Half-Day Urotherapy Improves Voiding Parameters in Children with Dysfunctional Emptying

ObjectivesChildren with voiding dysfunction benefit from intensive bladder emptying re-education; however, hospitalization for such training is not always financially viable or realistic. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether half-day voiding re-education in pairs improved immediate and mid-term voiding parameters.Methods48 children (mean age, 8.9 years; 54% male) identified in the urotherapy clinic as having either (1) abnormal uroflow curves, (2) a postvoid residual urine (PVRU) > 10% of voided volume, or (3) proven dysfunctional voiding, were recruited and age- and gender-matched. Training over a half day included postural instruction, abdominal wall muscle pattern recognition, pelvic floor muscle relaxation training, and supervised voiding. Data from the initial clinic visit was compared to that after training, and at 1 and 3 mo follow-up. Families completed a questionnaire after the session.ResultsUrine flow curves were abnormal in 76.2% of initial clinic visit voids, 14% of patients after the half-day training session, and 11.7% of children at the 3-mo follow-up. Initial emptying efficiency (voided volume as a percentage of total bladder volume for that void) and mean PVR significantly improved following half-day training with gains maintained at both follow-up visits.ConclusionTraining children in pairs over a half day resulted in significantly improved bladder emptying that was sustained at the 3-mo follow-up.