LOWER URINARY-TRACT DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROPARESIS

Purpose: We characterized the bladder dysfunction in patients with idi opathic gastroparesis and compared it to findings in those with gastro paresis secondary to diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: The cli nical and urodynamic records of 17 patients with gastroparesis (10 idi opathic and 7 secondary to diabetes mellitus) were retrospectively rev iewed. Results: Urinary frequency and difficulty emptying were the pre dominant symptoms that led to patient referral. Overall this populatio n demonstrated diminished bladder sensation, increased capacity, decre ased flow rates, elevated post-void residuals and increased rates of a bdominal straining. Patients with idiopathic gastroparesis had more se vere dysfunction than those with gastroparesis secondary to diabetes m ellitus. Conclusions: An association between idiopathic gastroparesis and bladder dysfunction exists. These patients have bladder dysfunctio n that parallels but is more severe than that in patients with gastrop aresis secondary to diabetes mellitus. A common autonomic neuropathic syndrome may account for both problems.