Bladder biofeedback for the treatment of refractory sensory urgency in adults.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of bladder biofeedback in patients with sensory urgency refractory to medication and classical bladder training.


METHODS
In 12 such patients a non-electronic technique of bladder biofeedback was used. Ambulatory treatment sessions were done once a week for 4 weeks, as opposed to every 14 days, with a mean total treatment period of 8 weeks. Micturition charts were completed before, during and 14 days after treatment by the patient. Before starting, patients had a mean of 15.8 micturitions/day, 2.3 micturitions/night, and a mean functional bladder capacity of 96 ml (26-172 ml). Urodynamic investigation showed a low-capacity bladder, hypersensitivity in some patients, and normal urodynamic parameters in others.


RESULTS
At the end of biofeedback, patients had a mean of 5.7 micturitions/day, 0.3 micturitions/night, and a mean functional bladder capacity of 296 ml (163-470 ml). The results 9 months after completing the treatment were unchanged. Quality of life improved substantially in all.


CONCLUSIONS
Bladder biofeedback is a valuable treatment for sensory urgency refractory to classical treatment.
Wyndaele
J J
JJ
Department of Urology, Universitair Ziekenhuis, Antwerpen, Belgium.
Hoekx
L
L
Vermandel
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005246:Feedback / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization; D014554:Urination; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*