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.