The cystometric evaluation of bladder function before and after radical hysterectomy

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence and type of bladder dysfunction after radical hysterectomy and to preoperatively identify factors that may predict patients at high risk for urinary dysfunction. Study Design: The effect of radical hysterectomy on bladder function was addressed prospectively in 12 patients at The Medical College of Georgia. Multichannel urodynamic evaluations with microtip transducers were performed perioperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: The results of all preoperative evaluations were normal. At the 6-month postoperative visit, a significant difference was found in the mean volume at the first desire to void and at maximal cystometric capacity; both became insignificant at the 12-month visit. Stress incontinence developed in two patients, and detrusor instability developed in one. Conclusions: An 8.3% incidence of detrusor instability and a 16.7% incidence of genuine stress incontinence was found in this study population.