| Abstract: | Urodynamic findings associated with permanent retention after radical hysterectomy are presented and discussed in the light of previous observations made in women rendered severely incontinent by the operation. These findings suggest that if the operation ablates the micturition reflex, some reduction in urethral pressure is required to achieve balanced bladder function. They also demonstrate that opposite extremes of proximal urethral pressure can occur after a radical hysterectomy and that they are associated with diametrically opposite types of urinary dysfunction even if detrusor function is identical. It is difficult to reconcile these observations with histochemical data which suggest a purely cholinergic efferent nerve supply to the proximal urethra. |
