[Bladder sphincter disorders in Parkinson's disease]

Parkinson's disease related to degeneration of the extrapyramidal structures is characterized in its typical form by the classic triad of tremors, rigidity and akinesia, constituting Parkinson's syndrome. These are combined with neurovegetative disorders, responsible for sexual and bladder sphincter dysfunction. The Latter occurs in from 30% to 90% of cases, depending on the stage of progression of the disease. The dopamine deficiency in the nigrostriataL tract leads to a lifting of the inhibition which is probably the cause of the bladder hyperreflexia. Irritative signs are most frequently observed. The flowmetry data are contradictory, depending on the publication whereas the bladder overactivity, objectified by cystomanometry, is described in most of the studies although certain authors report, on the contrary, bladder hypoactivity. Conflicting data have also been published on bladder sphincter dyssynergia although in most studies, micturition was described as synergic in Parkinson's disease patients. L-dopa, the main drug for Parkinson's disease, has, according to the publication, either no action, or contradictory effects with bladder hypoactivity or hyperactivity. Anticholinergics are effective on overactive bladder, the alphablockers on the urethral hypertonia at the price of a higher risk of arterial hypotension in this diathesis. The indication for prostatic surgery must be carefully considered and preceded by precise clinical, urodynamic and sometimes electromyography evaluation. There is a high risk of post surgical incontinence. Endourethral prostheses provide an attractive alternative in the case of prostatic obstruction.