alpha-Adrenolytic treatment in patients with autonomous bladders

The effect of alpha-adrenolytic treatment (phenoxybenzamine) was studied in 8 patients with lower motor neuron lesions (autonomous bladders). In the cystometrograms, the bladders were more hypotonic and the "autononous waves" appeared at a higher level of filling or were totally extinguished after this pharmacological treatment. With an isotonic volume registration method, a bladder volume increase was recorded after alpha-adrenergic blockage. Using spincterometry or urethral pressure profile studies, a decrease in the urethral resistance was observed after alpha-adrenolytic treatment, resulting in a decrease in residual urine. This decrease in bladder wall tension and in residual urine effected an increased functional bladder capacity in patients with autonomous bladders.