The effect of urethral dilatation on pressure flow studies in women with voiding dysfunction and overactive bladder.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess whether urethral dilatation (UD) leads to changes in pressure flow parameters in women with voiding dysfunction (VD) and whether this correlates with improvement in overactive bladder symptoms (OAB).


METHODS
Forty three women with drug-resistant OAB and VD underwent cystoscopy and UD. Pressure flow studies were undertaken at 6 weeks with further follow-up at 6 months. Any significant changes in pressure flow parameters after UD were evaluated.


RESULTS
Thirty three percent of the participants reported subjective improvement. This was maintained at 6 months in 19%. Improvement in OAB was associated with an increase in maximum flow rate centile (p = 0.02) and a decrease in detrusor pressure at maximum flow (p = 0.03). Thirteen percent developed urodynamic stress incontinence.


CONCLUSIONS
Thirty three percent of women with drug-resistant OAB have a short-term improvement following UD. Improvement is associated with an increased maximum flow rate centile and a decreased detrusor pressure at maximum flow. The long-term improvement rate is poor.
Basu
Maya
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK.
Duckett
Jonathan
J
D015331:Cohort Studies; D004106:Dilatation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012212:Rheology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014521:Urethra; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014563:Urodynamics