Obstructive Uropathy Induced Bladder Dysfunction can be Reversible: Bladder Compliance Measures Before and After Treatment

Abstract

We demonstrated that abnormal bladder compliance in the setting of obstructive uropathy can be improved by relief of bladder outlet obstruction.A cohort of 9 men with nonneurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms and videourodynamics proven bladder outlet obstruction were identified prospectively from a university urology practice. Study exclusion criteria ensured absence of active urinary infection, hematuria and neurourological pathology. Testing specifically focused on assessment of the bladder compliance curve, and a compliance value was calculated (ml./cm. H2O). Treatment intervention consisted of transurethral incisions or resection of the prostate in 8 cases and transurethral balloon dilation of a urethral stricture in 1. Followup videourodynamics testing was performed 1 month after treatment to confirm relief of outlet obstruction and reassess bladder compliance.Mean patient age was 75.2 +/- 6.16 years. Pretreatment mean bladder compliance +/- SE was 3.06 +/- 0.45 ml./cm. H2O. At 1 month after treatment videourodynamics testing confirmed relief of obstruction in the cohort. Posttreatment mean bladder compliance +/- SE was 13.53 +/- 0.45 ml./cm. H2O. Nonparametric paired t test analysis determined that the difference between pretreatment and posttreatment bladder compliance was statistically significant at p = 0.0117.This pilot study suggests that relief of obstructive uropathy even in elderly patients with long-standing lower urinary tract symptoms, can significantly improve bladder compliance.