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.