The efficacy of bladder distention therapy in the treatment of frequency and urgency

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether bla dder distention therapy is effective in relieving the symptoms of patients experiencing urinary frequency and urgency. Materials and Methods: Twenty-s ix female patients with a history of frequency and urgency who underwent mu lti-channel urodynamic assessment, were treated with bladder distention the rapy for symptomatic relief of their symptoms. Their mean age was 51 years of age (range from 28 to 75 years old). No patient had detrusor-urethral sp hincter dyssynergia. Bladder distention therapy was performed in the operat ing theatre under epidural anesthesia. Statistical analysis was performed w ith the Student's t-test. Results: The treatment was successful in 9 out of 26 patients after the first attempt (34.6%) and in 10 out of 26 patients a fter the second attempt (38%) at 1 month follow-up (FLU) and in 4 out of 28 patients at 9 months FLU (15%). Only one out of four patients who had this treatment twice showed improvement of her symptoms. Conclusion: Bladder di stention therapy in patients with symptoms of overactive bladder dysfunctio n has a very small success rate (15%) and therefore, has no place in the mo dern treatment of bladder dysfunction. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.