Alteration of collagen three-dimensional architecture in noncompliant human urinary bladder.

Abstract

Urinary bladder compliance refers to the change in bladder pressure in response to variations in bladder volume. The normal bladder is able to accommodate large volumes of urine with minimal changes in pressure. In the laboratory setting, the normal rise in bladder pressure is less than 6 to 10 cm H2O34. Loss of bladder compliance is reflected by a stiff, inelastic bladder that experiences a rapid rise in pressure during bladder filling. Pressures exceeding 40 cm H2O result in deterioration of the upper urinary tract.23 Loss of compliance is seen with a variety of disease states, both congenital and acquired, which result in a functional or mechanical bladder outlet obstruction (Table 1).