Distigmine bromide and post-prostatectomy voiding

Distigmine bromide (Ubretid) is a long-acting anticholinesterase which is thought to improve detrusor function, restoring normal voiding patterns which may have been disturbed by autonomic overactivity, particularly after surgery. Ninety-three patients entered a double-blind study of the effect of distigmine bromide versus placebo on voiding after prostatectomy. The results demonstrated that there was a trend towards improvement but no statistically significant increase in post-operative flow rates, in reduction in bladder volume, and in the incidence of re-catheterisation in the patients treated with distigmine bromide.