Inpatient bladder retraining: is it beneficial on its own?

Urinary incontinence is a common problem with serious effect on the quality of life. Bladder training aims to increase the interval between voids, either by a mandatory or self-adjustable schedule, so that incontinence is avoided. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of inpatient bladder retraining.

A retrospective case-note analysis was conducted over a period of 24 months. Outcome measures were decrease in incontinence episode frequency (IEF) and nocturia and increase in interval between voids. Subjective improvement was assessed on a four-point scale.

The study revealed statistically significant decrease in IEF and nocturia and increase in the interval between voids. Twenty-three percent was cured of their symptoms, 36% reported improvement, 27% did not find any change, whereas 14% reported that they were worse off their after bladder retraining.

The study confirms the usefulness of inpatient bladder retraining as a treatment option, especially in people refractory to outpatient management.