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Biomedical subjects

Massimo Porena

Publications and source records attributed to Massimo Porena.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Must colposuspension be associated with sacropexy to prevent postoperative urinary incontinence?

OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomised study investigated whether a prophylactic procedure, performed during colposacropexy for prolapse repair, prevents ex novo postoperative incontinence. Sixty-six consecutive continent patients with advanced prolapse were randomised into two groups: group A underwent sacropexy combined with a Burch colposuspension; no anti-incontinence procedure was performed in group B patients. METHODS: Work-up included clinical assessment (Halfway System and International Continence Society [ICS] classification for prolapse and Ingelman Sunderberg scale for incontinence), the Urogenital Distress Inventory and Impact Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaires, urogynaecologic ultrasound scans, and complete urodynamic testing that included the urethral pressure profile and Valsalva leak point pressure with reduced prolapse. Check-ups were done at 3, 6, 12 mo postoperatively and then yearly. Mean follow-up time was 39.5 mo. RESULTS: The mean age (+/- standard deviation) was 62+/-9 yr. All patients presented with grade (G) 3-4 prolapse. Postoperative incontinence was present in 12 of the 34 patients in group A: 7 G1; 4 G2, and 1 G3. Postoperative incontinence was present in 3 of the 32 patients in group B: 2 G1, 1 G3. The frequency of postoperative incontinence was significantly greater in patients who had undergone colposuspension (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data cast doubt on whether colposuspension should be performed during sacropexy for severe urogenital prolapse as prophylaxis for postoperative incontinence because it seems to emerge as overtreatment. Incontinence developed ex novo in 35% of continent patients treated with colposuspension combined with sacropexy.

Adult↗

New frontiers in intravesical therapies and drug delivery.

OBJECTIVES: The intravesical route permits site-specific delivery of drugs with a reduced side-effect profile as compared to oral delivery systems, either by avoiding first-pass metabolism or by obtaining a local effect. We investigated mechanisms related to urothelium permeability and new physical and chemical developments in intravesical drug delivery that potentially permit successful treatment of several bladder dysfunction. METHODS: A literature review. RESULTS: Pharmacologic agents increasing urothelial permeability and useful for clinical purposes have been described, such as dimethylsulfoxide, protamine sulphate, chitosan, and nystatin. Among physical approaches, electromotive drug administration appears to be more effective than intravesical passive diffusion in delivering drugs through the urothelium into deeper layers of the bladder. Experimental and clinical reports demonstrated that electric current significantly increases the transport of local anaesthetics, mytomicin C, oxybutynin, resiniferatoxin, epinephrine, and dexamethasone. Among new chemical approaches, cell-penetrating peptides posses the ability to translocate macromolecular drugs across membranes of urothelial cells. The therapeutic benefits of sustained delivery afforded by thermosensitive hydrogel, which forms a depot for hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, have been demonstrated by delivering anti-inflammatory drugs. Liposomes improve the aqueous solubility of several hydrophobic drugs such as taxol, amphotericin, and capsaicin. CONCLUSIONS: Electromotive drug administration, new in situ delivery systems, and bioadhesive liposomes may make it possible to extend intravesical therapy and drug administration to many bladder diseases. Research to expand knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of the bladder and processes regulating drug transport across biologic membranes is needed to make this a reality.

Absorption↗

Varicocele and fertility: relationship between testicular volume and seminal parameters before and after treatment.

Varicocele is a condition of varicosity and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus that is often associated with a reduction in the volume of the affected testicle. Today there is much debate about how much the varicocele actually damages the reproductive system and the mechanism through which this occurs. Furthermore, it has not yet clearly been established if treatment is truly useful to restore testicular function. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in the volume of the affected testis after treatment and to examine any correlations between volume and seminal parameters. We evaluated 43 patients with left idiopathic varicocele with ultrasound scan of the testis before and after surgery; testicular volume was obtained using the ellipsoid formula. We also examined semen parameters before and at an average time of 1 year after the procedure, using the WHO indications. We performed 2 statistical analyses, comparing changes in testicular volume before and after surgery, and volume with seminal parameters. Statistical analysis shows a significant increase of testicular volume after varicocele treatment (P < .05). Furthermore, the total number of spermatozoa and fast progressive spermatozoa rates significantly increased after surgery (respectively P < .05 and P < .01) (Figure 1). The Spearman correlation coefficient shows a good relationship between testicular volume and total number of spermatozoa (r = .445; P = .01). Our data point to the possibility that the affected testicle could benefit in terms of trophism and function after varicocele treatment. Ultrasound scan at follow-up permits assessment of not only the presence of recurrence, but it is also useful for evaluating trophism.

Adolescent↗

Botulinum A toxin intravesical injections in the treatment of painful bladder syndrome: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of botulinum A toxin (BTX-A) intravesical injections in patients affected by painful bladder syndrome with increased urinary frequency, refractory to conventional treatment modalities. METHODS: Twelve women and two men were prospectively included in the study. Under short general anaesthesia patients were given injections of 200 U of commercially available BTX-A diluted in 20 ml 0.9% NaCl. Injections were performed submucosally in the trigone and bladder floor under cystoscopic control. Voiding chart, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and urodynamics were performed before treatment and 1 and 3 mo afterward. RESULTS: Overall, 12 patients (85.7%) reported subjective improvement at 1 and 3 mo follow-up. The mean VAS score was significantly reduced at 1 and 3 mo after treatment (p<0.05 for both); at the same time points daytime and nighttime urinary frequency significantly decreased (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), and bladder cystometric capacity significantly increased (p<0.01). Two patients reported incomplete bladder emptying. We did not detect any systemic side effects during or after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study indicate that BTX-A intravesical injections are effective in the short-term management of painful bladder syndrome. By modulating afferent C-fiber activity within the bladder walls, BTX-A significantly improves urodynamic parameters and reduces bladder pain and urinary frequency.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Cytosolic calcium levels in spermatozoa are modulated differently in healthy subjects and patients with varicocele.

OBJECTIVE: To study parameters connected to fertility in the semen of patients with varicocele. DESIGN: We examine the ability of spermatozoa obtained from patients with varicocele to respond with an increase of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) to some stimuli that are connected with spermatozoa activation. SETTING: An academic research environment. PATIENT(S): Ten healthy volunteer donors and 10 patients affected by II or III grade left varicocele. INTERVENTION(S): Spermatozoa and prostasomes (vesicles of prostatic origin obtained from semen) were prepared according to standard procedures. Spermatozoa were stimulated with 1 microM P. The [Ca2+]i was evaluated with the FURA II method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The level of [Ca2+]i. RESULT(S): In resting cells, the level of [Ca2+]i was 120 +/-15 nmol/L (10 determinations). This value increases by > or =100 nmol/L upon stimulation with P. No difference was observed between spermatozoa obtained from healthy donors or from patients with varicocele. S-nitrosocysteine, a nitric oxide donor, and the fusion between spermatozoa and prostasomes increased the effect of P on [Ca2+]i in control spermatozoa but not in spermatozoa obtained from patients with varicocele. CONCLUSION(S): Different responsiveness of varicocele patients' spermatozoa to S-nitrosocysteine and/or to fusion with prostasomes may be among the possible causes of reduced fertility.

Adult↗

Botulinum-A toxin injections into the detrusor muscle decrease nerve growth factor bladder tissue levels in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of BTX-A on visceral afferent nerve transmission by measuring bladder tissue NGF levels in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity before and after intravesical treatment with BTX-A. We also compared the bladder tissue NGF content with clinical and urodynamic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients underwent clinical evaluation and urodynamics with detection of the UDC threshold, maximum pressure and maximum cystometric capacity before, and at the 1 and 3-month followups. Endoscopic bladder wall biopsies were also obtained at the same time points. NGF levels were measured in tissue homogenate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Promega, Madison, Wisconsin). RESULTS: At 1 and 3 months mean catheterization and incontinent episodes were significantly decreased (p <0.05 and <0.001, respectively). On urodynamics we detected a significant increase in the UDC threshold and maximum cystometric capacity, and a significant decrease in UDC maximum pressure at the 1 and 3-month follow-ups compared to baseline (each p <0.001). At the same time points we detected a significant decrease in NGF bladder tissue content (each p <0.02). CONCLUSIONS: BTX-A intravesical treatment induces a state of NGF deprivation in bladder tissue that persists at least up to 3 months. As caused by BTX-A, the decrease in acetylcholine release at the presynaptic level may induce a decrease in detrusor contractility and in NGF production by the detrusor muscle. Alternatively BTX-A can decrease the bladder level of neurotransmitters that normally modulate NGF production and release.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Uterus preservation in surgical correction of urogenital prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of colposacropexy with uterine preservation as therapy for uterovaginal prolapse. Surgical techniques, efficacy and overall results are described. METHODS: In this prospective, controlled study, 34 of the 72 consecutive patients with symptomatic uterovaginal prolapse were treated with colposacropexy with uterus conservation (hysterocolposacropexy, HSP) and the other 38 with hysterectomy followed by sacropexy (CSP). Anchorage was achieved with two rectangular meshes in CSP and with one posterior rectangular and one anterior Y-shaped mesh in HSP. Check-ups were scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months and then yearly. Pre-operative patient characteristics, operative and post-operative events and follow-up results were recorded. Mean follow-up was 51 months (range 12-115). RESULTS: No significant differences emerged in demographic and clinical characteristics between the HSP and CSP groups. Mean operating times, intra-operative blood loss and hospital stay were significantly less after HSP (p<0.001). At follow-up success rates were similar in the two groups in terms of uterine and upper vaginal support (100%). Recurrent low-grade cystoceles developed in 1/38 (2.6%) in the CSP group and in 5/34 (14.7%) in the HSP group (p=NS), recurrent low-grade rectocele developed in 6/38 (15.8%) and in 3/34 (8.8%) patients respectively (p=NS). No patient required surgery for recurrent vault or uterus prolapse. Urodynamic results showed that pressure/flow parameters improved significantly (p<0.001) in both groups. Thirty-one of the 34 patients (91%) in the HSP group and 33/38 (86.8%) in the CSP group were satisfied and would repeat surgery again. CONCLUSIONS: Colposacropexy provides a secure anchorage, restoring an anatomical vaginal axis and a good vaginal length. HSP can be safely offered to women who request uterine preservation. Whether the uterus was preserved or not, patients had similar results in terms of prolapse resolution, urodynamic outcomes, improvements in voiding and sexual dysfunctions. HSP has shorter operating times and less blood loss.

Aged↗

Echocolor and power Doppler in prostate carcinoma. Does a diagnostic pattern really exist?

OBJECTIVES: The echocolour and power-Doppler pattern of prostate carcinoma has not been precisely defined yet and no full agreement has been reached on this topic. This lack of certainty has repercussions on the decision to use echocolour and power Doppler in the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma and, most of all, in the guidance for prostate biopsy. The aim of this study is to assess the echocolour and power Doppler pattern in a series of patients with prostate carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 70 patients were studied with rectal exploration for suspected neoplasia and hypoechogenic areas at transrectal ultrasound. The following ultrasound guided biopsies resulted to be positive for adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score between 3 and 10. RESULTS: In 40 cases (57.14%) perilesional vascularisation was found with no or limited intralesional colour signals. In 15 cases (21.4%) hypervascularisation was observed in the neoplastic areas (>3 intralesional colour signals). Fifteen cases (21.4%) showed hypovascularisation of the neoplastic areas or, at least, no vascular alterations were highlighted. In the largest forms (>21 mm) a 34.4% incidence of hypervascularised forms was found. No significant correlation was found between echocolour Doppler patterns and the histological Gleason score on neoplasias. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study agree with the data of the literature on the prevalence of prostate neoplasias with perilesional vascularisation. Since no significantly indicative diagnostic pattern has been found, at present we feel that echocolour and power Doppler do not significantly contribute to the diagnosis of prostate neoplasia or the guidance for bioptic samplings.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Ultrasound anatomy and normal ECD of the kidney.

The adult kidney is studied using convex-array probes with a frequency of 3.5 MHz, whereas in children higher frequencies are advisable (5 MHz). The study of the organ may be carried out with three possible approaches (access routes): abdominal (anterior), lumbar (lateral), dorsal (posterior). For a correct and complete study of the renal echostructure 5 fundamental parameters need to be evaluated: shape, size, parenchymal echotexture, renal sinus and renal hilum. The most common anatomical variants need to be identified and namely, dromedary humps, foetal lobation, hypertrophied column of Berten, hypertrophied renal tubercles and labia. The use of colour-Doppler ultrasound equipment permits assessment of the main renal arteries, the segmentary branches at the level of the hilum, the interlobar arteries, the arcuate arteries, and the interlobular arteries (inconsistently). Colour and duplex ultrasound enable identification of flow signals from arteries that are not directly visible at B-mode sonography, since frequency resolution (related to the Doppler-shift) is greater than spatial and contrast resolution. Power doppler provides a detailed visualisation of the distribution of vascular structures and blood circulation in the different regions of the kidney parenchyma, affording a perfusion study similar to angiographic parenchymography. Unlike colour Doppler, power Doppler allows identification of the cortical circulation. The Doppler pattern of the renal arteries is typical of arteries with parenchyma destination, which show a systolic peak and a well-depicted diastolic curve due to low peripheral resistance. The parameters to be analysed are peak systolic velocity, acceleration time, pulsatility index, and resistive index.

Humans↗

Echoguided drug infiltration in chronic prostatitis: results of a multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVES: In chronic prostatitis there are many causes that may provoke a therapeutical failure of a systemic antibiotic treatment. At the moment a consensus has not been reached on the efficacy of the many therapeutical options that are available with not one of these approaches being efficacious in all patients. In our view the main causes of treatment failure are the well-known hurdle to antibiotic diffusion inside the glandular parenchyma associated with the so-called intraprostatic bacterial biofilms and the possible presence of local auto-immune reactions. Given this background, we tested ultrasound guided intraprostate infiltration of a cocktail of antibiotics and betamethasone, for a therapeutical options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 320 patients, referred to us because of symptoms indicative of chronic prostatitis, were enrolled in this study. The inclusion criteria were the severity of the symptoms and the failure of repeated cycles of antibiotics in the previous 12 months. At the initial consultation patients completed the NIH Prostatitis Symptoms Index (NIH-CPSI). All underwent: a) digital rectal examination (DRE), b) transrectal prostatic ultrasound scan (TRUS), c) uroflowmetry, d) cultures of first voiding and after prostatic massage urine and cultures of sperm for saprophytic and pathogen germs, yeasts and protozoa, e) DNA amplification with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on urine and sperm, for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasmas (Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis), Gonococcus, HPV and HCV Patients on the basis of laboratory results received a cocktail of antibiotics associated with betamethasone. The cocktail was administered as prostate infiltration. Administration was repeated after 7 and 14 days. Final assessment of the efficacy of therapy included not only the NIH-CPSI scores but also the patient's subjective judgement expressed as a "percentage overall improvement". The percentage judgements were arbitrarily divided into 4 classes: 0-30% no improvement (Class I); 30-50% satisfactory improvement (Class II); 50-80% good improvement (Class III; 80-100% cured (Class IV). RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the results showed 68% of patients were included in the Class IV and 13% were no responders (Class I). CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion this is one of the more valid therapeutical approaches to chronic bacterial or abacterial prostatitis also if it requires more studies.

Adult↗

Assessing outcome after a modified vaginal wall sling for stress incontinence with intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Forty women with stress incontinence, intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), associated or not with urethral hypermobility, a Valsalva leak point pressure (VLLP)<60 cmH(2)0 and a maximum urethral closure pressure<30 cmH(2)0 underwent in situ vaginal wall sling. The main modification to the technique was the use of two small Marlex meshes placed at the lateral edges of the sling. Outcome was assessed by pad use, surgical results and patients' satisfaction. Data of 39/40 patients were analyzed after a minimum follow-up of 1 year. After surgery 30/39 patients were completely dry (no pads), stress incontinence disappeared in 22/39, and 30/39 patients were satisfied with outcome. Reasons for dissatisfaction included recurrence of stress incontinence in three, infections in one and urge incontinence in five. Overall results are good given this category of patients. The vaginal wall sling can be recommended for patients with ISD because the results are promising, it corrects urethral hypermobility and, in our experience, it does not cause obstruction if correctly performed.

Adult↗

Assessment of bladder and urethral sphincter function before and after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: In a prospective study we analyzed the effects of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) on detrusor and urethral sphincter function by comparing urodynamic status preoperatively with that during longitudinal followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 49 consecutive patients underwent urodynamics with pressure flow studies and Valsalva leak point pressure measurements 3 to 7 days before RRP (baseline), and then 1 and 8 months after surgery. We assessed bladder compliance, detrusor overactivity, detrusor contractility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). RESULTS: There was no significant change in detrusor overactivity at 1 and 8 months of followup. Decreased bladder compliance was observed in 20.4% of patients at baseline, and in 38.7% and 30.6% at 1 and 8 months, respectively. De novo decreased compliance was detected in 18.4% and 10.2% of patients at the same points. Impaired bladder compliance was comparable to that before surgery in 20% of cases. Impaired detrusor contractility was detected in 42.8% of patients at baseline, and in 61.2% (p <0.05) and 42.8% at 1 and 8 months, respectively. De novo hypocontractility was observed in 28.6% and 10.2% of patients at 1 and 8 months, respectively. A strong association between detrusor overactivity and ISD was observed at 1 and 8 months (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Following RRP detrusor hypocontractility and decreased bladder compliance represent de novo transient dysfunction probably due to bladder denervation and an established condition not influenced by the operation. The strong association between overactivity and ISD suggests that stress urinary incontinence increases urethral afferent nerve activity and induces involuntary detrusor contractions.

Aged↗

Intravesical resiniferatoxin versus botulinum-A toxin injections for neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effectiveness and safety of intravesical resiniferatoxin (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Missouri) and botulinum-A toxin injections into the detrusor muscle in a group of spinal cord injured patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity unresponsive to conventional anticholinergic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients were randomly assigned to receive intravesically 0.6 microM resiniferatoxin in 50 ml of 0.9% NaCl or injections into the detrusor muscle of 300 units botulinum A-toxin diluted in 30 ml 0.9% NaCl. Clinical evaluation and urodynamics were performed at baseline, and at 6, 12 and 18 months after treatment. RESULTS: In both arms there was a significant decrease in catheterization and incontinent episodes, and a significant increase in first detrusor contraction and maximum bladder capacity at 6, 12 and 18-month followup. There were no local side effects with either treatment. Botulinum-A toxin induced a significant decrease in the frequency of daily incontinence episodes (p <0.05), a significant increase in first uninhibited detrusor contraction (p <0.01) in maximum bladder capacity (p <0.01), and a significant decrease in maximum pressure of uninhibited detrusor contractions (p <0.01) compared to resiniferatoxin at 6, 12 and 18-month followup. CONCLUSIONS: In spinal cord injured patients with refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity, intravesical resiniferatoxin and botulinum-A toxin injections into the detrusor muscle provided beneficial clinical and urodynamic results with decreases in detrusor overactivity and restoration of urinary continence in a large proportion of patients. Botulinum-A toxin injections provided superior clinical and urodynamic benefits compared to those of intravesical resiniferatoxin.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Pain killers and antibacterial therapy for kidney colic and stones.

In 85% of patients, renal colic is caused by renal-ureteral stones with extrinsic obstructions such as pelvic, retroperitoneal or intestinal abnormalities, and intrinsic reno-ureteral obstructions, e.g. junction pathologies and malformation, accounting for only 10 and 5%, respectively. The objectives of therapy for renal colic therapy are to eliminate pain, preserve renal function and eliminate the obstruction by the excretory pathway. Many drugs can be used to relieve pain: non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), opioid analgesics, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), loco-regional anesthesia and acupuncture. Opiates are the first-choice therapy during pregnancy as no other drug is indicated because of tetragenic potential. Paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol) is the only NSAID that is registered for pediatric use because it has none of the adverse side effects that are associated with NSAIDs. Tamsulosin, an alpha-lithic drug, has very recently been included among the drugs that are used for stone expulsion. The rationale underlying its use is that a high concentration of alpha-1D adrenergic receptors has been recently detected in the terminal ureter, especially in the intramural tract. Inhibition of alpha-1D receptor stimulation should relax smooth muscle in the intramural ureteral tract, making stone expulsion easier.

Acute Disease↗

Lichen sclerosus of the male genitalia and urethral stricture diseases.

INTRODUCTION: The true incidence of urethral involvement in patients with genital lichen sclerosus (LS) is unknown. We review the epidemiology and discuss the pathogenesis of LS and urethral stricture diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period 1991-2002, of 925 patients who underwent urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture, 130 patients (14%) received the diagnosis of LS. In all patients with LS the histology was re-examined to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Retrograde and voiding urethrography was used to establish urethral involvement in the disease. RESULTS: In 106 patients (82%) the histology provided the classical features of LS, and 24 patients (18%) showed some histological variations. In 49 patients (37%) the LS involved the pendolous urethra (meatus-navicularis-penile), and in 53 cases (41%) a panurethral stricture was evident. CONCLUSIONS: LS urethral involvement appears to be a much more common and extensive disease than previously reported, and requires particular care in its early diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Uroflowmetry in female voiding disturbances.

AIMS: The clinical validity of uroflowmetry in women is attenuated by lack of absolute normal values. A peak flow <15 mL/sec and/or residual urine >50 mL with a minimum total bladder volume of 150 mL before voiding (volume voided+residual) (method A) and the 10th centile curve of the Liverpool Nomogram (method B) for the maximum urine flow rate have been identified as useful discriminants when diagnosing voiding difficulties in women. This study compares the two methods and analyses the validity of uroflowmetry in female voiding disturbances. METHODS: A total of 348 women underwent a full urogynaecologic work-up. Evaluable results of uroflowmetry (229 with method A and 224 with method B) were analysed and compared in terms of the following clinical variables: age, parity, previous urogynaecologic surgery, prolapse grade, symptoms, postvoid residue, and incontinence. Uroflowmetry results were compared with pressure/flow study results as indicated by four different cut-offs. RESULTS: The odds ratio that a subject with voiding difficulty has abnormal flow is 3.7 (95% CI, 1.9-7) in the patients analysed with method A and 2.8 (95% CI, 1.6-5.2) with method B. A good accordance emerged between the two methods in flowmetry results. Uroflowmetry has a specificity of >70% and a sensitivity of 50 to 100% depending on the cut-offs. Uroflowmetry results in women can be analysed by using either of the methods. CONCLUSIONS: Uroflowmetry has a good specificity, a high negative predictive value, and a good diagnostic capacity such as to make it useful as the first diagnostic approach in urogynaecologic patients.

Aged↗

Perugia urodynamic method of analysis (PUMA): a new advanced method of urodynamic analysis applied clinically and compared with other advanced methods.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare PUMA curves with different pathologic conditions causing bladder dysfunction in 158 men and 83 women. METHODS: PUMA results in terms of bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor contractility were compared in 92 men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and p(ves) congruent with p(det) (i.e., p(abd) congruent with 0) with the results of the urodynamics operator's opinion, the provisional International Continence Society method, Abrams and Griffith's diagram, urethral resistence factor (URA), Schäfer's diagram, and Watt factor. PUMA curves correlated reliably with different pathologic conditions such as obstructive BPH, orthotopic bladder, cystocele, the neurological bladder, and bladder diverticulum. Statistical analysis indicated excellent agreement between PUMA and URA; agreement with other methods was good in cases of obstruction and nonobstruction. In doubtful cases, as diagnosed by standard methods, PUMA agreed only with the Abrams and Griffith's diagram. PUMA and Wmax were in good agreement on detrusor con traction force. Agreement between PUMA and Schäfer's diagram was excellent for patients with detrusor hypercontractility and good for patients with detrusor hypocontractility and normocontractility. PUMA is the only method applicable to women. It is easy to perform. When integrated with other diagnostic tests, it provides realistic data for diagnosis, medical or surgical therapy, and outcome.

Adult↗