Continence and micturition: an anatomical basis.

Urinary incontinence remains an important clinical problem worldwide, having a significant socio-economic, psychological, and medical burden. Maintaining urinary continence and coordinating micturition are complex processes relying on interaction between somatic and visceral elements, moderated by learned behavior. Urinary viscera and pelvic floor must interact with higher centers to ensure a functionally competent system. This article aims to describe the relevant anatomy and neuronal pathways involved in the maintenance of urinary continence and micturition. Review of relevant literature focusing on pelvic floor and urinary sphincters anatomy, and neuroanatomy of urinary continence and micturition. Data obtained from both live and cadaveric human studies are included. The stretch during bladder filling is believed to cause release of urothelial chemical mediators, which in turn activates afferent nerves and myofibroblasts in the muscosal and submucosal layers respectively, thereby relaying sensation of bladder fullness. The internal urethral sphincter is continuous with detrusor muscle, but its arrangement is variable. The external urethral sphincter blends with fibers of levator ani muscle. Executive decisions about micturition in humans rely on a complex mechanism involving communication between several cerebral centers and primitive sacral spinal reflexes. The pudendal nerve is most commonly damaged in females at the level of sacrospinous ligament. We describe the pelvic anatomy and relevant neuroanatomy involved in maintaining urinary continence and during micturition, subsequently highlighting the anatomical basis of urinary incontinence. Comprehensive anatomical understanding is vital for appropriate medical and surgical management of affected patients, and helps guide development of future therapies.

Nocturia as a manifestation of systemic disease.

Nocturia is commonly referred to urologists, but the mechanisms underlying the problem, together with the appropriate clinical assessment and management, may lie outside the ordinary scope of the specialty. Some serious conditions may manifest nocturia as an early feature, often as a consequence of nocturnal polyuria (NP). Voiding frequency is influenced by rate of urine output, reservoir capacity of the bladder, lower urinary tract (LUT) sensation and psychological response. Polyuria can result from polydipsia or endocrine dysfunction. NP can result from endogenous fluid and solute shifts, cardiovascular and autonomic disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, and chronic kidney disease. Nocturia without polyuria occurs in the presence of LUT pathology, pelvic masses and sleep disturbance. Drug intake can contribute to, or counteract, each of these problems. In assessing nocturia, clinicians need to consider an undiagnosed serious condition that may manifest nocturia as an early feature, or suboptimal management of a known condition. The frequency-volume chart is a key tool in categorizing the basis of nocturia, identifying those patients with global polyuria or NP, for whom involvement of other specialties is often necessary for assessment and management. Treatment should be directed at the cause of the problem, with a view to improving long-term health and health-related quality of life. Simple steps should be undertaken by all patients, including improvement of the sleep environment and behaviour modification. Evaluation of treatment response requires objective data to corroborate subjective impressions. Some mechanisms of nocturia do not reliably improve with treatment, leading to refractory symptoms.

Etiology and management of urinary retention in women.

Urinary retention (UR) can be defined as inability to achieve complete bladder emptying by voluntary micturition, and categorized as acute UR, chronic UR or incomplete bladder emptying. UR is common in elderly men but symptomatic UR is unusual in women. The epidemiology of female UR is not well documented. There are numerous causes now recognized in women, broadly categorized as infective, pharmacological, neurological, anatomical, myopathic and functional; labeling symptoms as having a "psychogenic basis" should be avoided. Detrusor failure is often an underlying factor that complicates interpretation. Initial management includes bladder drainage (intermittent or indwelling catheterization) if the woman is symptomatic or at risk of complications, and correcting likely causes. Investigations should be focused on identifying the underlying etiology and any reversible factor. A detailed history, general and pelvic examination are needed; urine dipstick analysis, routine microscopy and culture, and pelvic and renal ultrasound are suitable baseline investigations. Urodynamic tests are required in specific situations. Urethral dilatation has a limited role, but it should be considered if there is urethral stenosis. Definitive management requires correction of cause where possible and symptom management where no correctable cause is detected. Follow-up is needed for monitoring response to treatment, detection of complications and symptom control. Fowler's syndrome is a specific group diagnosed on urethral sphincter electromyogram, representing a very challenging clinical scenario.

Diagnosing urological disorders in ageing men.

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age. ED has organic aetiologies and is associated with other clinical comorbidities. Men with ED are more likely to have: cardiac disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, angina, hypertension, prostate disease and depression. Similarly, men with these conditions are more likely to have ED. It is believed that vasculogenic ED shares a common aetiology with coronary artery disease, including hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and hypertension. Taking a careful history of onset, duration and associated symptoms may reveal possible causes of ED. Past medical history, disease control, trauma and medication use can provide vital information. ED patients with a sedentary lifestyle should be encouraged to exercise. In obese men, weight loss of 10% or more can improve IIEF score. Regular exercise, healthy diet, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding recreational drugs can reduce the risk of, or improve, ED. It is important to differentiate between patients suffering from nocturnal frequency, enuresis or nocturnal polyuria as the causes and treatments for each of these conditions are different. Reducing fluid intake after 6 pm and avoiding alcohol and/or caffeine at night may reduce nocturnal voiding. Anticholinergics can decrease bladder overactivity. An improvement in nocturia and nocturia bother score have been shown after administration of oral melatonin. Nocturnal enuresis can often be the only symptom of high-pressure chronic retention which is prevalent in older men. It is important to recognise this condition as treatment can prevent further renal impairment. In nocturnal polyuria the urine output at night is more than a third of the total daily urine output. If conservative measures are not successful, in the absence of heart failure, a low-dose diuretic in the afternoon can help the kidneys get rid of the fluid before bedtime.