean age of 62.9 +/- 5.2 years. The preoperative results show that 16 of the 29 patients demonstrated detrusor instability with maximum contractile pressures of 59 +/- 28 cm. water. Followup urodynamic assessment was done in 13 of these patients 22.9 +/- 1.1 months after surgery. Postoperatively, the maximum detrusor instability pressure did not decrease significantly (49 +/- 17 cm. water). Comparison of the operative and postoperative urodynamic characteristics of bladder filling shows that radical prostatectomy produced no significant change in the filling characteristics of the bladder in terms of bladder capacity, or volume at which sensations of fullness or urgency are reported. Voiding pressure-flow studies show a significant increase in maximum flow rate (8 +/- 1 to 13 +/- 2 ml., per second, p = 0.007), and significant decreases in maximum detrusor pressure (61 +/- 5.4 to 39 +/- 4 cm. water, p = 0.002), urethral opening pressure (45 +/- 7 to 25 +/- 4 cm. water, p = 0.004) and residual volume (150 +/- 37 to 62 +/- 43 ml., p = 0.019). Urethral profile measurements show that there was no significant change in either the maximum urethral closure pressure (94 +/- 9 to 83 +/- 9 cm. water) or external sphincter length (3.6 +/- 0.8 to 3.2 +/- 0.8 cm.). Preoperatively, the bladder neck pressures were 25 +/- 4.4 cm. water and were abolished after prostatectomy, indicating that the decrease in obstructive characteristics is due to removal of the prostate.     

Neurogenic bladder in patients with lumbar vertebral disorders

Bladder and urethral functions were evaluated urodynamically in 114 patients with lumbar disorders including prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc (66 patients), lumbar canal stenosis (19 patients), lumbar spondylolysis and/or spondylolisthesis (21 patients), lumbar spondylosis deformans (5 patients) and ossification of the yellow ligament of the lumbar spine (3 patients). The patients consisted of 88 males and 26 females with an average age of 47 years (range 17 to 73 years). Symptomatic organic infravesical obstruction was excluded by physical and radiographic examination. Cystometry revealed preoperative neurogenic bladder in 23 patients (20%); normal detrusor with overactive sphincter in 2 (9%), underactive in 8 (36%), overactive in 5 (23%) and equivocal in 7 (32%). One patient not receiving cystometry revealed abnormal uroflowmetry with 140 ml residual urine. Twenty of them underwent electromyographic examination of the external sphincter and 15 (75%) had an overactive sphincter. Nine (39%) of them complained no urological symptoms. Neurogenic bladder seemed to highly associate in those having abnormal tendon reflex in the lower extremities, decreased bulbocavernosus reflex and sensory disturbance in the perineal area, but there was no statistical significance. Of twenty-three neurogenic bladder patients, eighteen underwent a lumbar vertebral operation and fifteen received postoperative urodynamic evaluation. Uroflowmetry was improved in more than half of the patients within 3 months after the operation and cystometry was normalized in 4 of 7 patients who underwent cystometry over 6 months after the operation. Preoperative overactive detrusor remained unchanged in two of three patients who underwent cystometry over 6 months after the operation.     

Detrusor underactivity following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Strain voiding has been reported to be a frequent symptom following radical prostatectomy. However, pathophysiology of vesicourethral function underlying voiding difficulty has not been well studied. In the present study, we investigated detrusor underactivity following radical prostatectomy. The records on urodynamic study (pressure-flow study, urethral pressure profile) were retrospectively investigated in 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and all urodynamic studies pre- and post-operatively. We extracted the cases with detrusor underactivity according to the criteria of overt strain voiding pattern on post-operative pressure flow study; detrusor pressure at the maximum flow rate (Pdet Q(max)) of less than 10 cmH2O in conjunction with an increase of abdominal pressure. Of the 80 patients, 6 (7.5%) were found to have detrusor underactivity. In all patients, good detrusor contraction was confirmed on the pre-operative urodynamic study performed before surgery. On the voiding phase of pressure-flow study in these patients, mean Pdet Q(max) showed a significant decrease postoperatively from 58.5 cmH2O to 3.0 cmH2O (p < 0.01), although mean abdominal pressure at Q(max) significantly increased from 24.2 cmH2O to 105.8 cmH2O (p < 0.05). Mean Q(max) on free uroflowmetry showed a significant increase from 12.8 ml/sec to 22.1 ml/sec (p < 0.05). No patient had significant post-void residual urine. On the storage phase of the study, however, maximum cystometric capacity, maximum urethral closing pressure showed no significant change between pre- and post-operative studies. Five patients acquired continence and one had mild urinary incontinence using one pad a day. The present study showed that detrusor contaractility could be impaired during radical prostatectomy, but, no apparent operative procedure related to detrusor dysfunction could be identified in the present patients.     

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.     

Urodynamic effect of acute transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in overactive bladder

PURPOSE: Of the various treatments proposed for urge incontinence, frequency and urgency electrostimulation has been widely tested. Different techniques have been used with the necessity of surgical implantation (S3 neuromodulation or sacral root stimulation) or without requiring surgery (perineal transcutaneous electrostimulation). Recently peripheral electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve was proposed for irritative symptoms in first intention or for intractable incontinence. Clinical studies have demonstrated good results and urodynamic parameters were improved after chronic treatment. However, to our knowledge no data concerning acute stimulation and immediate cystometry modifications have been reported. We verified urodynamic changes during acute posterior tibial nerve stimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 consecutive patients with urge incontinence, frequency and urgency secondary to overactive bladder were studied. There were 29 women and 15 men with a mean age +/-SD of 53.3 +/- 18.2 years. Of the patients 37 had detrusor hyperreflexia due to multiple sclerosis (13), spinal cord injury (15) or Parkinson's disease (9), and 7 had idiopathic detrusor instability. Routine cystometry at 50 ml. per minute was done to select the patients with involuntary detrusor contractions appearing before 400 ml. maximum filling volume. Repeat cystometry was performed immediately after the first study during left posterior tibial nerve stimulation using a surface self-adhesive electrode on the ankle skin behind the internal malleolus with shocks in continuous mode at 10 Hz. frequency and 200 milliseconds wide. Volume comparison was done at the first involuntary detrusor contraction and at maximum cystometric capacity. The test was considered positive if volume at the first involuntary detrusor contraction and/or at maximum cystometric capacity increased 100 ml. or 50% during stimulation in compared with standard cystometry volumes. RESULTS: Mean first involuntary detrusor contraction volume on standard cystometry was 162.9 +/- 96.4 ml. and it was 232.1 +/- 115.3 ml. during posterior tibial nerve stimulation. Mean maximum cystometric capacity on standard cystometry was 221 +/- 129.5 ml. and it was 277.4 +/- 117.9 ml. during stimulation. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation was associated with significant improvement in first involuntary detrusor contraction volume (p <0.0001) and significant improvement in maximum cystometric capacity (p <0.0001). The test was considered positive in 22 of the 44 patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest an objective acute effect of posterior tibial nerve stimulation on urodynamic parameters. Improved bladder overactivity is an encouraging argument to propose posterior tibial nerve stimulation as a noninvasive treatment modality in clinical practice.     

老年女性排尿困难的尿动力学分析

目的：研究以排尿困难为主诉的老年女性患者的尿动力学变化及其临床意义。方法：女性患者．年龄60～89岁，临床表现为排尿费力，采用尿动力学方法检查尿流率、同步膀胱压力容积流率及肛门括约肌肌电图测定，部分患者同步透视下行影像尿动力学检查。结果：神经原性膀胱尿道功能障碍占27．3％．逼尿肌收缩力低下占34．1％，膀胱颈梗阻为4．5％．尿道远端狭窄13．6％．不稳定膀胱6．8％，非神经原性逼尿肌外括约肌协同失调占4．5％，感觉性尿急2．3％，正常6．8％。结论：尿动力学检查能了解膀胱的功能状况和膀胱出口梗阻的部位．为临床治疗提供了可靠的依据。     

Does urethral competence affect urodynamic voiding parameters in women with prolapse?

AIMS: To (1) compare voiding parameters and (2) correlate symptoms and urodynamic findings in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and varying degrees of urethral competence. METHODS: We compared three groups of women with stages II-IV POP. Groups 1 and 2 were symptomatically stress continent women participating in the Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts (CARE) trial; during prolapse reduction before sacrocolpopexy, Group 1 (n = 67) did not have and Group 2 (n = 84) had urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) during prolapse reduction. Group 3 participants (n = 74), recruited specifically for this study, had stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms and planned sacrocolpopexy. Participants completed standardized uroflowmetry, pressure voiding studies, and validated symptom questionnaires. RESULTS: Subjects' median age was 61 years, median parity 3 and 87% had stage III or IV POP. Fourteen percent of women in Group 3 demonstrated USI without, and 70% with, prolapse reduction. Women in Groups 2 and 3 had more detrusor overactivity (DO) than Group 1 (17 and 24% vs. 6%, P = 0.02) and detrusor overactivity incontinence (DOI) (15 and 8% vs. 0%, P = 0.004). Based on the Blaivis-Groutz nomogram, 60% of all women were obstructed. Post-void residual volume (PVR), peak flow rate, detrusor pressure at peak flow, voiding mechanisms, voiding patterns, obstruction and urinary retention did not differ among groups. Women in Group 3 had higher irritative and obstructive symptom scores than Group 1 or 2; neither score differed by presence of DO nor obstruction, respectively. CONCLUSION: Women with POP have significant rates of urodynamic obstruction and retention, independent of their continence status. Symptoms of obstruction and retention correlate poorly with urodynamic findings.     

Overactive bladder inhibition in response to pelvic floor muscle exercises

A recent study by the senior author demonstrated that striated urethral sphincter contraction effected the inhibition of vesical contraction and suppression of the desire to micturate, an action suggested to be mediated through the "voluntary urinary inhibition reflex". We hypothesized that the effect of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises on the overactive bladder was mediated through this reflex action. The current communication investigates this hypothesis. A total of 28 patients (mean age 44.8+/-10.2 years, 18 men, 10 women) with overactive bladder and 17 healthy volunteers (mean age 42.6+/-9.8 years, 12 men, 5 women) were enrolled in the study. The vesical and posterior urethral pressures were determined before and after vesical filling reached the volume at which urge in control subjects, and involuntary voiding in the patients, occurred. Intra-abdominal pressure was recorded to obtain detrusor pressure readings. The bladder was refilled to the above volume and the subject asked to hold PFM contractions for 10 s during which the vesical and posterior urethral pressures were recorded. In healthy volunteers, the mean detrusor and posterior urethral pressures at urge to void were 30.6+/-4.8 SD and 18.7+/-3.3 cm H(2)O, respectively. On PFM contraction, the detrusor pressure declined to 11.6+/-1.4 cm H(2)O (P<0.01) and urethral pressure increased to 139.8+/-17.4 cm H(2)O (P<0.001). In patients, the mean detrusor and posterior urethral pressure readings when the bladder was filled to the volume which induced involuntary incontinence, were 28.2+/-4.2 and 17.3+/-3.4 cm H(2)O, respectively; on PFM contractions, the detrusor pressure decreased to 10.6+/-2.1 cm H(2)O (P<0.01), while urethral pressure increased to 86.6+/-7.9 cm H(2)O (P<0.001) and voiding did not occur. In conclusion, PFM contractions led to a decline of detrusor and increase of urethral pressures and suppressed the micturition reflex. These contractions appear to induce their effect by preventing internal sphincter relaxation produced by the micturition reflex. Failure of the internal sphincter to relax seems to cause reflex detrusor relaxation, an action presumably mediated through the "voluntary urinary inhibition reflex". The results of the current study encourage the treatment of overactive bladder with PFM contractions.