Pressure-flow Urodynamic Studies Research Articles

Early bladder dysfunction after vesicovaginal fistula repair: A prospective comparative analysis of transvaginal, open, and laparoscopic abdominal approaches.

We aim to compare the clinical and urodynamic profile oflower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic, open transabdominal, and laparoscopic transabdominal vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) repair at 3 months of repair, that is, in early postoperative period. Fifty-one consecutive patients with endoscopically confirmed VVF were enrolled in our study over 2 years. Malignant fistulae, radiation-induced, and complex fistulae were excluded after cross-sectional imaging. All patients underwent a postoperative assessment for the success of the repair. Then at 3 months, they completed theAmerican Urological Association Symptom Score questionnaire and underwent a dual channel pressure-flow urodynamic study. The results of transvaginal, laparoscopic, and open transabdominal repairs were compared. All patients belonged to the Indian Caucasian race. The mean age was 35.43 ± 6.63 years. Thirty-two patients had supratrigonal and 19 had trigonal fistulae. Laparoscopic transabdominal repair was done in 15 patients, open transabdominal repair in 22 patients, and transvaginal repair in 14 patients. Forty-six patients reported some LUTS at a median follow-up of 5.83 ± 2.37 months postoperatively. Only 18 (35.2%) of these patients had moderate to severe symptoms The postoperative bladder dysfunction rates in open transabdominal, transvaginal and laparoscopic transabdominal groups were 36.4%, 28.6%, and 20%, respectively. Twenty-seven patients (52.9%) had some urodynamic abnormality, that is, small capacity (5), high voiding pressures (14), genuine stress incontinence (3), and poor compliance (3). Bladder capacity was a significant predictor of bladder dysfunction in our patients. In our study, all three surgical approaches were associated with bladder dysfunction, however, it was the least in the laparoscopic transabdominal approach. Postoperative bladder capacity is a significant predictor of bladder dysfunction.

Constrictive versus compressive bladder outflow obstruction in men: Does it matter?

Bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) is a urethral resistance (UR) at a level above a clinically relevant threshold. UR is currently graded in terms of the existence and severity of the BOO based on maximum flowrate and associated detrusor pressure only. However, the pressure-flow relation throughout the course of voiding includes additional information that may be relevant to identify the type of BOO. This study introduces a new method for the distinction between the provisionally called compressive and constrictive types of BOO and relates this classification to underlying patient and urodynamic differences between those BOO types. In total, 593 high-quality urodynamic pressure-flow studies in men were included in this study. Constrictive BOO was identified if the difference Δp between the actual minimal urethral opening pressure (pmuo) and the expected pmuo according to the linearized passive urethral resistance relation (linPURR) nomogram was >25 cmH2O. Compressive BOO is identified in the complementary case where the pressure difference Δp ≤ 25 cmH2O. Differences in urodynamic parameters, patient age, and prostate size were explored. In 81 (13.7%) of the cases, constrictive BOO was found. In these patients, the prostate size was significantly smaller when compared to patients diagnosed with compressive BOO, while displaying a significantly lower maximum flowrate, higher detrusor pressure at maximal flowrate and more postvoid residual (PVR). This study is an initial step in the validation of additional subtyping of BOO. We found significant differences in prostate size, severity of BOO, and PVR, between patients with compressive and constrictive BOO. Subtyping of voiding-outflow dynamics may lead to more individualized management in patients with BOO.

Initial observation of the urodynamic pressure flow study — characteristics of bladder-neck or prostate median lobe dynamics during micturition

Purpose:We present our observations of a urodynamic pressure flow study graph pattern that may be associated with bladder neck hypertrophy or prostate median lobe enlargement. Materials and Methods:We report 23 male patients with signs and symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction who underwent urodynamic testing with pressure flow study analysis. We recognized an unusual pressure flow plot curve and found that these patients had cystoscopic evidence for bladder neck hypertrophy or cystoscopic or ultrasound evidence for prostate median lobe enlargement. Results:The patients here demonstrated showed a pattern of increasing detrusor pressure on the pressure flow study — graph phase after maximum of flowrate, where a decreasing pressure pattern is expected. We contemplated that his pattern may show how bladder outflow dynamics is affected by the anatomical features of these patients and how patients may have symptoms of LUT dysfunction or significant residual urine despite a relatively good maximum flow rate. Conclusion:We present a not previously described variation of the pressure flow study graph pattern common in men with prostatic hyperplasia, in a series of patients with median lobe prostatic hyperplasia and or hypertrophy of the bladder neck.

Correlation between bladder wall thickness and uroflowmetry in West African patients with benign prostatic enlargement.

Pressure flow urodynamic study remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction; however, their use is limited by their relative unavailability in our environment, cost, and invasiveness. Measurement of bladder wall thickness (BWT) by transabdominal ultrasonography is a promising tool that can be used to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction in our environment where pressure-flow urodynamic study is not readily available. The study aimed to correlate BWT with uroflowmetry and to establish a BWT cut-off in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement. This was a prospective one-year study of patients with LUTS due to benign prostatic enlargement. The patients were divided into obstructed and non-obstructed groups with Q- max of 10 ml/s serving as the cut-off value. Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the performance of BWT in diagnosing BOO. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The mean BWT and Q-max were 4.53 ± 2.70 mm and 15.06 ± 9.43 ml/s. There was a negative correlation between BWT and Q-max (r = -0.452, P = 0.000), Q-average (r = -0.336, P = 0.000), and voided volume (r = -0.228, P = 0.046). A BWT cut-off of 5.85 mm was found to be the best threshold to differentiate obstructed from non-obstructed patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 70 and 88.2 percent respectively. Bladder wall thickness showed an inverse relationship with maximum flow rate with high sensitivity and specificity. This non-invasive test can be used as a screening tool for BOO in our setting, where the pressure flow urodynamic study is not readily available.

Statička i dinamska komponenta opstrukcije kod benigne hiperplazije prostate

Introduction / Goal: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign neoplasm that occures in male population with an incidence of 45 to 90% between 50 and 80 years of age. BPH can cause an increase in output resistance, or an increase in resistance to urine flow, with its static and dynamic components. In clinical practice, the most common pharmacological treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with BPH is based on monotherapy with alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or combination therapy. The aim of this review is to determine the main therapeutic and side effects of the most common pharmacological therapy and the recommended approaches of the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the American Urological Association (AUA) in the diagnosis of benign prostate obstruction (BPO). Method: Selective literature search with additional examination of EAU and AUA guidelines and meta-analysis. Results: The treatment of patients with BPH is complex. The factors on the basis of which treatment decisions are made are based on the patient's subjective perception of symptoms and quality of life due to LUTS and in relation to the presence of subvesical obstruction. Urodynamic pressureflow studies are the basis for the definition of BPO due to BPH or other etiology. Non-invasive uroflowmetry, determination of residual urine after urination (PVR) and non-invasive ultrasound tests are of great use in the diagnosis of BPO. Treatment with alpha1 receptor inhibitors (alpha-blockers), or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may be considered in patients with predominantly urinary dysfunction. Conclusion: Standard pharmacological medical treatment for BPH / LUTS is still based on alphablockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or a combination thereof. In the future, BPH / LUTS treatment is expected to become individualized, according to the type of symptoms, the presence of sexual dysfunction and the risk of BPH progression.

Evaluation of boys with daytime incontinence by combined cystourethroscopy, voiding cystourethrography and urodynamics

Objects: Approximately, 1% of school children have daytime urinary incontinence. The symptoms may be caused by an overactive bladder (OAB). In the evaluation of boys with OAB complaints, one should consider a possible urethral cause. The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of a diagnostic regime with cystourethroscopy, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and urodynamic pressure-flow studies in boys with OAB complaints after unsuccessful urotherapy and pharmacological therapy. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five boys (5–14 years old) were investigated with cystourethroscopy and within 24 h thereafter VCUG followed by urodynamic combined cystometry and pressure-flow study. All boys had daytime incontinence and urgency. Results: Sixty-one boys had no suspected urethral valves at cystoscopy or VCUG, and urodynamics showed no obstructed Pdet-Qmax. All 61 boys had detrusor overactivity. Two boys had late diagnosed urethral valves. In four boys, the initial cystourethroscopy was described as normal. The VCUG indicated presence of posterior urethral valves, but urodynamics showed no obstructed Pdet-Qmax. In eight boys, the initial cystourethroscopy was described as normal whereas urodynamics showed obstructed Pdet-Qmax. In four of these boys, VCUG showed abnormalities in the sphincter area but they were not described as suspected urethral valves. At repeat cystourethroscopy, urethral valves could still not be identified. Patient follow-up regarding achievement of continence after investigation guided treatment was in accordance with the literature. Conclusions: Boys can be safely evaluated by cystourethroscopy followed by urodynamics in search for a possible urethral problem. It is our suggestion, that VCUG can be restricted to those boys where urodynamics indicates obstruction or the findings by cystourethroscopy are uncertain.

Does detrusor underactivity affect the results of transurethral resection of prostate?

We aimed to evaluate the outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and diagnosed to have weak detrusor contractility by urodynamic study. A prospective study of 32 male patients had BPH candidate for TURP diagnosed to have impaired detrusor contractility by preoperative urodynamic study. We studied the postoperative outcome after TURP regarding international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-voiding residual urine (PVR), the patients need for catheter, and urodynamic pressure flow study (PFS) parameters (maximum detrusor contractility, bladder contractility index (BCI), maximum bladder capacity and compliance) after 6month follow-up. Twenty-one cases presented with urethral catheter because of chronic or refractory retention. Twenty patients voided preoperatively during PFS with mean detrusor pressure (Pdet) at Qmax 23.97 ± 25.54 cmH2O and the mean BCI was 51.04 ± 23.86, while twelve patients did not void with mean maximum Pdet 21.75 ± 7.34. After 6month follow-up, there was significant improvement in IPSS, Qmax, and detrusor contractility (Pdet at Qmax and BCI) postoperatively in all patients, and there was no significant postoperative improvement of post-voiding residual urine (p value 0.92). Finally, 11 patients voided normally without RU, 7 patients needed timed triple voiding with crede maneuver and small RU, and 14 patients needed CIC. There were significant improvements in IPSS, detrusor contractility, and urine flow after TURP in patients with BPH and weak bladder contractility, although the risk of postoperative urine retention in approximately 43% of cases and needed CIC.

Urodynamic Pressure-Flow Study (Pfs) for the Prediction of Surgical Outcome in Bph With Urinary Retention

Introduction: Urinary retention can be either chronic or acute in onset. Urinary retention can result from impaired detrusor contractility or obstruction of bladder outlet. Twenty five to 30% of men with decreased flow are not obstructed 1. Either uroflowmetry or post-void residue (PVR) can not differentiate obstruction from impaired detrusor contractility. In this study, an effort has been paid to know the usefulness of pressure-flow study in urinary retention due to suspected benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) cases for predicting the outcome of surgery. Methods: This is a before after clinical study, conducted in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Total 32 patients were selected for the study. Patients age ranges from 49-78 years.Patients with chronic and refractory urinary retention due to BPH were enrolled for the study. They were divided into group A (pre-operative) and group B (Post-operative). TURP was done in all 32 patients by single surgeon. Study variables were detrusor pressure at maximum flow (Pdet@Qmax), bladder outlet obstruction index(BOOI), bladder contractility index( BCI) and post void residue (PVR). Result: Total number of patients was 32. Age ranges from 49-78 years. Twenty one (65.6%) had BPH with chronic retention and 11 (34.4%) had BPH with refractory retention.Pdet@Qmax between Group A and Group B was highly significant (p=0.001). But difference is not significant in Pdet@Qmax d” 40 subgroup of patients (p=0.673). Bladder outlet obstruction index between Group A and Group B is highly significantly (p=0.001), but, that does not observed in BOOI &lt;20 subgroup(p=0.600). Bladder contractility index in both Normal (BCI 100-150) and strong ( BCI &gt;150 ) subgroups are significant ( p=0.001 and 0.001 respectively ). But it is not significant in BCI&lt;100 sub group (p=0.021). Post void residue between Group A and Group B is highly significant (p=0.001). But in PVR &gt;300m subgroup, difference is insignificant (p=0.120). Conclusion: In this study, overall favorable outcome observed in all patients after TURP but Pdet@Qmax &lt;40 cm of water, BOOI &lt;20, BCI &lt;100 and PVR &gt;300 ml groups of patients are at high risk of unfavorable clinical outcome after TURP. With the help of presence flow study (PFS) prior knowledge of these factors, it is possible to predict postoperative outcome. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 19, No. 2, July 2016 p.74-77

Evaluation of the effect of abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) on urethral anatomy and continence mechanism using dynamic MRI.

Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a surgical challenge. Surgeons may perform combined prolapse and incontinence surgery or may correct prolapse first and evaluate incontinence afterwards. We present a prospective study to evaluate the effect of abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) on urethral anatomy and continence using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty females with concomitant apical prolapse and SUI due to urethral hypermobility were included. Patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) were excluded. All patients underwent ASC operation as a sole treatment without anti-incontinence procedure. Patients were informed they may need anti-incontinence procedure afterwards. Symptom-specific questionnaires assessing prolapse, incontinence, sexual function and quality of life (QoL), dynamic MRI and pressure flow urodynamic study were administered before and after surgery. Mean age was 53years. All patients had apical prolapse; four with cystocele, and five with rectocele. Urethral hypermobility was positive in all patients. After performing ASC, all patients reported significant improvement of all prolapse and incontinence questionnaires as well as QoL and sexual function. Significant improvement of incontinence parameters on dynamic MRI (bladder neck descent, posterior urethrovesical angle and urethral inclination angle) was observed after ASC. Similarly, significant change in the position of the leading edge of prolapse and anorectal junction was observed. In patients with prolapse and urethral hypermobility, ASC may return bladder neck and urethral anatomy towards normal as proved by dynamic MRI. However, further studies on larger number of patients with longer follow-up period are required.

Non-invasive evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a clinical correlation study

ABSTRACTObjectives: To determine the utility of ultrasonography (US)-derived parameters (e.g. prostate volume [PV], bladder wall thickness [BWT], post-void residual urine volume [PVR], and intravesical prostatic protrusion [IPP]) and uroflowmetry for identifying bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) by correlating them with the results of pressure–flow urodynamic studies (UDS).Patients and methods: In all, 164 patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), from May 2016 to December 2018, were included in this study. All had International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), Quality-of-Life (QOL) index, uroflowmetry (including maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax]) and PVR measured by transabdominal US. Pressure–flow UDS were performed on all men and BOO was defined by a BOO Index (BOOI) >40. Men with a Qmax of ≥12.0 mL/s were considered to have ‘good’ flow.Results: Amongst the 164 men, the mean (SD) age, PV, BWT and Qmax were 66.72 (9.88) years, 51.91 (13.24) mm, 5.07 (0.91) mm, and 8.46 (3.59) mL/s, respectively. In all, 91 (55.49%) patients had BOO with a BOOI >40 and nine (5.49%) had equivocal BOO with a BOOI of 20–40. The IPP was a statistically significant predictor (P < 0.001) of BOO compared with other variables in the initial evaluation. In patients with BOO confirmed by the pressure–flow UDS, IPP Grade III was associated with a higher BOOI than was Grade I and II (P < 0.001).Conclusion: BWT, PV and PVR in conjunction with IPP are good predictors of clinically significant BOO due to BPH.Abbreviations: AUC: area under the curve; BOOI: BOO Index; BPO, benign prostatic obstruction; BWT, bladder wall thickness; IPP: intravesical prostatic protrusion; Pdet: detrusor pressure; PV: prostate volume; PVR: post-void residual urine volume; Qmax: maximum urinary flow rate; QOL: quality of life; ROC: receiver operating characteristic; (TA)US: (transabdominal) ultrasonography; UDS: urodynamic studies

The Importance of Verbal and Written Instructions for Patients Undergoing Pressure-Flow Urodynamic Studies

The Importance of Verbal and Written Instructions for Patients Undergoing Pressure-Flow Urodynamic Studies

The role of urodynamics in the surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction

Benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in elderly men. However, such symptoms are often caused by primary detrusor overactivity or underactivity. Surgical management where BPO is absent or merely incidental has a lower chance of success, and exposes the patient to the potential complications of surgery. This review discusses the diagnostic challenges facing this common presentation. Most evidence comes from small, historical prospective cohort studies. A Cochrane review found only two studies that met the prespecified inclusion criteria. It concluded that urodynamics changed decision-making regarding surgery for LUTS but it was not possible to determine whether this impacted upon outcome. A systematic review of several noninvasive alternatives to urodynamics could not recommend any of them over urodynamic pressure-flow study assessment. Further research is currently in progress, the 'UPSTREAM' study, which is a randomized, multicentre trial. Men are randomized to undergo investigation with clinical evaluation and uroflowmetry, or to additionally receive urodynamics. The primary aim is to determine the impact of urodynamics on the assessment pathway. Assessment of BPO involves determining whether it has a contributory role in individual patients. This is a crucial factor in outcome, as surgery can give poor results if the symptoms are principally caused by detrusor dysfunction (overactivity or underactivity). Urodynamics can help determine this if undertaken to a suitable standard. Further research will identify the precise role of this test modality.

Urodynamic characteristics might be variable in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients with different non-bladder co-morbid conditions

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to identify the impact of non-bladder co-morbid conditions on the urodynamic characteristics of patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. MethodsPatients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis completed the screening questionnaires for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, temporo-mandibular disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, tension/migraine headache, and localized myofascial pain disorder. They underwent either conventional pressure-flow urodynamic studies or video-urodynamic studies. Urodynamic variables were compared between patients with and those without co-morbid conditions. ResultsOf 111 patients (16 males and 95 females) with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, 87 (78.4%) had at least one co-morbid condition (62% males vs 82% females, p = 0.005). Those with concomitant irritable bowel syndrome were younger and had urodynamic characteristics of smaller catheter-free voided volume, lower catheter-free average flow rate, smaller bladder volume on the first desire to void, and more prevalent dysfunctional voiding than those without irritable bowel syndrome. Patients with concomitant localized myofascial pain disorder also had larger bladder volume at the first desire to void and lower pressure at maximum flow than those without co-morbid myofascial pain disorder. There were no significant differences in urodynamic parameters between bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients with and those without other co-morbidities. ConclusionBladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients, especially females, are more likely to have non-bladder co-morbidities, especially tension/migraine headache and localized myofascial pain. Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis Patients with co-morbid irritable bowel syndrome are younger and more likely to have abnormal urodynamic findings.

The Use of Urodynamics Assessment Before the Surgical Treatment of BPH.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common problem in men especially with aging. The International Continence Society (ICS) revealed an overall prevalence of LUTS of about two-thirds of men age 40years and above. The treatment approach depends on accurate determination of the underlying etiology. LUTS is not unique to benign prostate enlargement (BPE) and can be secondary to other causes. In the era where quality of care is important, accurate diagnosis and counseling to meet patients' expectations is of extreme paramount. Thus, proper assessment of patients who present with BPE and LUTS should be an important part of the work up process. Accurate diagnosis and identification of the cause will help to improve quality of treatment, optimize counseling, and improve treatment outcomes. Pressure flow urodynamic studies (PFUDs) are not only important tools that help to identify the underlying causes of LUTS; it is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with enlarged prostate [1, 2]. However, there is a continuous debate on the value of using PFUDs and its association with improved outcomes.

MP74-14 INTERNATIONAL CONTINENCE SOCIETY DEFINITION OF DETRUSOR UNDERACTIVITY; ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL PARAMETERS AND COMPARISON WITH CONTRACTILITY GRADING METHODS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) experienced by elderly men may be due to bladder outlet obstruction, detrusor underactivity (DU) or a combination of both. The International Continence Society (ICS) defines DU as ‘a contraction of reduced strength and/or duration, resulting in prolonged bladder emptying and/or a failure to achieve complete bladder emptying within a normal time span’. This definition is quantifiable by the following non-invasive urodynamic parameters: voiding time (VT), post void residual (PVR) and voiding efficiency (void%). The best method to determine DU is by pressure flow study. Three parameters to grade detrusor voiding contraction are Schafer pressure/flow nomogram (LinPURR), bladder contractility index (BCI) and maximum Watt Factor (Wmax). The goal of this study was to compare three methods of grading detrusor contraction and to correlate results with noninvasive measurements of DU VT, PVR and void%. METHODS: We evaluated 1420 urodynamic pressure flow studies of men > 50 years of age with LUTS. Patients with abnormal urinalysis, neurological disorders, pelvic or urological surgery, or with evidence of urethral stricture were excluded. We determined VT, PVR and void% of all measurements and graded contractility with LinPURR, BCI and Wmax. Correlation of different grading methods regarding contractility groups was done using either Spearman or Pearson correlation test. A threshold of 80% for void% was chosen as a normal limit. We tested diagnostic values of VT, PVR and void% and combinations of this parameters related to contractility groups by calculating specificity and sensitivity. RESULTS: LinPURR and BCI as well as LinPURR and Wmax contractility groups showed a highly significant correlation (0.975, p<0.000), (0.620, p<0.001) respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of VT, PVR and void% have been calculated for LinPURR contractility. Combining VT and void% showed a sensitivity of 71.0% and a specificity of 62.5%. Combining VT and PVR showed a sensitivity of 38.9% and a specificity of 38.2%. Combining VT and void% diagnosed 35.7% and combining VT and PVR diagnosed 42.8% of the DU as normal contractility in LinPURR contractility grading. CONCLUSIONS: Results of LinPURR, BCI and Wmax contractility grading were highly correlated. Therefore, because of simplicity, we suggest to use LinPURR classification in daily practice. The combination of void% and VT nor PVR and VT is specific in predicting detrusor underactivity.

Can intravesical prostatic protrusion predict bladder outlet obstruction even in men with good flow?

ObjectiveMen with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with good urinary flow may still have bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) has been shown to be able to predict BOO. We aim to investigate the use of IPP to predict BOO in men with good urinary flow. MethodsOne hundred and fourteen consecutive men (>50 years old) presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of BPH were recruited in 2001 and 2002. They were evaluated with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetry and transabdominal ultrasound measurement of IPP and prostate volume (PV). Pressure-flow urodynamic studies were performed on all men and BOO was defined by BOO index > 40. Men with Qmax ≥ 12.0 mL/s were considered to have good flow. ResultsAmong the 114 men, 61 patients had good urinary flow. Their median age, PV and Qmax were 66 years, 32.9 mm3 and 14.5 mL/s respectively. 14/61 (23.0%) patients had BOO and their distribution of IPP were as follows: Grade 1 – 0/20 (0%) obstructed, Grade 2 – 6/22 (27.3%) and Grade 3 – 8/19 (42.1%). Sensitivity of Grade 2/3 IPP for BOO was 100% while specificity of Grade 3 IPP was 76.6%. The area-under-curve (AUC) for IPP was greater than that for PV (0.757 vs. 0.696). ConclusionEven in men with good flow, high grades of IPP were more likely to have BOO and hence, may be a useful adjunct to predict BOO.

Neurogenic Causes of Detrusor Underactivity.

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a poorly understood dysfunction of the lower urinary tract which arises from multiple etiologies. Symptoms of DU are non-specific, and a pressure-flow urodynamic study is necessary to differentiate DU from other conditions such as overactive bladder (OAB) or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The prevalence of DU ranges from 10-48%, and DU is most prevalent in elderly males. The pathophysiology underlying DU can be from both neurogenic and non-neurogenic causes. In this article, we review the neurogenic causes of detrusor underactivity, including diabetic bladder dysfunction, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular accident, traumatic brain injury, and Fowler's syndrome. As knowledge about the underlying causes of DU advances, there have been several potential therapeutic approaches proposed to help those who suffer from this condition.

Intravesical prostatic protrusion correlates well with storage symptoms in elderly male patients with non-neurogenic overactive bladder

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the subjective symptoms and parameters of urodynamic and imaging studies in male patients with non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). Materials and methodsWe prospectively recruited male patients with OAB between January 2008 and June 2012. Patients with neurological comorbidities were excluded. We used the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) to evaluate subjective symptoms. All patients underwent pressure-flow urodynamic studies. All patients received transabdominal ultrasound, which provided the information about intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostate volume, and detrusor wall thickness (DWT). ResultsA total of 122 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 72 ± 13 years. The mean total score, voiding subscore, and storage subscore of IPSS, and OABSS were 16.8 ± 7.3, 7.2 ± 4.8, 9.7 ± 3.4, and 9.8 ± 3.1, respectively. Total score, voiding subscore, and storage subscore of IPSS were all negatively correlated with catheter-free maximum and average flow rate. Furthermore, storage subscore of IPSS was negatively correlated with cystometric capacity, and positively correlated with postvoid residual urine. OABSS was negatively correlated with cystometric capacity and catheter-free maximum flow rate. In bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) patients, total score and storage subscore of IPSS and OABSS were positively correlated with IPP. There was no correlation between symptom scores and other urodynamic parameters, prostate volume, and DWT. ConclusionIn elderly male patients with non-neurogenic OAB, more severe storage symptoms are associated with a lower maximum flow rate and a more prominent IPP, indicating that a significant cause of male non-neurogenic OAB is prostate associated.

Underactive and overactive bladders are related to motor function and quality of life in Parkinson's disease.

Overactive bladder occurs in up to 70% and underactive bladder in up to 50% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), which is thought to reflect an altered frontal-basal ganglia circuit. However, it is not clear how bladder disorder is related to motor function and to quality of life (QOL) in PD. We studied these relationships by conducting multiple regression (MR) and bivariate correlation (BV) statistical analyses. We recruited 58 PD patients, irrespective of the presence of bladder disorder: 35 men and 23 women of mean age 66.8 years, mean duration of the disease 5.4 years, and median score of Hoehn-Yahr stage 3. We administered a bladder questionnaire including two major types of lower urinary tract symptoms, 'overactive bladder (OAB)' and 'voiding difficulty,' in addition to a QOL index and a pressure-flow urodynamic study to detect detrusor overactivity (DO) during filling; and detrusor weakness, outlet obstruction, and post-void residuals (PVR) during voiding. We analyzed the results using the MR and BV methods. (1) Motor impairment (by HY grades) was significantly related to detrusor weakness (P < 0.05 MR); voiding difficulty, OAB (P < 0.05 BV) (by de novo, levodopa honeymoon, and wearing-off); and voiding difficulty (P < 0.05 MR). (2) Bladder QOL was significantly related to OAB, increased bladder sensation (P < 0.05 MR) and voiding difficulty (P < 0.05 BV). (3) Male gender was significantly related to outlet obstruction, DO (P < 0.05 MR). (4) Age was significantly related to DO and PVR (P < 0.05 MR). Disease duration was significantly related to OAB (P < 0.05 MR). From these results, detrusor weakness (relevant to motor impairment) and OAB (relevant to bladder QOL) are thought to be fundamental in PD. In contrast to the mechanism of OAB, the mechanism of detrusor weakness in PD remains unclear and warrants further exploration.

Medication effects on periurethral sensation and urethral sphincter activity.

The aim of this study was to characterize urethral neuromuscular function before and 2 weeks after medication therapy. Premenopausal women without lower urinary tract symptoms were randomly allocated to 1 of the 6 medications for 2 weeks (pseudoephedrine ER of 120 mg, imipramine of 25 mg, cyclobenzaprine of 10 mg, tamsulosin of 0.4 mg, solifenacin of 5 mg, or placebo). At baseline and after medication, participants underwent testing: quantitative concentric needle electromyography (CNE) of the urethral sphincter using automated multimotor unit action potential software, current perception threshold (CPT) testing to measure periurethral sensation, and standard urodynamic pressure flow studies (PFS). Nonparametric tests were used to compare pre-post differences. Fifty-six women had baseline testing, 48 (85.7%) completed follow-up CNE, and 49 (87.5%) completed follow-up CPT and PFS testing. Demographics showed no significant differences among medication groups with respect to age (mean, 34.3; SD, 10.1), body mass index (mean, 31.8; SD, 7.5), parity (median, 1; range, 0-7), or race (14% Caucasian, 80% African American). The PFS parameters were not significantly different within medication groups. No significant pre-post changes in CNE values were noted; however, trends in amplitudes were in a direction consistent with the expected physiologic effect of the medications. With CPT testing, a trend toward increased urethral sensation at the 5-Hz stimulation level was observed after treatment with pseudoephedrine (0.15-0.09 mA at 5 Hz, P = 0.03). In women without lower urinary tract symptoms, pseudoephedrine improved urethral sensation but not urethral neuromuscular function on CNE or PFS. Imipramine, cyclobenzaprine, tamsulosin, solifenacin, and placebo did not change urethral sensation or neuromuscular function.