Diagnosis and Management of Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Women

Outcomes of bladder outlet obstruction following extensive vaginal pelvic reconstruction surgery on patient with advanced pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of extensive vaginal pelvic reconstruction surgery (PRS) on advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis of women who received extensive vaginal pelvic reconstruction surgery for advanced POP (POP-Q ≥3) with BOO from January 2006 to January 2016. Data regarding preoperative evaluation, surgical procedure, and postoperative management were abstracted from medical records. Patients were considered to have BOO when detrusor pressure at maximum flow (Dmax) was ≥20 cm H2O and peak flow rate (Qmax) was ≤15 mL/s. Patients with postoperative value of Dmax lower than 20 cm H2O or Qmax higher than 15 mL/s were regarded as objectively cured.

RESULTS

A total of 1894 patients with POP stages III or IV were assessed. The incidence of BOO was 22.8% (431/1894) within this patient population of advanced POP. One year after the vaginal PRS, the objective cure rate of BOO was 98.1%. Urodynamic parameters showed a significant increase in Qmax (P < 0.001), while Dmax (P < 0.001) and postvoid residual urine (PVR) (P < 0.001) were significantly decreased. Previous POP surgery, native tissue repair (NTR), PVR ≥200 mL, and maximal cystometric capacity (MCC) ≥500 mL increase the likelihood of persistent BOO in patients.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal PRS demonstrated effectiveness in treating BOO in patients with advanced POP. Irrespective of the types of transvaginal mesh (TVM), using TVM achieved better outcome than did NTR. Previous POP surgery, preoperative PVR ≥200 mL, and MCC ≥500 mL were the risk factors predicting the failure of PRS in improving BOO.

Association between dietary mineral intakes and urine flow rate: data from the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background

Minerals play an important role in human health, but their effect on urinary function remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary intake of minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Na, K, Se) and urine flow rate (UFR).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2009-2018) database. Multivariate regression and smooth curve fitting were used to investigate the association between dietary mineral intakes and UFR. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were used to investigate whether this association was stable in the population.

Results

Our study involving 10,229 representative adult NHANES participants showed an association between Mg intake and UFR in a linear regression model for continuous variables. And in the model analysis of tertile categorical variables, we observed a positive association between six mineral intakes (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, and K) and UFR. Smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis further support the nonlinear relationship between mineral intakes and UFR. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests ensured the reliability and robustness of the findings.

Conclusion

This study examined the effects of nine dietary minerals on UFR and found that intake of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, and K were positively correlated with UFR, suggesting that these minerals may have a positive effect on improving urinary function. In particular, Mg showed a more significant positive correlation with UFR in women, while Na showed a stronger positive correlation in diabetics. However, P, Fe and Se did not show significant correlations. In summary, although these findings provide a preliminary understanding of the relationship between dietary minerals and urinary function, further prospective studies are still necessary to validate these relationships and explore the physiologic mechanisms underlying them.

Bladder outflow obstruction in women: Clinical and basic evaluation

AIM

Female bladder outflow obstruction is an underdiagnosed and undermanaged condition. This review article aims to illustrate the basic and clinical evaluation of patients who might have this condition.

REVIEW

Clinical evaluation includes clinical history, examination, and basic investigations, including uroflowmetry and postvoid residual, urinalysis and culture, renal function assessment, ultrasound of kidneys and bladder, voiding cystourethrography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the initial evaluation, if the concern of obstruction is high, the clinician might undergo further advanced evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Basic evaluation is the initial step in the diagnosis of female bladder outflow obstruction, the clinician need to have a high index of suspicion and often further advanced evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Bladder outlet obstruction in women: Scope of the problem and differential diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence, formal definition, and diagnostic criteria of bladder outlet obstruction in owmen have not been clearly defined.

METHODS

This is a literature review of the definition of BOO in women, its prevalence, as well as its differential diagnosis.

RESULTS

The main causes of BOO in women are divided into functional and anatomic conditions. Functional etiologies include detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia, dysfunctional voiding, Fowler's syndrome, and primary bladder neck obstruction. Anatomic causes can be further divided into extrinsinc and intrinsic conditions. Intrinsic etiologies include urethral stricture and urethral diverticula, whereas extrinsic causes comprise pelvic organ prolapse, post anti-incontinence surgery, and Skene's gland cyst or abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple etiologies to BOO in women, and this condition is most probably underdiagnosed, owing to a lack of consensus for a standard definition.

[Interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in women]

Background

The diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women is a challenge for functional urology. In Mexico there are few data that report the prevalence of OTSV in women, being up to 24% in a group of patients.

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare six different definitions of bladder outlet obstruction and evaluate the interobserver agreement in an educational setting.

Material and Methods

Urodynamic studies (UDS) of women with and without diagnosis of BOO were retrospectively assesed. Farrar, Chassagne, Lemack, Defreitas, Blavais and Groutz, Solomon-Greenwell definitions were evaluated. All UDS were independently reviewed by 5 observers. The easiest, the hardest and the fastest were chosen. Interobserver agreement to classify the patients as obstructed was assessed by kappa reliability statistical analysis. We classified the type of mistakes the participants made; error of interpretation and miscalculation.

Results

A total of 28 urodynamic studies were reviewed. All observers had a substantial agreement (0.64-0.78) to classify BOO using all but Lemack and Solomon-Greenwell definitions. A total 120 errors from 840 responses were found; 45.8% errors of interpretation of UDS and 54.1% miscalculation of the equation. Finally, all the participants chose the Solomon-Greenwell was the most difficult definition.

Conclusion

Chassagne, Defreitas and Farrar definitions proved substantial interobserver agreement. Solomon-Greenwell and Lemack´s definitions had the highest number of pitfalls and the lowest level of agreement.

Cystoscopic hydrodistention characteristics provide clinical and long-term prognostic features of interstitial cystitis after treatment

To evaluate the correlations of clinical symptoms, urodynamic parameters, and long-term treatment outcomes with different findings of cystoscopic hydrodistention (HD) in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). This retrospective analysis of 486 patients with IC/BPS investigated baseline clinical symptoms, disease duration, medical comorbidities, urodynamic findings, cystoscopic characteristics [including maximal bladder capacity (MBC) and the presence of glomerulations and Hunner’s lesions], and outcomes according to the five IC/BPS HD subtypes based on the glomerulation grade, MBC, and the presence of Hunner’s lesions. Receiver operation characteristic analysis identified an optimal cutoff value of MBC ≥ 760 ml as a predictor of satisfactory outcomes. Glomerulation grade and MBC were significantly correlated (r =  − 0.403, P < 0.001), and both were significantly associated with IC Symptom Index scores. The rate of satisfactory outcomes was better for the patients with low glomerulation grade and MBC ≥ 760 ml (64.2%), and significantly worse for those with Hunner’s lesions (36.8%); no significant differences were noted among the other groups. The results suggested that IC/BPS patients can be classified into the following three distinct subgroups: (1) those with low glomerulation grade and MBC ≥ 760 ml; (2) those with low glomerulation grade and MBC < 760 ml, or with high glomerulation grade regardless of MBC; and (3) those with Hunner’s lesions. The results showed that three IC/BPS subgroups had distinct bladder characteristics and treatment outcomes. The patients with high MBC and low glomerulation grade after HD had more medical comorbidities but a significantly higher rate of satisfactory treatment outcome.

IRB: 105-25-B.

Role of videourodynamic study in precision diagnosis and treatment for lower urinary tract dysfunction

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are complicated and cannot be used alone to diagnose lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTDs) and guide treatment. Patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), impaired detrusor contractility, and hypersensitive bladder might present with voiding predominant symptoms, whereas patients with detrusor overactivity (DO), dysfunctional voiding, or BOO might also present with storage symptoms. To clearly identify the pathophysiology of LUTD, a comprehensive urodynamic study (UDS) including pressure flow and image during the storage and emptying phases, naming videourodynamic study (VUDS), is necessary. This study is especially mandatory in the diagnosis of (1) male LUTS refractory to medical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, (2) female voiding dysfunction and urinary retention, (3) diagnosis of overactive bladder syndrome refractory to first-line medication, (4) management of female stress urinary incontinence and postoperative LUTS, (5) diagnosis and management of neurogenic LUTD, (6) pediatric urinary incontinence and enuresis, (7) geriatric urinary incontinence, and (8) recurrent bacterial cystitis. Although VUDS should not be used as a screening test for any LUTS, it should be considered when the initial management cannot relieve LUTS, or when invasive surgical procedure is planning to undertake for patients with refractory LUTS. VUDS should be recommended as the second-line investigation when the initial diagnosis and treatment based on the symptoms alone or noninvasive tests fail to improve LUTS.

Functional brain imaging in voiding dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Voiding dysfunction (VD) is morbid, costly, and leads to urinary tract infections, stones, sepsis, and permanent renal failure. Evaluation and diagnosis of VD in non-obstructed patients can be challenging. Potential diagnostic and therapeutic options beyond the bladder, such as brain centers involved in voiding have been proposed as promising targets. This review focuses on current and future applications of functional neuroimaging in human in voiding and in patients with VD.

RECENT FINDINGS

The current understanding of brain centers, and their roles in initiating, maintaining and/or modulating voiding, is rudimentary in humans and in patients with VD. With the advent and advancement in functional neuroimaging we are gaining more insight into specific brain regions involved in the voiding phase of micturition. In healthy individuals, right dorsomedial pontine tegmentum, periaqueductal grey, hypothalamus, and the inferior, medial and superior frontal gyrus have been identified as regions of interest in voiding.

SUMMARY

Functional neuroimaging could suggest new diagnostic methods and provides crucial steps towards therapeutic options for the morbid and intractable VD condition, in patients with neurogenic (e.g. MS or Strokes) or non-neurogenic VD (e.g. underactive bladder or Fowler's syndrome).

Uncommon cause of voiding dysfunction in a female patient-vaginal abscess: A case report

BACKGROUND

Vaginal abscess is a treatable disease and should be considered in female patients with voiding difficulties and perineal tenderness. There are no reported cases of vaginal abscess causing voiding dysfunction in the absence of a previous surgery. Early diagnosis and drainage of vaginal abscesses may lead to excellent outcomes.

CASE SUMMARY

We presented a case of vaginal abscess that caused voiding dysfunction without surgery history. A 64-year-old woman had a past history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. She came to our clinic following urinary difficulty with perineal tenderness. Bladder ultrasonography revealed a pelvic cystic lesion with a mass effect on the bladder. The presence of a vaginal abscess was suspected following pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasound. After transvaginal drainage of the vaginal abscess and a full course of antibiotic treatment, she recovered well without any urination symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Voiding dysfunction caused by vaginal abscess is rare but should be considered in female patients with perineal tenderness.

The preventive effect of a free radical scavenger on oxidative stress after the relief of partial bladder outlet obstruction in a rat model

Aims

To investigate the effect of a free radical scavenger (tempol) after relief of partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) on bladder function in a rat model.

Methods

pBOO was induced in 50 eight-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats and relieved 3 weeks later. The rats were divided randomly into 5 groups: sham-operated, tempol-treated for 1 week (Treat-1w) or 3 weeks (Treat-3w), and no treatment for 1 week (nonTreat-1w) or 3 weeks (nonTreat-3w). Awaken cystometrograms were obtained 1 or 3 weeks after relief according to the grouping. The bladders were isolated and weighed. H&E, Masson’s trichrome and TUNEL staining were used to analyze histological changes. The oxidative stress assessed using malondialdehyde. The expression of beta-3 adrenoreceptor was examined by Western blotting.

Results

The tempol-treated groups exhibited a significant decrease in the number of non-voiding contractions per voiding cycle (nonTreat-1w vs. Treat-1w, 1.18±0.82 vs. 0.36±0.40, P = 0.010; nonTreat-3w vs. Treat-3w, 1.51±0.69 vs. 0.23±0.25, P = 0.002). The thickness and collagen fiber deposition of the detrusor muscle layer was significantly decreased in the treated groups. Apoptosis detected was mainly observed in the urothelial cell layer, although the rate of apoptosis was significantly decreased in the treated groups (48.9±3.36% vs. 32.7±11.10%, P = 0.024; 25.8±4.67% vs. 15.7±9.83%, P = 0.314). The tempol-treated groups showed significant decreases in the MDA concentrations at both 1 and 3 weeks after relief. The expression of the beta-3 adrenoreceptor was increased in the tempol-treated rats.

Conclusions

Ischemic reperfusion injury after relief of pBOO caused histological and functional changes in the bladder. Free radical scavenger treatment prevented this oxidative stress.

Female bladder outlet obstruction: an update on diagnosis and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis and evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women remains a challenging topic. The goal of this study is to review recent literature and summarize the diagnosis and management of BOO with special focus on recent progress.

RECENT FINDINGS

In recent years, numerous advances in the area of female BOO have taken place including a movement towards unified diagnostic criteria, summary of functional and anatomic causes, and exploration of potential diagnostic options.

SUMMARY

This review discusses the known diagnosis and management of female bladder outlet obstruction, yet highlights specific functional causes, new criteria available for diagnosis, and long-term results of treatment options.

Videourodynamic Studies of Women with Voiding Dysfunction

This retrospective study is aimed to present videourodynamic findings of women with symptoms of voiding dysfunction in a medical center. Of 1914 women, the diagnoses included bladder outlet obstruction (BOO, n = 810, 42.3%), bladder dysfunction (n = 1,048, 54.8%) and normal tracings (n = 56, 2.9%). Anatomic BOO (n = 49) included cystocele (n = 19) and urethral stricture (n = 30). Common functional BOOs included dysfunctional voiding (n = 325, 17.0%) and poor relaxation of the external sphincter (n = 336, 17.6%). Common bladder dysfunction subtypes included detrusor underactivity (n = 337, 17.6%), detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (n = 231, 12.1%), and bladder oversensitivity (n = 325, 17.0%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed, and the following optimum cutoff values were determined: (1) voiding detrusor pressure at a maximum flow rate (Pdet.Qmax) = 30 cmH₂O for differentiating BOO from bladder dysfunction and normal tracings, with an ROC area of 0.78; (2) the Abrams-Griffiths number = 30 for differentiating anatomic from functional BOO, with an ROC area of 0.66; (3) post-void residual = 200 mL for differentiating bladder neck dysfunction from the other BOOs, with an ROC area of 0.69; (4) Pdet.Qmax = 30 cmH₂O for differentiating dysfunctional voiding from poor relaxation of the external sphincter with an ROC area of 0.93. The above findings can be used as initial guide for management of female BOO.

Minimal Invasive Cystometry and Intra-Abdominal Pressure Assessments in Rodents: A Novel Animal Study

BACKGROUND The abdominal straining pattern can act as a novel parameter for improving the prediction of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). To preserve detrusor function in the early stage of urinary system impairment, such as BOO, we establish a novel method for cystometry and Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) assessments in rodents without cystostomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty mice and rats were divided into three groups (control, sham-operated and BOO group) respectively. The cystometry and IAP assessments were measured by the pediatric venous indwelling sheath and coronary dilatation catheter connected to Laborie urodynamic system on postoperative day 7. Data was collected simultaneously through urethra and rectum in each group. In addition, bladder histology was assessed to confirm BOO. RESULTS The novel method can collect the urodynamic parameters successfully, including the BLPP, IAP, MBC, etc. IAP was elevated in BOO rats, but no significantly difference was found between the sham-operated rats and the control rats. The hypertrophy of detrusor muscle in bladder section was observed by Masson trichrome staining in BOO group compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS Our novel method based on innovative research implement for cystometry and IAP assessments in rodents is a reliable and replicable approach for evaluating the lower urinary tract function. Especially it provides detailed information to evaluate lower urinary tract structures and function in the early stage of BOO.