Voiding Dysfunction Research Articles

Does Adding TENS to Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Effect on Urodynamics and Clinical Results in Children With Spina Bifida?

Children with spina bifida (SB) experience a reduced quality of life due to neurogenic bladder dysfunction and the risk of renal failure later in life. Pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have gained prominence in recent years due to their positive effects in treating different types of bladder issues in both adults and children. Our study aims to investigate the effects of using these two methods together in children with SB and to delineate their potential value for clinical practice. Children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to SB who admitted to our spina bifida center were enrolled. Those patients, between 5 and 15 years of age, with only neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) were randomly divided into two groups using an online computer application. While only the PFR was applied to Group PFR (n = 14), TENS was used in addition to this therapy in Group PFR + T (n = 14). The PFR sessions included abdominal massage, strength exercises, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and contracting pelvic floor muscles. TENS was used in a standard fashion as previously described in patients with SB. Before and after treatment, patients' clinical data, dysfunctional voiding symptom score (DVSS), lower urinary tract symptoms, and quality of life scores due to urinary incontinence were evaluated. Urodynamic outcomes such as detrusor pressure, bladder capacity, contractility, and residual urine amount were also evaluated. Twenty eight children out of 750 SB patients were enrolled in our center. Children with only NDO due to SB were included in the study (Group PFR, mean age 8.3 ± + 2.7 years, 10 boys, four girls; Group PFR + T, 7.86 ± 2.03 years, eight boys, six girls). Treatment duration was 6 weeks (18 sessions). There was a decrease in voiding and lower urinary tract symptoms in both groups regardless of the use of TENS (p < 0.05). Maximum detrusor pressure significantly decreased only in the TENS group after treatment (from 82.143 ± 58.069 cmH2O to 58.077 ± 39.872 cmH2O) (p < 0.05). The difference in clinical parameters, quality of life scores and other urodynamic parameters were not found to be significant between groups. PFR and TENS may be effective in SB with NDO to reduce voiding symptoms, and protect bladder from increased pressures. PFR seems to be a useful conservative approach in patients with NDO, adjunt to standard treatment. Further studies are needed in delineation of a personalized holistic treatment approach in these patients. Addition of TENS to standard PFR in NDO may be effective in reducing maximum detrusor pressures, however, it does not seem to specifically contribute for improving incontinence and incontinence-related quality of life.

Voiding Dysfunction inTransgender Patients: What We Know and What We Do Not Know.

Transgender and non-binary patients (TGNB) undergoing gender affirming genital surgery may experience perioperative voiding dysfunction. This review aims to outline and analyze literature about gender affirming pelvic surgery urinary complications, evaluation, and treatment. If a patient is seeking bottom surgery, then urinary goals and pre-operative symptoms should be discussed with respect to variable post-operative outcomes. Urologists should also be aware of the effect that gender affirming hormone therapy has on urinary symptoms. Urethral strictures and urethrocutaneous fistulae occur after feminizing and masculinizing procedures and may manifest as LUTS. Although there is no standardized approach for managing post-operative voiding issues, we present available options. The evaluation of TGNB patients is ideally affirming and tailored to the patient. Long-term urinary and voiding outcomes measurements after vaginoplasty and phalloplasty are also needed, as current validated questionnaires do not capture these symptoms well in TGNB patients.

Exploring paruresis (‘shy bladder syndrome’) and factors that may contribute to it: a cross-sectional UK survey study

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and severity of paruresis (‘shy bladder syndrome’) in a population of university staff and students and to determine if there was any relationship between demographics, self-esteem, presence of social anxiety disorders and negative toilet experiences and paruresis.DesignWe undertook an anonymised cross-sectional online survey using Microsoft Forms. We invited participants aged 18 and over to complete the survey which included demographic information; any pre-existing medically or self-diagnosed anxiety-related conditions; Shy Bladder Scale (SBS); Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and questions about using school toilets in their younger life. We defined ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ paruresis based on total SBS cut-off scores of greater than or equal to 31 and greater than or equal to 40. We calculated prevalence of paruresis, and explored differences in self-esteem, school toilet experience and social anxiety disorders between individuals with and without paruresis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine which variables had any influence on having a ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ paruresis diagnosis.SettingWe distributed the survey to all staff and students via their university email address as well as promoting the survey on university social media sites.ResultsWe received responses from 356 individuals. Most participants (237, 66.6%) were within the 18–30 year age category and most (277, 77.8%) were white. There were 221 (62.1%) females, 119 (33.4%) males and 16 (4.5%) other genders. The prevalence of ‘mild’ paruresis was 25.8% and of ‘severe’ paruresis 14.9% in this sample. 73.0% indicated that they had at least one medically or self-diagnosed anxiety disorder. There was a statistically significant difference in the total SBS score between individuals with and without an existing anxiety disorder (8 vs 19, &lt;0.001). The adjusted odds of ‘mild’ paruresis were higher for men than women (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.90 to 6.06), lower for those with a lower RSES score (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.96), lower for those for a lower school toilet experience score (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.99) and higher for those with at least one anxiety disorder (OR 3.164; 95% CI 1.52 to 6.59). The adjusted odds of ‘severe’ paruresis were higher for men than women (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.32 to 5.12), lower for those with a lower RSES score (OR 0.90; CI 0.84 to 0.97) and higher for those with at least one anxiety disorder (OR 2.99 (1.18–7.56)).ConclusionLarge organisations should consider measures to help manage anxiety and improve toilet experiences. These could include resources and signposting to manage anxiety disorders and single-occupancy toilets and toilets in quiet areas to limit anxiety associated with shy bladder syndrome.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the dysfunctional voiding score symptoms (DVSS-Sp) questionnaire in a pediatric chilean sample

BackgroundThe Dysfunctional Voiding Score Symptoms (DVSS) questionnaire is commonly used to evaluate dysfunctional voiding and incontinence (DVI). ObjectivesTo translate and culturally adapt the DVSS questionnaire into Spanish (DVSS-Sp) in pediatric population and to assess its psychometric properties. MethodsThe process of translation and cultural validation were done. To obtain evidence of validity and reliability, we evaluated the fit of different factor models and calculated internal consistency coefficients. Also, the diagnostic capacity of the DVSS-Sp scale was assessed through a logistic regression analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Accordingly, a total sample of 248 participants was recruited (204 with a diagnosis of DVIs and 44 with no medical problems). ResultsThe cross-cultural adaptation showed an adequate correspondence with the original version. The DVSS-Sp was configured with 2 factors: Overactive Bladder (OB) symptoms (items 1, 2, 6, and 7) and Dysfunctional Elimination (DE) symptoms (items 3, 4, 8, and 9), showing excellent goodness-of-fit indices. The relationship between the factors OB and DE was low. The reliability of the OB factor was α = 0.68, ω = 0.71, and the DE factor was α = 0.56, ω = 0.57. A logistic regression analysis suggests a good diagnostic capacity of the DVSS-Sp scale. Additionally, ROC analysis showed a cut-off score of 3.5 on the DVSS-Sp scale, where the specificity was 0.907, and the sensitivity was 0.636. ConclusionThe results of this study support the use of the DVSS-Sp for assessing DVIs in Spanish-speaking children.

Reliability of Uroflowmetry Pattern Interpretation in Adult Women.

Uroflowmetry is often used to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Criteria for characterization of flow patterns are not well established, and subjective interpretation is the most common approach for flow curve classification. We assessed the reliability of uroflowmetry curve interpretation in adult women. Uroflowmetry studies were obtained in 296 women who participated in an observational cohort study. Four investigators with expertise in female LUTS and urodynamics reviewed and categorized each tracing for interrater reliability. A random subset of 50 tracings was re-reviewed by each investigator for intrarater reliability. The uroflowmetry tracings were rated using categories of continuous, continuous fluctuating, interrupted, and prolonged. Other parameters included flow rate, voided volume, time to maximum flow, and voiding time. Agreement between raters is summarized with kappa (k) statistics and percentage where at least three raters agreed. The mean age of participants was 44.8 ± 18.3 years. Participant age categories were 18-24 years: 20%; 25-34 years: 17%; 35-64 years: 42%; 65+ years: 18%. Nine percent described their race as Asian, 31% Black, 62% White, and 89% were of non-Hispanic ethnicity. The interrater reliability was highest for the continuous flow category (k = 0.65), 0.47 for prolonged, 0.41 for continuous fluctuating, and 0.39 for interrupted flow curves. Agreement among at least three raters occurred in 74.3% of uroflow curves (69% for continuous, 33% for continuous fluctuating, 23% for interrupted, and 25% for prolonged). For intrarater reliability, the mean k was 0.72 with a range of 0.57-0.85. Currently accepted uroflowmetry pattern categories have fair to moderate interrater reliability, which is lower for flow curves that do not meet "continuous" criteria. Given the subjective nature of interpreting uroflowmetry data, more consistent and clear parameters may enhance reliability for use in research and as a screening tool for LUTS and voiding dysfunction. Parent trial: Validation of Bladder Health Instrument for Evaluation in Women (VIEW); ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04016298.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: An evaluation in terms of functional level, posture, and muscle strength.

To examine factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This cross-sectional study included 45 individuals diagnosed with DMD between the ages of 5 and 18 years. LUTS were evaluated with the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System, functional levels with the Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Classification and the Vignos Scale, lumbar lordosis angle with a bubble inclinometer, pelvic inclination angles with a digital inclinometer, and muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer. The mean age of the children was calculated as 9.00 ± 3.32 years, body weight as 31.10 ± 12.59 kg, and height as 125.87 ± 18.46 cm. LUTD was detected in 20 children (44.44%). There was an association between high LUTD severity and low strength of the following muscles: bilateral hip flexor (Dominant: r = -0.338, p = 0.023; nondominant: r = -0.411, p = 0.005), quadriceps femoris (Dominant: r = -0.445, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = -0.504, p < 0.001), elbow flexor (Dominant: r = -0.461, p = 0.001; nondominant: r = -0.455, p = 0.002), and elbow extensor (Dominant: r = -0.442, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = -0.450, p = 0.002). Upper extremity functionality level was significantly higher in the LUTD-negative group (p = 0.004). There was no relationship between lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination angles and LUTS symptoms (p > 0.05). To provide the adequate care for bladder health in children with DMD, it is essential to focus on parameters that will increase functionality and independence in this population.

Postoperative voiding dysfunction by void trial methodology following radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

Postoperative voiding dysfunction by void trial methodology following radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

A case report on genetic variants in CHD8, KMT2C, EP300, and TCF4 associated with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by several environmental and genetic factors. We present a case of a 7-year-old male with ASD, neurogenic voiding dysfunction (NVD), speech and developmental delays, and hyperactivity, and current treatment includes speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy. Family history includes consanguinity and maternal intellectual disability. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified maternally inherited variants in CHD8 (benign), KMT2C (likely pathogenic), and EP300 and TCF4 (uncertain significance). Despite the benign classification of the CHD8 variant, its association with ASD highlights the complexity of genotype-phenotype correlations. The likely pathogenic KMT2C frameshift mutation and deletions in EP300 and TCF4 suggest a multifactorial genetic basis for ASD in this patient. These findings highlight the importance of integrating clinical and genetic data for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) analysis revealed these variants in the child's mother, uncle, and maternal grandfather, with the maternal uncle unaffected by ASD, ID, or ADHD, indicating potential variant interplay in disease manifestation. This case emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the combined effects of these variants, enhancing our understanding of ASD's genetic landscape and improving clinical outcomes.

Prevalence and predictors of detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction in women with lower urinary tract symptoms

This study aims to present age-stratified prevalence of women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but without cystocele and predict detrusor underactivity (DU) or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Between 2005 and 2020, we reviewed women who visited the medical center with LUTS but without cystocele. Positive voiding dysfunction (VD) symptoms were defined as any one or more of the positive descriptions of weak urinary stream, intermittency, strain to urination, and sensation of not emptying. A total of 1,886 women were included in this study. 189 (10.0%) women were diagnosed with DU, and 77 (4.1%) women had BOO. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that voided volume and VD symptoms were independent predictors for BOO. ROC curve analyses could predict BOO by voided volume ≤ 220 mL derived from uroflowmetry and the presence of VD symptoms with an area under a curve of 0.83. Age and voided volume could predict DU with an area under a curve of 0.82. We found a higher percentage of BOO in women with positive VD symptoms. A non-invasive uroflowmetry with voided volume (≤ 220 mL) and the presence of VD symptoms can predict BOO. DU could be predicted by age and voided volume.

Is it Possible to Regenerate the Underactive Detrusor? Part 2 Electrical Stimulation Therapies, Treatment of Bladder Outlet Obstruction, Constipation, and Pelvic Floor Disorders ICI-RS 2024.

Detrusor muscle weakness is commonly noted on urodynamics in patients with refractory voiding difficulty. No clinical therapy has been proven to augment the strength of a detrusor contraction. This subject was discussed at a think-tank at the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS) held in Bristol, June 2024. The discussions of the think-tank are being published in two parts. This second part discusses the role of electrical stimulation therapies, treatment of bladder outlet obstruction, constipation, and pelvic floor disorders, in the enhancement of strength of a detrusor contraction. Electrical stimulation therapies, specifically sacral neuromodulation, have long been used in the salvage of patients with refractory nonobstructive voiding dysfunction. Clinical improvements can be noted in men following bladder outlet resistance reduction surgery especially, though not limited to those with demonstrable obstruction. Some patients may also show improvement with pelvic floor relaxation therapies and constipation care. However, there is a lack of high-quality urodynamic data to demonstrate an improvement in the strength of a detrusor contraction with these therapies. The think-tank recommends standards for future clinical studies examining treatments aimed at improving an underactive detrusor. Studies need to examine whether clinical improvement following treatment of patients with an underactive detrusor is associated with improvement in strength of the detrusor contraction. New therapeutic options should apply specified standards for assessing and reporting the impact on detrusor contraction.

235 - A ten year analysis of women with voiding dysfunction (VD) treated with Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM): Time for a paradigm change?

235 - A ten year analysis of women with voiding dysfunction (VD) treated with Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM): Time for a paradigm change?

Robot-Assisted Nerve-Sparing Eradication of Deep Endometriosis Using the da Vinci SP

ObjectiveThe evolution of nerve-sparing surgery has been supported by a growing body of literature on anatomic details, dissection techniques, and functional outcomes, suggesting that nerve-sparing surgery for deep endometriosis (DE) reduces postoperative pelvic organ dysfunction, including voiding and rectal dysfunction [1]. Recently, newer single-port robotic systems (da Vinci SP) have become available with articulating instruments and cameras that allow for intracorporeal triangulation, which may overcome some of the weaknesses of conventional single-port laparoscopic surgery [2]. Although such systems are believed to allow more complex surgeries than conventional single-port laparoscopic surgery, the scope of application remains unexplored. The objective of this video is therefore to demonstrate the anatomical and technical highlights of a complex intrapelvic procedure, nerve-sparing modified radical hysterectomy and complete removal of DE using the da Vinci SP (SP). SettingAn urban general hospital. Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. ParticipantsThe patient was a 47-year-old woman who presented with chronic pelvic pain resistant to pharmacotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed uterine adenomyosis and bilateral ovarian endometrioma with DE, involving the uterosacral ligament and surface of the rectum, with complete cul-de-sac obliteration. InterventionsThe surgical steps were completely identical to conventional multiport laparoscopic robotic surgery [3,4]. This suggests that conventional laparoscopic or robotic skills are highly transferrable to SP. SP offer several advantages, including high-resolution three-dimensional visualization, articulating instruments, and improved dexterity and range of motion. These advantages allow us to comfortably perform meticulous dissection and suturing even in difficult situations such as DE. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no perioperative complications, including no postoperative bladder or rectal dysfunction [5]. She was very satisfied with the invisible operative scar and low degree of postoperative pain. ConclusionNerve-sparing eradication of DE using SP is technically safe and feasible, with cosmetic advantages and less pain.

Predictive Factors for the Successful Outcome of Urethral Sphincter Injections of Botulinum Toxin A for Non-Neurogenic Dysfunctional Voiding in Women.

Dysfunctional voiding (DV) is not uncommon in women with non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Because of its unknown pathophysiology, effective and durable treatment is lacking. This study aimed to analyze the results of treatment and predictive factors for a successful outcome of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) treatment in female patients with DV. In total, 66 women with DV confirmed by a videourodynamic study (VUDS) were treated with a BoNT-A injection into the urethral sphincter once (n = 33) or several times (n = 33). VUDS was performed before (baseline) and after the BoNT-A treatment. Patients with a global response assessment of the voiding condition of 2 or 3 and a voiding efficiency (VE) of >20% than baseline were considered to have a successful outcome. The baseline demographics, VUDS parameters, and VUDS DV subtypes were compared between the successful and failed groups. Predictive factors for a successful outcome were investigated by logistic regression analyses. Successful and failed outcomes were achieved in 27 (40.9%) and 39 (59.1%) women, respectively. After BoNT-A injections, the maximum flow rate (Qmax), voided volume, and VE all significantly increased, and the postvoid residual (PVR) was slightly improved. No significant difference in the number of injections and medical comorbidity was found between the groups. However, the successful group had a higher incidence of previous pelvic surgery. No significant difference in the treatment outcome was found among patients with different urethral obstruction sites. Significant improvements in Qmax, voided volume, PVR, VE, and the bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) index were noted in the successful group. A lower VE at baseline and a history of surgery were identified as predictive factors for a successful outcome of BoNT-A injections for treating DV. BoNT-A injections into the urethral sphincter can effectively improve VE in 40.9% of women with DV. Women with higher BOO grades and previous pelvic surgery are predicted to have a successful treatment outcome.

Functional outcomes following external beam radiation therapy for patients with prior holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an increasingly popular size-independent technique of treating male voiding dysfunction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy. Some patients after HoLEP may develop clinically significant prostate cancer and opt for definitive treatment with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Little is known about the safety of EBRT after HoLEP and how it may functionally impact voiding after HoLEP has altered the anatomy of the prostate. Our study aimed to assess patient-reported voiding outcomes following EBRT after HoLEP with a focus on incontinence related patient outcomes. This study was conducted with approval from our hospital's institutional review board. Patients that underwent HoLEP followed by EBRT were identified and data were collected in a retrospective nature from a single surgeon HoLEP cohort over the past 4years (2019-2023). Patient demographics, disease and radiation therapy characteristics, radiation therapy, and baseline voiding symptoms were recorded. Current functional voiding outcomes were also collected via phone-call or portal communication in a cross-sectional manner with questions pertaining to type of incontinence, IPSS quality of life score, and administration of the Michigan incontinence symptom index (M-ISI). Adverse events encountered during follow-up were recorded. 24 patients were identified who received RT for prostate cancer after HoLEP with an average age of 73.6 (± 5.3). One third of patients reported no incontinence whatsoever after radiation and of those who experienced incontinence, the majority felt that it was not worsened after radiation. Median IPSS QoL score following radiation was 1 (range 0-6), median M-ISI Severity Score was 4 out of a maximum of 32, and median M-ISI bother score was 0 out of a maximum of 8. One patient developed a bladder neck contracture (BNC) approximately 1year following his radiation therapy (approximately 18months after HoLEP) causing bothersome incontinence and LUTS. In our cohort most patients who received RT after HoLEP reported a high urinary-symptom related quality of life and a low rate of urinary incontinence. One patient who received SBRT suffered a BNC which is a known adverse event with RT but given our small sample size it remains unclear if the risk is higher in patients receiving RT after HoLEP. Larger studies should focus on examining the rate of bladder neck contracture in patients receiving RT after HoLEP, particularly focusing on whether the degree of dose fractionation may impact their development.

Management of Complications of Prosthetic Mid-urethral Tape Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

OBJECTIVESto propose guidelines for the management of complications of prosthetic mid-urethral tape surgery for stress urinary incontinence in women. METHODSThese guidelines are based on an exhaustive literature review on retropubic and trans-obturator mid-urethral tape complications. The expert panel rated the level of evidence of each study, summarized literature for the treatment of each complication, and proposed guidelines. RESULTSManagement of these complications is complex and the first treatment is crucial to offer the best functional result to the patient. We propose a standardized approach and guidelines for the management of complications to help physicians to early identify a surgical complication, offer adequate treatment for each complication and provide clear and appropriate information to patients. We detailed management of intraoperative complications: bladder, urethral, vaginal, visceral and vascular injury; short term post-operative complications: bleeding/hematoma, voiding dysfunction, pain, infection; and long-term post-operative complications: chronic voiding dysfunction, de novo overactive bladder syndrome, chronic pain, dyspareunia, vaginal, bladder and urethral tape erosion. CONCLUSIONThese guidelines may help physicians to improve management of prosthetic mid-urethral sling complications that may occur following stress urinary incontinence surgery.

Evaluation of outcomes of clinical phenotyping-based treatment for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.

Bladder pain syndrome/Interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is clinically of diverse types because different causes contribute to the development of their symptoms. It is important to classify patients into various groups based on the possible etiopathogenesis of their condition. Treatment may be tailored to each specific group according to the possible cause. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with BPS/IC were categorized into four different clinical phenotypes (CP) based on their history of symptoms, allergy, dysfunctional voiding, neuropathic pain, and the presence of Hunner's ulcer. Some patients could be classified into multiple groups. The patients were given oral pentosan polysulfate, and treatment specific to their CP. Patients in CP1, CP2, and CP3 groups received, respectively hydroxyzine, clonazepam, and amitriptyline. Patients with Hunner's lesions (HL) (CP4) underwent hydro distension and ablation of the lesion, followed by intravesical instillation of heparin and hydrocortisone. The patients were evaluated using the Apollo clinical scoring (ACS) system and their clinical scores were recorded at 1, 3, and 6 month(s). Among the 25 patients, 5, 7, 4, and 9 patients were classified into CP 1 - CP4 groups respectively, and were all subjected to ACS assessment. In CP1 group (allergy group), 80% (4/5) of patients responded well to the treatment and 20% (1/5) had unsatisfactory responses. In CP2 group (dysfunctional voiding group), 71.42% (5/7) patients had good, and 28.57% (2/7) had excellent responses. In CP3 group (neuropathic pain group), 28.57% (3/4) patients had excellent, and 75% (1/4) patients had good responses. In CP4 group (HL group), 33.33% (3/9) patients had unsatisfactory, 44.44% (4/9) achieved good, and 22.22% (2/9) had excellent responses. Overall, 16% (4/25) patients had unsatisfactory, 56% (14/25) attained good, and 28% (7/25) had an excellent response at the completion of the study. Using clinical phenotyping-based features indicative of etiology could potentially improve treatment outcomes by targeting the specific pathological processes contributing to the patients' symptoms.

Impact of Urethral Sphincter Electrophysiology on Botulinum Toxin A Treatment in Women with Non-Neurogenic Dysfunctional Voiding.

Dysfunctional voiding (DV) is an abnormal urethral sphincter activity during voiding in neurologically normal individuals. Urethral sphincter botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection has been used to treat DV, but the results have not been completely satisfactory. This study investigated the neurological characteristics of women with DV using the lower urinary tract electrophysiology (EP) study and the therapeutic efficacy of BoNT-A injection. In total, 48 women with DV and 16 women with normal voiding were included. Videourodynamic studies were conducted to diagnose DV before BoNT-A injection. EP studies, including urethral sphincter electromyography, bulbocavernosus reflex, and pudendal nerve conduction velocity, were conducted. Polyphasic motor unit action potentials suggestive of reinnervation were detected in 58.3% of patients with DV and 18.8% of controls (p = 0.001). Significant improvement in the corrected maximum flow rate (cQmax) was observed in patients with reinnervation at 1 and 3 months after BoNT-A injections into the urethral sphincter. Urethral sphincter denervation or reinnervation activity was commonly noted in 62.5% of women with DV. Repeated BoNT-A injections into the urethral sphincter provided effective treatment in 47.9% of patients, with mild improvement in cQmax observed in patients with urethral sphincter reinnervation. However, the improvement was not superior to those without reinnervation.

The True Impact of Voiding Dysfunctions after Transobturator Sub-Urethral Tape Procedures: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Introduction: Transobturator techniques are frequently used for the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), due to their high success rates and few intraoperative complications. However, controversial results have been reported in the literature regarding their incidence. The aim of this study is to analyze the real incidence and trend over time of such complications, especially voiding dysfunctions and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Methods: A comprehensive search using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed. The search string used was the following: (female stress urinary incontinence) AND (complication) AND ((midurethral sling) OR (transobturator tape) OR (TVT-O) OR (voiding dysfunctions) OR (de novo OAB) OR (recurrent UTI) OR (vaginal erosion)). We included randomized controlled trials, prospective controlled studies, prospective and retrospective observational studies. All selected articles were screened based on titles and abstracts. Relevant data were extracted and tabulated. Results: A total of 39 studies were included in our analysis. Transobturator tape procedures show a high objective cure rate for SUI, from 76.9% to 100%. Postoperative voiding dysfunctions are shown to be quite common, ranging from 0-22% of cases. Despite that, this percentage decreases to 0-1% after 12 months. De novo OAB incidence ranges from 3% to 14% at 12 months, with variability over time due to multiple factors. Tape-related complications usually occur after 12 months, with a variable incidence up to 7%. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are quite common in the immediate postoperative period but sometimes can be recurrent, requiring long-term prophylactic antibiotic treatment. Conclusions: Voiding dysfunctions are generally transient complications, while de novo OAB may persist over time. An adequate preoperative counseling, along with accurate written informed consent, could enhance patient tolerance of these issues and contribute to long-term patient satisfaction.

Влияние позы на эффективность мочеиспускания у мальчика с дисфункциональным мочеиспусканием

Dysfunctional voiding in children without organic pathology of the spinal cord in childhood is now becoming more common. Unproductive voiding with the presence of residual voiding of more than 30% of the functional bladder volume for a long time leads to inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract. The physiological process of emptying the bladder requires a certain concentration of the child's attention, controlled activation of voiding reflexes and correct body position, especially for boys. Dysfunctional voiding is often formed in physiologically healthy boys with systematic emptying of the bladder in a sitting position, which disrupts the natural configuration of the pelvic floor muscles. Article represents a clinical case of a child with recurrent urinary infection and ineffective urination at the age of 12 y/o, whose treatment was based on training pelvic reflexes and voiding in a standing position, which in its turn had allowed normalization of the miction parameters and stopped the recurrent low urinary tract infection.

The predictive value of intraoperative bulbocavernosus reflex monitoring for postoperative voiding function in patients with conus medullaris and cauda equina tumors: a retrospective single center study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSurgical resection is the preferred treatment in most conus medullaris and cauda equina tumor (CMCET) cases. However, total resection is usually challenging to obtain and has a strong possibility of causing various complications if forcibly attempted. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has become a necessary adjunctive tool for CMCET resection. PURPOSEThe current study aimed to evaluate the application value of bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) monitoring in CMCET surgery. STUDY DESIGNA retrospective clinical study. PATIENT SAMPLEThe medical records of patients who underwent CMCET resection by the same neurosurgical team at our hospital from September 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. IONM was conducted in all surgeries. According to inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, ultimately, 105 patients were enrolled in the study. OUTCOME MEASURESThe voiding function was assessed before surgery, 1 month after, and 6 months after surgery using the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS). If the NBSS obtained 1 month after surgery exceeds 9 points than that before surgery, it can be considered that the patient suffered new-onset postoperative voiding dysfunctions (PVDs). Moreover, if the NBSS could restored (less than 9 points higher than before the surgery) at 6 months after surgery, it was defined as a short-term PVD. Otherwise, it was defined as a long-term PVD. METHODSThe amplitude reduction ratios (ARRs) of bilateral BCR waveforms were calculated and compared between patients with PVDs and those without. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was subsequently applied to determine the cut-off value of the maximal and minimal ARRs for predicting PVDs. RESULTSThe maximal and minimal ARRs were significantly correlated with short-term and long-term PVDs (p<.001 for all comparisons, Mann-Whitney U test). The threshold values of maximal ARR for predicting short-term and long-term PVD were 68.80% (AUC=0.996, p<.001) and 72.10% (AUC=0.996, p<.001), respectively. While those of minimal ARR were 50.20% (AUC=0.976, p<.001) and 53.70% AUC=0.999, p<.001). CONCLUSIONSThe amplitude reduction of intraoperative bilateral BCR waveforms showed high predictive value for PVDs.