Effects of intravesical instillation of verapamil in patients with detrusor hyperactivity

The effects of verapamil instilled intravesically were investigated in patients with detrusor hyperactivity of neurogenic and non-neurogenic origin. An intermittent, well reproducible cystometric technique with stepwise infusion of fluid was used. Verapamil produced a significant increase of the bladder capacity in patients with detrusor hyperreflexia, but not in patients with detrusor instability. The drug had no significant influence on any other cystometric parameter. It is suggested that pathophysiological differences between hyperactivity of neurogenic and non-neurogenic origin may be responsible for the difference observed. The possible diagnostic and/or therapeutic importance of the present findings remains to be established.