The syndrome of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.

The syndrome of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia is described in a series of patients with a variety of neurological diseases. Bladder function studies using cystometry, sphincter electromyography and electromyelography revealed that sphincter dyssynergia may be associated with detrusor hyperreflexia as well as detrusor areflexia. Impaired function of the pyramidal tracts was documented in all patients and the majority showed impaired segmental innervation of the bladder and urethra.     

Urethral stent for the treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia: evaluation of the clinical, urodynamic, endoscopic and radiological efficacy after more than 1 year

PURPOSE: We studied the intermediate-term clinical, urodynamic, endoscopic and radiological efficacy of the Ultraflex urethral stent (Boston Scientific Co., Boston, Massachusetts) for the treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) in spinal cord injured patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 consecutive men presenting with DSD due to spinal cord injury (39) or various spinal cord diseases (9) were treated with the Ultraflex stent. DSD was demonstrated by urodynamic assessment with electromyographic recording of the striated urethral sphincter muscle activity. RESULTS: Postoperatively, all patients voided by reflex. The number of patients with symptomatic postoperative urinary tract infection decreased significantly (p <0.001). Urodynamic assessment (mean followup +/- SD 2.2 +/- 1.3 years) showed reduction of mean peak detrusor pressure from 65.7 +/- 27.8 to 46.4 +/- 28.8 cm H2O (p <0.005) and reduction of mean residual urine from 231.6 +/- 168.1 to 70.3 +/- 85.6 ml (p <0.0005). Mean urethral closing pressure was markedly reduced from 73.9 +/- 40.9 to 23.8 +/- 25.1 cm H2O (p <0.0005). Mean endoscopic followup was 1.7 +/- 1.1 years. Mean percentage of epithelialization was 90.8% +/- 19.7%, and no obstructive granulation tissue or stone encrustation was observed inside the stent. On ultrasound signs of hydronephrosis persisted in only 1 of 8 patients. There were no immediate postoperative complications. Complementary bladder neck incision was performed in 21% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Ultraflex stent appears to be effective for intermediate-term treatment of DSD on the basis of clinical, urodynamic, endoscopic and radiological parameters.     

Biofeedback successfully cures detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in pediatric patients

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy of voiding and bladder biofeedback for achieving perineal synergy and curing symptoms in children with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 boys and 27 girls 4 to 14 years old with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia diagnosed by uroflowmetry and electromyography underwent biweekly voiding biofeedback therapy consisting of perineal floor electromyography during uroflowmetry. The 6 patients with enuresis and an unstable bladder also underwent bladder biofeedback training during cystometry. Biofeedback continued until detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia resolved. Followup consisted of electromyography and uroflowmetry 1 month after completing biofeedback training, and telephone interviews after 2 and 4 years. RESULTS: Biofeedback resolved detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in all children, although the condition disappeared significantly sooner in girls (p <0.02). Secondary enuresis disappeared significantly earlier than primary enuresis (p <0.0001). The 2-year success rate of 87.18% for enuresis decreased to 80% at the 4-year followup. CONCLUSIONS: Voiding and bladder biofeedback achieves perineal synergy and cures symptoms in children with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia     

Sphincterotomy and the treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia: current status,future prospects

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review of current treatment options for detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) in spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVES: To review the outcomes and complications associated with external sphincterotomy and to summarise the results and complications of alternative treatment options for detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal cord injury. In addition, we propose a potential alternative future drug treatment for external sphincter dyssynergia based upon recent research on the neuropharmacology of the external urethral sphincter. SETTING: The National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK. METHODS: Medline search from 1966 to 2002 using the words 'external sphincterotomy', 'detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia' and 'neurogenic bladder combined with surgery'. RESULTS: While external sphincterotomy is an effective treatment for DSD, a significant number of men following this procedure continue to have high intrarenal pressures, recurrent urinary infection or troublesome autonomic dysreflexia and a worryingly high proportion demonstrate persistently raised leak point pressures, putting them at subsequent risk of renal damage. Alternative treatments for external sphincter dyssynergia include urethral stents and balloon dilatation, both of which are effective. However, over the long term stents can undergo encrustation and there remains a definite risk of stent migration necessitating stent removal or replacement. Balloon dilatation of the external sphincter is associated with a risk of subsequent stricture formation. Intraurethral Botulinum A toxin seems to be effective though there have been no large randomised studies comparing it against placebo. However, it is not a durable treatment option and it has not found a common place in the treatment of DSD.There is now a considerable amount of experimental data from both animal and human studies to suggest that nitric oxide (NO) is an important physiological inhibitory neurotransmitter in the urethral sphincter, mediating relaxation of the external urethral sphincter. The potential role of sphincter NO augmentation for treatment of DSD is discussed. CONCLUSION: External sphincterotomy remains the mainstay of treatment for urodynamically significant detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, but in recent years a number of effective, alternative treatment options have become available. While at present there is no effective systemic drug treatment, recent research into external sphincter neuropharmacology suggests that systemic or topical augmentation of external sphincter NO may provide an effective method for lowering sphincter pressure.     

Experimental and clinical studies of urethral anesthesia on etiology and treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia

We studied whether detrusor-sphincter synergia during micturition was obtained by means of urethral anesthesia with lidocaine hydrochloride in five thoracic spinal cats and eight clinical cases with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. In thoracic spinal cats with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, urethral anesthesia produced detrusor-sphincter synergia, an increase in the maximum bladder pressure and a decrease in the residual volume. In clinical cases with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, urethral anesthesia produced detrusor-sphincter synergia or a decrease in the external urethral sphincter activities during micturition, and a decrease in the maximum urethral closure pressure and the residual volume. There were no remarkable changes of the external urethral sphincter activities during urine storage phase before and after urethral anesthesia in both spinal cats and clinical cases. These results suggest that urethral anesthesia blocks the urethro-urethral contraction reflex and secondarily activates vesico-urethral relaxation reflex. The block of urethral sensory nerves is thought to effectively treat detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.     

A treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia: pudendal nerve block by phenolglycerin under the guide of direct nerve stimulation.

While applying direct electrical stimulation to the pudendal nerve and recording of electromyographic reactions of bulbocavernosus muscle and/or transverse perineal muscle, pudendal nerve block by phenol was performed for the treatment of dysuria due to detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, resulting in a favourable response. The technique and the cases treated with this nerve block are presented.     

Effect of naloxone on detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in the chronic spinal cat

Naloxone, an opioid peptide antagonist, has been reported to facilitate voiding in neurologic bladder disorders, but its effects on the neural micturition reflex arc are poorly understood. We studied the effect of naloxone in 34 male adult cats, spinalized at C5-C6 level 7 to 119 days previously. Each cat served as its own control. The following tests were performed: Urethral pressure profiles, cystosphincterograms with the urethro-vesical junction opened and closed and mechanograms of the detrusor, and the circular and longitudinal urethral muscles. The study included (1) the effects of anesthesia of the bladder and pelvic nerve, as well as that of the urethral and pudendal nerves; (2) the action of naloxone; and (3) the action of oxymorphone. Our results demonstrated that naloxone (1) increased somatic (osteotendinous and nociceptive) reflexes and aggravated spasticity; (2) increased vegetative micturitional and sexual reflexes, in particular the urethra-urethral contraction reflex, aggravating the spasmodic contractions of the external sphincter; and (3) increased the frequency and intensity of the mass reflex. In consequence, we suggest that naloxone is contraindicated in cases of spinal cord lesions with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia syndrome.     

Combined transrectal ultrasonography and urodynamics in the evaluation of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia

Thirty-one combined transrectal ultrasonographic and urodynamic studies were performed in 24 patients with spinal cord lesions at different levels between C4 and T12. Ultrasonography provided accurate real-time imaging of the bladder neck, prostatic urethra and external sphincter during the bladder filling phase as well as during the voiding phase. Bladder and rectal pressures, sphincter EMG and uroflow were recorded simultaneously. Transrectal ultrasonography contributed significantly to the accuracy of diagnosing detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Sphincter contractions were clearly visualised with ultrasonographic video monitoring. This imaging method was especially helpful in sorting out the problems of 3 patients with poor emptying of bladder after endoscopic sphincterotomy. One had a urethral stricture and the other 2 had sphincters that opened adequately but bladders that emptied poorly because of detrusor hypocontractility. Other problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and false passage, were also easily recognised. Transrectal ultrasonography not only provides accurate information but also involves no exposure to radiation and thus precludes the need for costly lead-shielded examination rooms.     

Effect of baclofen and dantrolene on bladder stimulator-induced detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in dogs

The effect of baclofen (Lioresal) and dantrolene (Dantrium) on bladder stimulation-induced detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia was studied in normal and chronic T-10 paraplegic dogs. Dantrolene, which depresses skeletal muscle contractility, had little effect on electrically evoked contractions of the urethral sphincter in dogs. Baclofen, which acts centrally by potentiating presynaptic inhibition, depressed the pudendal to pudendal nerve reflex and decreased urethral resistance during bladder stimulation.     

Long-term followup of the North American multicenter UroLume trial for the treatment of external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia

PURPOSE: We determine the long-term efficacy and safety of the UroLume stent as minimally invasive treatment for external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal cord injured men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 spinal cord injured men with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 36.3 +/- 12.1 years (range 16 to 74) were prospectively treated with an endoprosthesis at 15 centers as part of the North American UroLume trial for external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Urodynamic parameters, including voiding pressure, residual urine volume and bladder capacity, were compared before treatment and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years after treatment. RESULTS: Mean voiding pressure was 75.1 +/- 28.2 cm. water before treatment in the 160 patients, and 37.4 +/- 23.9 at year 1 in 97, 39.5 +/- 22.2 at year 2 in 84, 42.6 +/- 27.3 at year 3 in 61, 46.3 +/- 33.2 at year 4 in 57 and 44.2 +/- 28.9 cm. at year 5 in 41 after stent insertion (p <0.001). Residual urine volume decreased after stent placement and was maintained throughout the 5-year followup (p <0.001). Mean cystometric capacity remained constant from 269 +/- 155 before insertion to 337 +/- 182 ml. 5 years later (p = 0.17). Hydronephrosis and autonomic dysreflexia improved or stabilized in most patients with functioning stents. Stent explant was necessary in 24 patients (15%), of whom 4 (16.7%) had another stent implanted. CONCLUSIONS: The UroLume stent demonstrates long-term safety and efficacy for the treatment of external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. The outcome was similar in men with and without previous sphincterotomy.     

A urethral stent for the treatment of detrusor-striated sphincter dyssynergia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the technique, efficacy and complications of the Ultraflex urethral stent (Boston Scientific Corp., Boston, MA) for the treatment of detrusor-striated sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with DSD who had a Ultraflex stent placed in the membranous urethra were evaluated prospectively. DSD was caused by spinal cord injury in 30, multiple sclerosis in six and other neurological diseases in four. All patients were either tetraplegic or paraplegic and unable to use intermittent self-catheterization. Previous bladder management consisted of an indwelling catheter in 15 patients, chronic suprapubic catheters in two, intermittent catheterization in nine, and trigger reflex micturition in 14. The Ultraflex stent was placed under local anaesthesia. The stents were 50 mm long in 36 patients, 45 mm in two and 40 mm in two. The mean (SD) follow-up was 16.9 (13. 8) months. RESULTS: The mean (SD) residual urine decreased from 245. 9 (117) mL before stenting to 65.2 (19.3) mL at 12 months afterward (n = 19). One stent was removed at 13 months for chronic prostatic and urinary tract infection leading to autonomic dysreflexia. There was no stent stenosis and 17 of 18 stents had > 75% epithelial coverage at one year. None of the stents migrated. Seven patients underwent secondary bladder neck incision through the stent. The stent length was increased in four patients using a second overlapping distal stent, twice during the first procedure and twice within 6 months because the sphincter was inadequately covered. CONCLUSIONS: The Ultraflex stent achieved the expected results for a prosthetic sphincterotomy and appears to be an appropriate but less invasive treatment for DSD.     

A modified biofeedback program for children with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia: 5-year experience

PURPOSE: We reviewed our 5-year experience with a modified 4 to 6-session biofeedback program combining noninvasive urodynamic approaches with various psychological techniques, including externalizing the voiding problem, empowerment and praise, to treat children with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biofeedback was performed with a urodynamics processor that enables simultaneous recording of urine flow and electromyography, and visual display of flow/electromyography activity. Initially normal and abnormal voiding were explained in a unique way and the children observed relaxation and contraction of the pelvic floor muscles while visualizing the electromyography monitor. The bladders were filled naturally and surface electrodes were placed. Psychological strategies were used to engage and motivate the children to achieve maximal cooperation. The children voided while attempting relaxation and post-void residual urine volume was measured by bladder scan. Special and specific praise was provided for progress and increasing self-esteem. Patients returned monthly to review these concepts and practice voiding. RESULTS: Of 87 children 77 completed the program, including 7 boys and 70 girls 3 to 17 years old (mean age 7.8) who required an average of 4.7 sessions (median 4). Results were achieved within 6 sessions in 82% of cases. Of the 77 children 59 (76%) had recurrent urinary tract infections, 38 (49%) had associated bladder instability, 19 (24%) had vesicoureteral reflux and 44 (58%) had constipation. Subjectively 47 patients (61%) reported pronounced improvement in urinary symptoms, while another 24 (32%) reported moderate improvement after biofeedback training. Objectively 47 children (61%) had normal flow with minimal electromyography activity during voiding and a normal post-void residual urine of less than 20% voided volume (p <0.002). In 28 cases (36%) flow studies improved (p <0.03) but post-void residual urine remained elevated. Vesicoureteral reflux resolved in 9 cases after biofeedback training. This approach was equally successful in children in all age groups. Those with more than a 2-year history of symptoms, poor bladder emptying and severe constipation had only moderate improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The modified biofeedback program including appropriate explanations and psychological approaches appeared effective for treating 92% of children with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. It is less invasive and requires less time than traditional methods, and patients are more compliant with treatment.     

Pressor response during cystomanometry in spinal injury patients complicated with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.

Herein attention is focused on the documentation of high blood pressure response with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal cord injury patients and with its amelioration after extended sphincterotomy. During cystomanometric evaluation of the bladder the monitored blood pressure response in 53 spinal injury patients, 27 non-dyssynergic spinal injury patients and 18 non-spinal injury patients was compared. A high correlation was observed among the magnitudes of blood pressure increase, level of injury and the severity of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal injury patients. During cystomanometry blood pressure increases of greater than 20 mm. Hg systolic and 10 mm. Hg diastolic in normotensive paraplegics (below T5) and also in non-spinal injury patients were significant to suspect detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. In normotensive tetraplegic patients blood pressure increases of greater than 40 mm. Hg systolic and 20 mm. Hg diastolic were significant to suspect detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. The mechanism of blood pressure increase is elucidated. The management of this high blood pressure response in patients with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia by drug therapy and extended sphincterotomy is discussed. Based on our experience the use of carbon dioxide for cystomanometry seems preferable in patients with spinal lesions above T5 since expedient deflation of the bladder can prevent an inordinate blood pressure increase.     

Suppression of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia by immunoneutralization of nerve growth factor in lumbosacral spinal cord in spinal cord injured rats

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of intrathecal application of nerve growth factor (NGF) antibodies (NGF-Abs) and desensitization of C-fiber afferent pathways by capsaicin treatment on detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) after spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In adult female rats SCI was induced by complete transection of the spinal cord at Th8 to 9. Ten days after spinalization vehicle or NGF-Ab (10 microg daily) was continuously administered at the level of the L6-S1 spinal cord through an implanted intrathecal catheter connected to an osmotic pump for 2 weeks. Another group of spinalized rats was treated with capsaicin (125 mg/kg subcutaneously) 3 weeks after spinalization and 5 days before experiments. Simultaneous recordings of intravesical pressure and urethral perfusion pressure were then performed. NGF levels in the L6 spinal cord were measured in vehicle or NGF-Ab treated spinalized rats using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: DSD was observed in all vehicle treated spinalized rats. The average urethral pressure increase at the peak bladder contraction was significantly lower by 84% and 78% in NGF-Ab and capsaicin treated spinalized rats, respectively, than in vehicle treated rats. After NGF-Ab treatment NGF levels were significantly decreased by 38% in the L6 spinal cord compared with vehicle treated spinalized rats, in which NGF levels in the L6 spinal cord were 7 times higher than in spinal intact rats. CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of NGF in the spinal cord could contribute to the emergence of DSD that is at least in part mediated by C-fiber bladder afferents after SCI. Thus suppression of NGF levels in afferent pathways could be useful for treating DSD following SCI.     

Removal of UroLume endoprosthesis: experience of the North American Study Group for detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia application

PURPOSE: We present the experience of the North American UroLume Multicenter Study Group with removal of the UroLume endoprosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 neurologically impaired patients were enrolled in the North American UroLume Multicenter Study Group for detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia application. Analysis was performed in 2 groups of patients in which the device was removed during insertion and after implantation, respectively. RESULTS: Device retrieval was required during insertion in 21 patients (13%) mainly due to misplacement or migration in 17. Extraction was done with minimal complications and in all but 2 cases subsequent UroLume implantation was successful. Of 158 men with the device in place 31 (19.6%) required removal. In 34 procedures 44 devices were removed, mainly due to migration. Time from implantation to removal ranged from 4 days to 66 months (mean 22 months). The UroLume was removed en bloc in 20 cases and in parts or wire by wire in 19. The majority of patients had no or minimal complications after extraction. Only 2 patients had serious temporary complications, including bleeding and urethral injury, with no lasting consequences. No malignancy developed as a result of UroLume insertion. CONCLUSIONS: While there is a potential for urethral injury and bleeding, UroLume endoprosthesis removal is largely a simple procedure with minimal complications and consequences.     

尿道括约肌内注射A型肉毒毒素治疗脊髓损伤患者逼尿肌-括约肌协同失调的临床观察

目的:观察尿道括约肌内注射A型肉毒毒素(BTX-A)治疗脊髓损伤(SCI)患者逼尿肌-括约肌协同失调(DSD)的临床效果。方法:19例合并肾积水男性SCI患者,年龄26￣45岁,治疗前1个月用B超及影像尿动力学检查测量患者肾盂分离宽度、残余尿量(PRV)、输尿管返流压(Pdet.reflux)、逼尿肌漏尿点压(DLPP)、最大尿道压力(Pura.max)等指标。对逼尿肌-外括约肌协同失调(DESD)的13例患者,将200IUBTX-A溶解于8ml生理盐水,在膀胱尿道镜下分点注射于外括约肌内;对DESD合并逼尿肌-膀胱颈协同失调的6例患者,将200IUBTX-A溶解于12ml生理盐水,分点注射于膀胱颈及外括约肌内。1个月后复查上述检查指标。结果:1例治疗无效,其余患者治疗起效的平均时间为9.5d,治疗1个月后,患者的双肾最大肾盂分离宽度由3.9±1.2cm降至1.1±0.8cm,PRV由187±58ml降至54±18ml,DLPP由77.6±7.2cmH2O降至21.6±4.1cmH2O,Puram.ax由88.3±10.5cmH2O降至57.4±3.6cmH2O(P<0.01)。疗效持续时间平均3.8个月,治疗后1、3个月时的总有效率分别为94.7%和68.7%。3例患者接受第2次注射。随访期间未观察到任何毒副作用。结论:尿道括约肌内注射BTX-A可有效减少SCI后DSD患者残余尿量、降低DLPP及尿道压力,是治疗DSD有效、微创、安全、可逆、可重复的方法。     

Outcome after endovascular stent graft treatment for mycotic aortic aneurysm: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for mycotic aortic aneurysms is not optimal. Even with a large excision, extensive debridement, in situ or extra-anatomical reconstruction, and with or without lifelong antibiotic treatment, mycotic aneurysms still carry very high mortality and morbidity. The use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for mycotic aortic aneurysms simplifies the procedure and provides a good alternative for this critical condition. However, the question remains: if EVAR is placed in an infected bed, what is the outcome of the infection? Does it heal, become aggravated, or even cause a disastrous aortic rupture? In this study, we tried to clarify the risk factors for such an adverse response. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken by using MEDLINE. All relevant reports on endoluminal management of mycotic aortic aneurysms were included. Logistic regressions were applied to identify predictors of persistent infection. RESULTS: A total of 48 cases from 22 reports were included. The life-table analysis showed that the 30-day survival rate was 89.6% +/- 4.4%, and the 2-year survival rate was 82.2% +/- 5.8%. By univariate analysis, age 65 years or older, rupture of the aneurysm (including those with aortoenteric fistula and aortobronchial fistula), and fever at the time of operation were identified as significant predictors of persistent infection, and preoperative use of antibiotics for longer than 1 week and an adjunct procedure combined with EVAR were identified as significant protective factors for persistent infection. However, by multivariate logistic regression analysis, the only significant independent predictors identified were rupture of aneurysm and fever. CONCLUSIONS: EVAR seems a possible alternative method for treating mycotic aortic aneurysms. Identification of the risk factors for persistent infection may help to decrease surgical morbidity and mortality. EVAR could be used as a temporary measure; however, a definite surgical treatment should be considered for patients present with aneurysm rupture or fever.     

Intraurethral stent prosthesis in spinal cord injured patients with sphincter dyssynergia

This study is an analysis of the Memotherm prosthesis in spinal cord injured patients with Detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD). Twenty-four patients were evaluated urodynamically before and after placement of the intraurethral stent prosthesis. All the patients had been chronically managed with an indwelling urinary catheter, intermittent catheterization or condom catheters. Sixty-six per cent had history of recurrent urinary tract infection, 37% had symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. Nine patients had previous external sphincterotomy. Follow-up ranged from 3 39 months (mean 15.4 months). After stent insertion all patients were able to achieve spontaneous reflex voiding with the use of condom catheter. Postoperative urodynamics parameters bladder leak point pressure and residual urine volume decreased significantly after stent insertion. Stent insertion was accomplished without any operative complications. In four patients stent migration (16%) required telescoping a new system over the migrated stent. In two patients the stent was removed because of problems of infection and calculus formation. In conclusion, this system (Memotherm) is an attractive, and potentially reversible treatment for DESD in SCI patients.