Urodynamic Diagnosis Research Articles

Urodynamic Curve Patterns may Predict Female Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Detrusor Underactivity

To search for independent predictors for distinguishing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor underactivity (DU) in female patients with voiding difficulty. A retrospective patient file review was performed of 918 female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. After exclusion criteria, 148 patients with voiding difficulty were eligible for the study. Patients were classified as having BOO and DU based on urodynamic BOO and DU definitions. The symptoms, patient characteristics, the patterns of free urine flow, and detrusor voiding pressure curves were compared between 2 groups. Of 148 patients with a median age of 53 (18-86), 42 (28,4%), 37 (25%), 69 (46,6%) patients had a urodynamic diagnosis of BOO, DU, and unclassified P/F study respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the symptom of weak urine stream [P=.015 OR=7.07 CI(1,47-34,0)], the negative provocative stress test [P=.038 OR=7.32 CI(1,12-47,83)], the continuous detrusor voiding pressure and the prolonged/tailed shaped free urine flow curve patterns [P < .001 OR=2,99 CI(1,66-5,38)] were the independent predictors of BOO. Sensitivity and specifity values for prolonged/tailed to predict BOO were 82.5 and 60% respectively. The continuous detrusor voiding pressure and the prolonged/tailed shaped free urine flow curve patterns were found to be useful independent predictors for distinguishing BOO from DU in female patients with voiding difficulty. In addition, the symptom of weak urine stream, and the negative provocative stress test may be of beneficial use.

Correlation between urinary symptoms and urodynamic findings: Is the bladder an unreliable witness?

ObjectiveThe role of urodynamics as the gold standard to investigate bladder function has recently been questioned. We aimed to evaluate the agreement of lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic diagnosis and to build predictive models. Study designPatients who underwent urodynamics for pelvic floor disorders between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical evaluation investigated the presence of genital prolapse, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), voiding symptoms (VS), and bulging symptoms. The degree of concordance/agreement between symptoms and corresponding urodynamic findings was measured. Multivariate models to predict specific urodynamic findings were built. Results1972 women were analyzed. The best agreement was found for SUI and urodynamic SUI, with a proportion of agreement of 0.68 and a Cohen’s Kappa of 0.37. Very poor agreement was found for OAB/UUI and detrusor overactivity, voiding dysfunction, and positive post-void residuals. Multivariate models resulted in poor accuracy for all urodynamic findings (AUC range 0.64–0.72). ConclusionLower urinary tract symptoms and gynecological examination are poor predictors of urodynamic findings. This confirms the role of urodynamic assessment in defining bladder function and providing precious information to counsel patients and establishing optimal clinical guidance.

Can Women Accurately Predict Their Voided Volumes?

Voiding diaries can be onerous, we sought to investigate if some women can predict their voided volumes. The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of estimated voided volumes and characteristics most predictive of accuracy. We prospectively collected data on 101 women undergoing urodynamics for lower urinary tract symptoms and/or prolapse at a tertiary care facility. Data collection included postvoid residual volume, urodynamic diagnosis, flow time and rate, and a 1-time measurement of voided volume into a blinded uroflow. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine predictors of estimated voided volume (mL). Mean age was 58.2 years (standard deviation, 12.8 years). The median estimated voided volume and actual voided volume were 240 and 215 mL, respectively. The average percent error was 15% (63% of patients being within a 30% margin of error and 32.7% being within a 20% margin of error). On linear regression analysis, smaller voids of 101 to 200 mL were associated with greater accuracy (R2 = 0.37 P = 0.001) and diagnosis of anxiety was associated with a higher voided volume percent error (P = 0.028). Logistic regression analysis revealed that for every 1 year increase in age, there was a 3% decrease in odds of predicting voiding volume within 30% (odds ratios, 0.97; P = 0.041). Nearly two-thirds of women estimated their voided volume within 30% of the actual void and one-third of women could predict within 20%. This should be taken into consideration when obtaining patient history, particularly with age and diagnosis of anxiety, and may substantiate use of voiding diaries for accurate measurement in specific populations.

Can urodynamic diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding/external sphincter nonrelaxation be made on two-channel pressure-flow study without video-urodynamics, electromyography, or urethral pressure profilometry? Plateau detrusor pattern in perspective.

urodynamic diagnosis of dysfunctional voiding/external-sphincter nonrelaxation (DV/EUSD) needs assistance of specialized testing namely urethral pressure profilometry (UPP), electromyography (EMG), and/or videofluoroscopy (VUDS). We aimed to find a predictive model based on standard pressure-flow study without need for specialized testing. In this retrospective study (2017-2021), clinical and urodynamic data of adult men and women presenting with voiding dysfunction was collected. Mandatory inclusion criteria were availability of all-(1) findings of clinical examination and neurological status, (2) a valid filling cystometry and pressure-flow study (with active detrusor contraction), (3) a final clinic-urodynamic diagnosis. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed to confirm the location of obstruction. Data of 218 participants (178♂, 40♀) was eligible. Plateau detrusor contraction pattern was observed in 89.0% of men and 86% of women with DV/EUSD; whereas only 7.5% men and no women with other obstructions demonstrated this pattern. Forward likelihood Logistic regression analysis revealed presence of plateau pattern, lower bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), and smaller difference between Pdetmax and PdetQmax highly predictive of presence of DV/EUSD in men as per the following equation-Y = -9.900 + (0.085 × BOOI) + (0.123 × pdetmax - pdetQmax) + (4.061 × detrusor pattern). A kattan-type nomogram was constructed based on the above equation. In women, presence of plateau pattern alone was highly predictive of DV/EUSD. Diagnosis of DV/EUSD can be accurately predicted using parameters of three-channel urodynamics (plateau pattern, BOOI, Pdetmax-pdetQmax) minimizing need for specialized testing.

The influence of intubation on urinary flow parameters in pressure-flow study and its significance for urodynamic diagnosis.

Transurethral catheterization in pressure-flow study (PFS) may interfere with the function of the lower urinary tract and produce an incorrect urodynamic diagnosis. We aimed to investigate the influence of a 7F catheter on urinary flow parameters in PFS and its significance for urodynamic diagnosis. Our hypothesis was that intubation causes adverse effects on urinary flow rate and further influences the urodynamic diagnosis. We reviewed a urodynamic database of men and women referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms. The urinary flow parameters of PFS and free flow (FF) were compared. The influence of intubation on urodynamic diagnosis was determined by re-evaluating bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor underactivity (DU), with the maximum flow rate of PFS (Qmax.P) being replaced by Qmax of FF (Qmax.F). We initially screened 1,791 patients and included 1,144 for the analysis. Overall, PFS had a lower Qmax (p< 0.001), longer flow time (p < 0.001), and a similar voided volume (p> 0.05). However, Qmax.P displayed inconsistent changing directions: Qmax.P decreased in 72.8% of male patients and 83.5% of female patients but increased in 14.7% of male patients and 9.5% female patients. Qmax.P was unchanged in the remaining patients. The urodynamic diagnosis of BOO and DU changed correspondingly in both the decreased group and the increased group when Qmax.P was replaced by Qmax.F. Compared with Qmax.F, the changing directions and magnitude of Qmax.P varied with each individual, which could have a significant impact on urodynamic diagnosis. Thus, when a similar volume is voided in FF and PFS, and Qmax.P differs obviously from Qmax.F, replacing Qmax.P with Qmax.F for evaluating BOO and DU may be a sensible choice.

MRI and MR voiding cystourethrography in the evaluation of male primary bladder neck obstruction: preliminary experience.

Evaluation of male with primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) using MRI and MR voiding cystourethrography (MR-VCU) to study both anatomical aspects of bladder neck and urethral lumen. In this retrospective study 21 male patients (mean age 33 ± 14) with urodynamic diagnosis of PBNO and 5 healthy volunteers ((mean age 28 ± 2) as control group were enrolled. Both patients and control group underwent 1.5T MRI. Sagittal and oblique coronal Turbo-Spin-Echo T2-weighted scans were performed. Only patients underwent MR voiding cystourethrography (MR-VCU) performed with T1-weighted spoiled 3D gradient-echo sagittal acquisitions. Bladder lumen was filled with contrast-material-enhanced urine. Blinded test by two radiologists was performed to evaluate causes of bladder outlet obstruction evaluating MR-VCU. Anatomical MRI features of both control group and patients were compared in consensus by senior radiologist and urologist using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. MRI allowed evaluation of the bladder neck muscular structures. We found 4 groups of PBNO patients: 52% hypertrophy of posterior lip of bladder sphincter; 20% asymmetry of lateral portion of bladder sphincter; 14% bladder neck cyst; 14% showed normal aspect of bladder neck. Comparison between the control group and first and second PBNO groups was considered statistically significant (p < 0.05) with diagnostic accuracy of 87%. Only 13 patients (61%) were able to perform MR-VCU and radiologists always made the diagnosis of PBNO. MRI together with MR-VCU provides useful anatomical and functional information in the study of bladder neck and urethral lumen. These preliminary results suggest that MRI could substitute for standard cystourethrogram in patients with PBNO.

Ambulatory Urodynamic Findings Change Patient Outcomes

Objectives Whilst ambulatory urodynamics (aUDS) may be used as a second-stage test for patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) having non-diagnostic conventional urodynamics (UDS), the evidence for their use is limited. We have assessed the diagnostic utility and consequent symptomatic outcome of aUDS in patients with refractory LUTS. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively acquired urodynamics database was made of 84 consecutive patients (23 male) with a median age 50.5 years (range 18 to 79) having aUDS following non-diagnostic or contradictory baseline UDS over a 12-month period. Patient demographics and urodynamic and clinical diagnosis before and after aUDS were recorded. Forty-six patients (55%) had formal urinary symptom assessment recorded before and a minimum of 6 months following aUDS-related change in management. Results Eighty-two patients (98%) had a urodynamic diagnosis made following aUDS, 57(68%) of whom had detrusor overactivity (DO); the final 2 patients had no abnormalities detected on aUDS. Change in primary UDS diagnosis occurred in 66 patients (79%). Of these 66 patients, 59 (89%) also had their clinical diagnosis changed, and 55 (83%) had their management pathway changed. There was a significant improvement in urinary symptoms 6 months following aUDS. Conclusion Change in primary diagnosis following aUDS led to a significant change in treatment care pathway and resulted in significant improvement in urinary symptoms.

Correlación del grosor de la pared vesical con síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva y hallazgos urodinámicos

Abstract Objective: To correlate the bladder wall thickness by transabdominal ultrasound in patients with overactive bladder syndrome and urodynamic findings. Materials and methods: A prospective, analytical and descriptive study was done that included 30 patients with overactive bladder syndrome diagnosis, who underwent to urodynamic study and measurement of the bladder wall thickness by transabdominal ultrasound, from the Urogynecological Unit of the Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde from January to December 2018. Descriptive statistics was done. For the quantitative variables, mean comparison tests were performed, using Student's t test. Logistic models were used to predict symptoms and ROC curves with Youden's J to determine a cut-off point for the measurement of bladder thickness in relation to symptoms. As well as correlation of variables using Pearson's test. Results: Thirty patients with overactive bladder syndrome and urodynamic diagnosis of overactive detrusor were obtained. We made two subgroups, classifying according to the presence or absence of urinary incontinence. The mean age was 58.68 ± 13.61. Compliance was found to be higher, although not significantly, in patients without incontinence. There are trends towards a higher residual volume and bladder pressure among patients with incontinence, at the same time that a moderate negative correlation is observed between incontinence and bladder thickness (R2 = -.444, p <0.05). From this, it was determined by means of the coordinates, the Youden J was obtained, which establishes the cut-off point for the increase of presenting incontinence above 2.95 mm (AUROC 0.696, SENS 53.6%, ESP 88.9%) of bladder thickness and When making the comparisons of urodynamic data, it was found that patients with more than 2.96 mm have a lower compliance (AUROC 0.760, SENS 73.3%, ESP 80%). Conclusions: The measurement of the bladder wall thickness by transabdominal ultrasound can be a useful tool for the comprehensive evaluation of patients with overactive bladder syndrome, to predict the probability of the disease as well as the prognosis for response to treatment.

Urodynamic characterization of giggle incontinence in children.

Giggle incontinence is a rare condition resulting in excessive urinary incontinence with laughter, where bladder function is otherwise "normal." Urodynamic descriptions of the condition to date are limited. We believe that giggle incontinence has characteristic urodynamic findings. We tested this hypothesis. We retrospectively reviewed the urodynamic investigations of patients with giggle incontinence managed in a tertiary regional bladder unit between February 2014 and November 2019. We identified the studies of seven patients, median age 13.5 years (10.4-15.7) of whom 6 were female. All had videourodynamics. Two went on to have further invasive investigation; one had urethral pressure profile and one had ambulatory urodynamics. Detrusor overactivity (DO) was observed in six. DO was asensate in all. In five DO was triggered by laughter and was associated with laughter induced incontinence in four. Six had DO that was not provoked by laugher. In one amplitude of DO was proportional to vigour of laughter. In three patients there was identification of sudden pelvic floor relaxation during laughter resulting in incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence was not observed in any. Giggle incontinence is a complex phenomenon. Urodynamic diagnosis is challenging and is dependent on eliciting laughter. We present the first urodynamic demonstration that giggle incontinence is associated with laughter-induced, asensate DO and concurrent, momentary pelvic floor relaxation. We hope this will provide a more consistent basis for defining this condition in the future.

Neurogenic Bladder in Patients with Mylomeningocele in Pediatric Age

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is congenital nervous system malformation caused by neurulation process failure during pregnancy. The prevalence varies by the continent, region, race, ethnicity and the time when assessed and patients present abnormalities of different organs. One of the most severe complications is renal failure. Aim: Clinical evaluation of patients with MMC in Iraq and answering the question whether our treatment methods lead to renal function preservation. Material and methods: Medical records of 28 patients in the period 2014.2019were evaluated retrospectively. The data included: age, sex, BMI Z-score WHO, place of residence, perinatal history, social situation, physical activity, urodynamic diagnosis, renal function, hydrocephalus diagnosis, and functioning of shunting procedures. Results: They were no statistically significant differences in most studied parameters between boys and girls. Keywords: Meningomyelocele, Epidemiological study, Neurogenic bladder, Renal function

Risk Factors Predicting Upper Urinary Tract Damage in Patients With Myelodysplasia: Data Analysis of 637 Cases From A Single Center.

PurposeTo determine the risk factors predicting upper urinary tract (UUT) damage using a grading system for upper urinary tract dilation (UUTD) and a descriptive system for all urinary tract dysfunction (AUTD) in patients with myelodysplasia.MethodsSix hundred thirty-seven patients with myelodysplasia were evaluated at our center from January 2008 to November 2019. Clinical data, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance urography, and video-urodynamics (VUDS) parameters were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors predicting UUT damage.ResultsThree hundred eighty-three males and 254 females were included. The average course of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was 14.08±7.07 years (range, 3–31 years). The urodynamic diagnoses of all patients were as follows: detrusor overactivity, 26.8%; detrusor underactivity, 6.44%; and acontractile detrusor, 66.72%. UUT damage was determined in 66.56% of the patients. Of the patients, 28.73 % had vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) during filling (bilateral, n=50; unilateral, n=133) on fluoroscopy during VUDS testing. Two hundred thirty-four patients had UUTD (bilateral, n=203; unilateral, n=31). The occurrence of hydronephrosis based on ultrasonography was closely related to ipsilateral VUR (P<0.05). Absent of bladder sensation, long-term course of LUTS, decreased maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) and bladder compliance (BC), and increased postvoid residual urine (PVR) were shown to be independent risk factors in logistic regression analysis.ConclusionsThis retrospective study using UUTD and AUTD systems indicated that patients with myelodysplasia have a high incidence of UUT damage. Absence of bladder sensation, long-term course of LUTS, decreased MCC and BC, and increased PVR were independent risk factors predicting UUT damage.

Pathogenesis evidence from human and animal models of detrusor underactivity

ABSTRACTDetrusor underactivity (DU) is a common urodynamic diagnosis in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and large post-voiding residual volume. Animal and human studies showed the possible etiologies of DU include central or peripheral nerve injury, bladder outlet obstruction, chronic ischemia, aging, diabetes mellitus, and sympathetic inhibition of micturition reflex. Evidence from animal and human DU studies with various etiologies revealed highly similar gross and histological characteristics in the bladders, including increased bladder weight, bladder wall thickening, inflammation, collagen deposition, and fibrosis. In electron microscopy, smooth muscle destruction, swollen mitochondria, decreased nerve innervation, caveolae, and umbrella cell fusiform vesicles were noted in the DU bladders. Most animal DU models demonstrate detrusor contractility changes from compensatory to the decompensatory stage, and the change was compatible with human DU observation. The cystometry in the DU animal studies is characterized by impaired contractility, prolong intercontraction interval, and hyposensation, while in vitro bladder muscle strips experiment may exhibit normal detrusor contractility. Decreased bladder blood flow and increased oxidative stress in bladders had been proved in different animal DU models, suggesting they should be important in the DU pathogenesis pathway. Sensory receptors mRNA and protein expression changes in DU bladders had been observed in both animal and human studies, including muscarinic receptors M2, M3, adrenergic receptor β3, purinergic receptor P2X1, P2X3, and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1 and TRPV4. Although some of the sensory receptors changes remain controversial, it might be the target for further pharmacologic treatments.

The Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Guideline on the use of urodynamic testing in gynecological practice.

The aim was to present an interdisciplinary Guideline of the Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO) for the use of urodynamics (UDS) in the diagnostic process of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) based on the available literature, expert knowledge, and everyday practice. A review of the literature concerning the use of UDS in women, including current international guidelines and earlier recommendations of the PSGO Urogynecology Section, was conducted. Urodynamic testing allows to make the urodynamic diagnosis which, nevertheless, remains to be the preliminary diagnosis. Medical history, physical examination, and detailed analysis of the previous test results (laboratory, imaging, endoscopic) need to be taken into consideration before making the final diagnosis. Urodynamic testing before surgical treatment of SUI is allowable, but the decision remains at the discretion of the physician. Urodynamic testing is not necessary before primary surgical treatment of uncomplicated SUI, but it has been demonstrated to optimize the therapeutic methods in complicated SUI. The significance of UDS in the diagnostic process of patients with overactive bladder symptoms, voiding dysfunction, and bladder outlet obstruction was discussed. Urodynamic testing is a vital element of the urogynecological diagnostic process. The scope of UDS should reflect the individual needs and symptoms of each patient and be based on the current guidelines, expert knowledge and experience of the physician, indications, and eligibility, as well as additional test results of the affected patients. Due to formal and legal requirements, PSGO, in this Guideline, wishes to emphasize the need for an individualized approach to both, test performance and result interpretation.

Endoscopic Botulinum Toxin Injection for Refractory Enuresis Based on Urodynamic Assessment.

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the urodynamic characteristics of refractory enuresis and explored whether those characteristics can be managed through differential endoscopic injections with botulinum toxin.MethodsIn total, 27 patients with nonmonosymptomatic enuresis who showed no response after conservative treatment for more than 12 months were included. The patients then underwent a videourodynamic study and received a differential endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin on the same day. Reduced capacity, detrusor overactivity, and bladder neck widening were the 3 major abnormal findings assessed during the filling phase, while sphincter hyperactivity was the only abnormality assessed during the emptying phase. An intravesical or intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin was attempted according to the videourodynamic study findings. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.ResultsThe median age was 10 years (range, 7–31 years). Although 19 and 8 patients had a preoperative diagnosis of overactive bladder or dysfunctional voiding, respectively, the urodynamic diagnosis was different in more than half of the patients. Those showing detrusor overactivity benefited from intravesical botulinum toxin injection, whereas those with only sphincter hyperactivity benefited from both intravesical and intrasphincteric injections. Treatment resistance to botulinum toxin seemed to be attributable to bladder neck widening. Time had no apparent effect on efficacy, which persisted 6 months after the injection. More than 80% of the patients maintained the benefits of the injection after 1 year.ConclusionsVideourodynamic studies were useful for identifying the reasons underlying refractory nonmonosymptomatic enuresis and helpful for determining the appropriate site of botulinum toxin injection.

Ultrasound assessment of urethral structure and bladder neck position in women with different parities.

The study aims to compare the urethral sphincter size and bladder neck position and mobility in women with different parities. Women referred to the urodynamics clinic for lower urinary tract and prolapse symptoms were included in the study. A detailed history was taken, and transperineal two- and three-dimensional ultrasound was performed on all the women. The women were divided into four groups according to the vaginal parity. Group 1 had no vaginal childbirths. Group 2 had one, group 3 had two and group 4 had three or more vaginal childbirths. The data was analysed and compared among the groups. One hundred fifty women were included in the study. There were 34, 22, 48 and 46 women in groups 1 to 4 respectively. The distribution of different urodynamic diagnoses was similar in all four groups. The urethral sphincter measurements were significantly larger in the vaginally nulliparous group than in all other groups. The measurements were not smaller in multiparous women than in primiparous women. The bladder neck was at a lower position at rest in parous women than nulliparous women. The bladder neck movement was not more in groups 2 to 4 than in group 1. The urethral sphincter was smaller and the bladder neck position was lower in parous women than nulliparous women. These differences were not progressive with increasing parity. Request for elective caesarean section during the second pregnancy to protect the urethra is not supported by this study.

Detrusor contractility in post-menopausal women: Impact of ageing, complaint and urodynamic diagnosis

Detrusor contractility (DC) can have a considerable impact on the management oflower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, it is currently impossible to predict, based on clinical data alone, which woman has an impaired DC. Our aim was to determine if DC, assessed by projected isovolumetric pressure-1 (PIP1) and VBN contractility parameter k, was associated with age, main complaint, and urodynamic diagnosis in a population of older women. Pressure-flow studies of non-neurologic post menopausal women over 65 referred for investigation of LUTS were retrospectively analyzed. Associations between DC indices PIP1 and k, and age, main complaint and urodynamic diagnosis were assessed in univariate analysis. One hundred and ninety women were included (mean age 74.5 years). There was no significant association between detrusor contractility indices and age considered as a continuous or a categorical variable. Urge urinary incontinence was significantly associated with greater detrusor contractility regardless of age. Regarding urodynamic diagnoses, DC was greater when bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor overactivity were diagnoses vs. detrusor underactivity alone or associated with detrusor overactivity, regardless of age. PIP1 and k indices allow an easy evaluation of detrusor contractility. In that population of older, post menopausal women, no significant change in the value of the indices is observed with aging whatever the complaint or the urodynamic diagnosis. None of these indices has predominance. 4.

An innovative device in the management of female urodynamic stress incontinence: a perception survey.

Urinary incontinence significantly affects daily life of suffering women. Minimally invasive solutions to cope with urine leakage would be of great interest. A survey to investigate efficacy and compliance of an innovative intravaginal device (Diveen®) to reduce the risk of urine leakage was performed in 5 Urogynecological Centers across Italy. Women with urodynamic diagnosis of stress incontinence, included mixed conditions, underwent the survey. The device was effective (60%) independently from severity of Incontinence or the presence of concomitant detrusor overactivity (mixed forms) with a positive impact on quality of life in more than half of the women. Also compliance with the device was satisfactory (up to 73%). Clinically symptomatic prolapse and age >65 years are the only limiting factors in terms of efficacy and compliance, while the menopausal status would not seem to affect these aspects. Despite global satisfactory outcomes, 46% of the surveyed women declare their propensity to use the device. This data deserves further investigation.

Urethral sphincter volume and urodynamic diagnosis.

To compare urethral sphincter measurements in women with different urodynamic diagnoses using three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (TPU). Women with lower urinary tract dysfunction having urodynamic studies (UDS) were prospectively recruited to this study. A detailed history and vaginal examination were conducted. Saline cystometry was performed and the women were divided into groups according to their urodynamic diagnosis, which were nondiagnostic urodynamics (NUDS), pure detrusor overactivity (PureDO), pure urodynamic stress incontinence (PureUSI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUDS). Three-dimensional TPU was performed to measure total urethral sphincter volume, striated sphincter volume, core volume, sphincter length and maximum cross-sectional area. The ultrasound measurements were compared with the diagnostic urodynamics. One hundred fifty women were included in the study. There were 37, 53, 22 and 38 women in the groups of NUDS, PureDO, PureUSI and MUDS respectively. The average striated sphincter volumes in these groups were 1.84ml, 2.24ml, 1.32ml and 1.98ml respectively. There was no difference in average age, body mass index or presence of prolapse in these groups. All measurements were larger in the PureDO and smaller in the PureUSI group compared with the NUDS group. The measurements in the MUDS group were larger than in the NUDS group and smaller than in the PureDO group but this difference was not statistically significant. The urethral sphincter of women with PureDO is larger than in women with PureUSI. The value in women with MUDS was between the two. The size of the urethral sphincter appears to be related to the pathophysiology.

Female bladder neck dysfunction-A video-urodynamic diagnosis among women with voiding dysfunction.

To investigate bladder neck dysfunction (BND) in women with voiding dysfunction by video-urodynamic study (VUDS) and to examine the therapeutic results of different BND subtypes. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive women who had undergone VUDS for investigation of voiding dysfunction at our institution. The diagnosis of BND was made based on a nonfunneling bladder neck with or without high voiding detrusor pressure. Patients diagnosed as BND were retrieved, and the urodynamic parameters were compared with patients with dysfunctional voiding (DV) and other bladder outlet obstructions (BOO). Among 810 women with bladder outlet dysfunction, BND was noted in 100 (12.3%), poor pelvic floor relaxation in 336 (41.5%), DV in 325 (40.1%), cystocele in 19 (2%), and urethral stricture in 30 (4%). Compared with the normal tracing group, BND patients had a significantly smaller volume of bladder filling sensation (included first sensation of filling, full sensation and cystometric bladder capaicity) and a greater BOO index (BOOI) (all P < .05). Detrusor overactivity was noted in 46 (46%) BND patients. These urodynamic parameters in BND were not significantly different from patients with DV or other BOO. High-pressure BND had a greater BOOI, but low-pressure BND had a lower voiding efficiency. Both alpha-blocker therapy and transurethral incision of the bladder neck improved uroflow parameters in BND patients. BND includes 12.3% of women with bladder outlet dysfunction. High-pressure BND can cause anatomical BOO, whereas low-pressure BND is likely to affect micturition through inhibiting detrusor contractility. VUDS is the mainstay diagnostic tool to diagnose BND in women.

Treatment validation of the Solomon-Greenwell nomogram for female bladder outlet obstruction.

Bladder outflow in women (bladder outlet obstruction [BOO]) has no well-accepted defining diagnostic criteria. Various nomograms exist based on flow rates, pressure-flow data, and fluoroscopy. We have prospectively evaluated the Solomon-Greenwell bladder outflow obstruction nomogram (SG BOO nomogram) as a measurement of BOO resolution following targeted surgical intervention. The routine posttreatment urodynamics of 21 unselected women with an original urodynamic diagnosis of BOO on fluoroscopy and the SG BOO nomogram (BOO boundary defined as Qmax > 2.2 Pdet.Qmax + 5) were reviewed. All women had symptomatic BOO secondary to anterior pelvic organ prolapse (aPOP), urethrovaginal fistula (UVF), previous stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery, urethral stricture (US), or urethral diverticulum (U Div). Following treatment, all presenting symptoms resolved and simple urodynamics were performed as part of routine follow-up. The urodynamic findings preoperatively and postoperatively showed statistically significant changes posttreatment in mean flow rate which increased from 9.38 to 14.71 mL/s, mean Pdet.Qmax which decreased from 38 to 18.38 cmH2 O, and mean SG BOO nomogram probability (PBOO) which reduced from PBOO = 0.68 to 0.08. Mean SG BOO nomogram PBOO was significantly reduced posttreatment in all individual categories except UVF where a nonsignificant reduction from PBOO = 0.55 to 0.05 occurred. All urodynamic parameters significantly improve in women who become asymptomatic following surgical treatment of BOO. This improvement is best demonstrated by the change in probability of BOO according to the Solomon-Greenwell nomogram. These findings underline the validity of the Solomon-Greenwell female BOO nomogram for diagnosing and monitoring BOO in women.