Urodynamic findings during the filling phase in neurogenic bladder patients with or without vesicoureteral reflux who have undergone sacral neuromodulation.

AIMS: To assess the urodynamic findings during the filling phase in neurogenic bladder patients with or without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) who underwent sacral neuromodulation (SNM).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 19 patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) who underwent SNM at our center from July 2018 to July 2019. Clinical data and video-urodynamic parameters were collected. VUR grading systems were used to evaluate upper urinary tract function.

RESULTS

The mean test duration was 24 ± 8.2 days. The urodynamic evaluation showed a significant increase in the mean maximum cystometric capacity (136.3 ± 118.2 vs 216.5 ± 137.8 mL; P = .0071) and compliance (8.7 ± 8.52 vs18.3 + 16.47 mL/H2 O; P = .016), as well as a decrease in maximum intravesical pressure (57 ± 39.23 vs 36.58 ± 31.16 H2 O; P = .0064). In the voiding phase, none of the patients had automatic urination at the baseline and testing phases. In 8 of 19 patients who had detrusor overactivity (DO), the DO disappeared (four patients) or was delayed (four patients). The VUR in 3 of 12 ureter units disappeared. The grade of VUR or the volume before VUR improved in 8 ureter units, and the remaining 1 did not change significantly. An implant was performed in 16 cases. After permanent implantation, all patients needed intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study indicates that SNM can improve the urinary storage function of the bladder in appropriate patients with NLUTD. For patients with VUR, SNM can cure or reduce VUR by improving DO and bladder compliance.