Obstructive uropathy induced bladder dysfunction can be reversible: bladder compliance measures before and after treatment

We demonstrated that abnormal bladder compliance in the setting of obstructive uropathy can be improved by relief of bladder outlet obstruction.

A cohort of 9 men with nonneurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms and videourodynamics proven bladder outlet obstruction were identified prospectively from a university urology practice. Study exclusion criteria ensured absence of active urinary infection, hematuria and neurourological pathology. Testing specifically focused on assessment of the bladder compliance curve, and a compliance value was calculated (ml./cm. H2O). Treatment intervention consisted of transurethral incisions or resection of the prostate in 8 cases and transurethral balloon dilation of a urethral stricture in 1. Followup videourodynamics testing was performed 1 month after treatment to confirm relief of outlet obstruction and reassess bladder compliance.

Mean patient age was 75.2 +/- 6.16 years. Pretreatment mean bladder compliance +/- SE was 3.06 +/- 0.45 ml./cm. H2O. At 1 month after treatment videourodynamics testing confirmed relief of obstruction in the cohort. Posttreatment mean bladder compliance +/- SE was 13.53 +/- 0.45 ml./cm. H2O. Nonparametric paired t test analysis determined that the difference between pretreatment and posttreatment bladder compliance was statistically significant at p = 0.0117.

This pilot study suggests that relief of obstructive uropathy even in elderly patients with long-standing lower urinary tract symptoms, can significantly improve bladder compliance.