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Physiopathology of Underactive Bladder

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Non-Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunctions

Part of the book series: Urodynamics, Neurourology and Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions ((UNPFD))

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Abstract

Underactive bladder (UAB) is defined as “a symptom complex suggestive of detrusor underactivity and is usually characterized by prolonged urination time with or without a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, usually with hesitancy, reduced sensation on filling, slow stream, palpable bladder, always straining to void, enuresis, and/or stress incontinence”. Detrusor underactivity (DUA) is the physio-pathological background of UAB and it is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as “a contraction of reduced strength and/or duration, resulting in prolonged bladder emptying and/or failure to achieve complete bladder emptying within a normal time span”. Any alteration of the anatomical structures involved in the bladder physiology can impair the detrusor function and load underactive bladder. Particularly, neurological, metabolic, and functional diseases may cause specific neurological and muscle alterations implicated in the UB physiopathology. When the cause is not clear, UAB can be defined “idiopathic”.

The better understanding of physiopathology of underactive bladder and detrusor underactivity has a pivotal role in their diagnosis and treatment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Urology Clinic, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Verona, Italy

    Maria Angela Cerruto

  2. Urology Clinic, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Alessandro Tafuri

Authors
  1. Maria Angela Cerruto
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  2. Alessandro Tafuri
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Correspondence to Maria Angela Cerruto .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Verona, Italy

    Matteo Balzarro

  2. Unit of Minimally Invasive, Robotic Urologic Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Department of Experimental Medicine, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Vincenzo Li Marzi

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Cerruto, M.A., Tafuri, A. (2021). Physiopathology of Underactive Bladder. In: Balzarro, M., Li Marzi, V. (eds) Non-Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunctions. Urodynamics, Neurourology and Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57393-5_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57393-5_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-57392-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-57393-5

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