On-table urodynamic with ureteric occlusion: A resource for measuring bladder capacity and compliance in the management of patients with gross vesico-ureteric reflux

AIM

To describe a technique for on-table urodynamic with ureteric occlusion (OUUO) and present a case series comparing bladder capacity and pressure measurements performed with and without ureteric occlusion in patients with gross vesico-ureteric reflux (grade ≥ IV VUR) to highlight the clinical utility.

METHODS

We performed OUUO in seven patients who were being considered for surgical management of VUR and/or nephro-ureterectomy. We occluded the refluxing ureters using hysterosalpingogram catheters (HSG, single lumen 5.5 Fr catheter with 1.5 ml balloon), guidewires, and rigid cystoscope. A 6 Fr dual-lumen urodynamic (UD) catheter is then inserted into the bladder to perform OUUO. Bladder capacity and Compliance (C = ∆bladder volume/∆detrusor pressure) are recorded and compared with values obtained at standard UD (without ureteric occlusion).

RESULTS

The age range of the seven patients was 2.0-15.5 years. The etiology for the gross VUR were posterior urethral valve (PUV) and neuropathic. The bladder capacity and compliance finding between UD and OUUO findings were comparable in five patients. However, there was a clinically significant difference in bladder capacity (20%-50% decrease) and compliance (50%-90%) between UD and OUUO findings in two out of seven patients.

CONCLUSION

In the presence of gross VUR, OUUO allows for a potentially more accurate assessment of bladder capacity and compliance. OUUO should be considered when planning ureteric opening bulking/reimplantation and nephro-ureterectomy.

Bladder diverticula in children

This review of bladder diverticula in children includes: historical aspects of the condition, its presentation and diagnosis, as well as management options. The purpose of the review is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a relatively infrequent but clinically challenging urologic abnormality that may affect not only the bladder but also the upper urinary tract and kidney.

Dysfunctional voiding: A review of the terminology, presentation, evaluation and management in children and adults

Dysfunctional voiding (DV) is a voiding disorder characterized by dyssynergic striated sphincteric activity in the absence of a proven neurological etiology. It can present at any age with a spectrum of storage and voiding symptoms that may resemble florid neurogenic bladder. There is a striking lack of clarity regarding what this entity represents, the diagnostic methodology and treatment. The limitations of existing guideline documents are analyzed. Specifically, use of the term "habitual", the assumption that bladder changes are secondary to the outlet, the emphasis on "staccato" voiding and the implication of striated urethral sphincter are discussed. Literature shows that DV may also present with continuous slow flow or normal flow. Dyssynergia may be at the level of the striated urethral sphincter, the pelvic floor or both, better termed "striated urethral sphincter-pelvic floor complex" (SUS-PFC).A diagnostic algorithm is provided so that patients are evaluated on merit rather than on the basis of different philosophies of individual centers. High-risk markers such as hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux, renal failure or marked voiding difficulty should prompt a formal urodynamics evaluation and imaging for neurological etiology. Patients with predominantly storage symptoms with incidental staccato voiding can be managed initially, on the basis of non-invasive evaluation. Conservative urotherapy including biofeedback is appropriate initial management for patients without high risk factors. Treatment and evaluation should be escalated based on response. Patients with severe DV will need treatment similar to neurogenic bladder including clean intermittent catheterization and measures to control storage pressures.