Quest for standardisation of electrical sensory testing in the lower urinary tract: the influence of technique related factors on bladder electrical thresholds.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to determine the influence of technique-related factors on bladder electrical thresholds in order to establish more standardisation in electrical sensory testing in the lower urinary tract (LUT).


METHODS
In 51 young healthy volunteers, electrical thresholds were determined in the bladder by using different techniques described in the literature. Within an individual, thresholds were repeatedly determined in the bladder while varying the position of the stimulating electrodes and the intravesical volume.


RESULTS
The height of bladder electrical thresholds is influenced by the position of the stimulating electrodes and the volume of the intravesical fluid at the time of the examination. By filling the bladder, the sensitivity of the bladder toward electrical stimulation can be increased.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the techniques to test electrical sensitivity have already proven to be a valuable tool in diagnosing the presence of neuropathy in the LUT, its full scope can only be evaluated after standardisation. Therefore, it is proposed that the position of the stimulating electrodes and the bladder volume at the time of the examination should be outlined in studies and standardised.
De Wachter
Stefan
S
Department of Urology, University Antwerpen, Edegem, Belgium.
Wyndaele
Jean Jacques
JJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004566:Electrodes; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology*; D012015:Reference Standards; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology