The significance of bladder trabeculation in the female lower urinary system: an objective evaluation by urodynamic studies

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bladder trabeculation, urinary function, and the stage of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The medical records of 104 patients with POP who underwent cystoscopies and urodynamic studies were reviewed retrospectively. Age, incidence of detrusor instability, stage and site of POP, and the parameters of urodynamic studies of patients with and without bladder trabeculation were compared. The difference in the incidence of bladder trabeculation was estimated between patients with and without a suspected bladder outlet obstruction. There were significant differences in the patients' age, stage of POP, and maximal voiding velocity. Patients with a suspected bladder outlet obstruction had a significantly higher incidence of bladder trabeculation. In addition, patients with advanced stages of POP were also found to have a higher incidence of bladder trabeculation.

Fig. 1

Schematic presentation of a female pelvic organ prolapse (POP-Q classification) and substituted number for each point. Aa, point on the anterior vagina 3 cm proximal to the external urethral meatus. Ba, most distal or dependent point of any portion of the anterior vaginal wall from point Aa to just anterior to the vaginal cuff or anterior lip of the cervix. C, most dependent edge of the cervix or vaginal cuff. Bp, corresponding point to Ba on the posterior vaginal wall. Ap, corresponding point to Aa on the posterior vaginal wall.