The Role of Urethral Sensation in Clinical Urology

Abstract

The results of testing posterior urethral electrosensitivity in a variety of urological conditions are demonstrated and the relationship between urethral sensitivity and the standard urodynamic investigations discussed. The clinical features of a group of patients with urethral hyposensitivity are presented.

Quest for standardisation of electrical sensory testing in the lower urinary tract: The influence of technique related factors on bladder electrical thresholds

“…Although electrical current is not a physiological stimulus for sensory receptors, it has been used for several decades both in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in LUTdysfunctions [Frimodt-Moller, 1972;Katona, 1975;Kieswetter, 1977;Powell and Feneley, 1980;Madersbacher et al, 1982;Wyndaele, 1993;Primus et al, 1996]. Determination of electrical thresholds in the LUT was ¢rst described by Frankl-Hochwart and Zuckerlandl in the 19th century, and it was reintroduced by Markland et al in 1965.…”

“…Electrical stimulation is widely used in neurophysiology because of the accuracy and reproducibility of the current parameters. Although electrical current is a nonphysiological stimulus for sensory receptors, it has been successively used in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neurogenic LUT dysfunctions [Frimodt-Moller, 1972;Katona, 1975;Kieswetter, 1977;Powell and Feneley, 1980;Madersbacher et al, 1982;Wyndaele, 1993;Primus et al, 1996]. This raises the question whether electrical stimulation also can be used to get an objective ¢gure that represents sensation elicited by bladder ¢lling.…”

Studies on Sensory Threshold of Different Parts of the Lower Urinary Tract Measured Electrically

“…Kiesswetter [7] first tested mucosal electrosensi tivity to both bladder and urethra with a double-bar relled catheter, bearing two wire electrodes. Powell and Feneley [8] specifically tried to assess the importance of…”

Elevation of sensory thresholds in the prostatic urethra after microwave thermotherapy

“…Geirsson and Fall [15] recently showed that the excitatory bladder response in humans is induced by distension and cooling of the urethra. Powell and Feneley [14] tested the sensitivity of the posterior urethra in more than 100 patients in the UK and found that subjects with BOO and urge, but not detrusor instability detected by cystometry, had lower sensory thresholds than had control patients. Therefore, these authors concluded that there is a correlation between urethral sensitivity and the ®rst desire to void.…”