Alternative uses of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer: the efficacy of bladder neck injection for urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: Urinary continence in children with neuropathic bladder and other urological disorders depends on a bladder with adequate low pressure storage capacity and a competent outlet. Various procedures are performed with the goal of achieving continence in these patients. Recently, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/H) has been introduced for the correction of vesicoureteral reflux. We evaluated the efficacy of submucosal bladder neck (BN) injection of Dx/H for urethral incontinence in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed continence status after Dx/H injection into the BN for incontinence. Parameters examined include gender, underlying disease, prior BN surgery and means of emptying the bladder. Continence was described by the patients and/or their parents as unchanged (no change in requirements for diapers or pads), improved (longer dry intervals or requiring fewer pads/diapers) or dry (requiring no pads and dry in underwear).

RESULTS: A total of 6 males and 10 females underwent injections for treatment of incontinence. Mean followup was 9.5 months (range 3 to 24). Volumes injected ranged from 0.8 to 4.4 ml (mean 1.88). Of the patients 3 achieved dryness after injection, all of whom had catheterizable urinary stomas and two-thirds had undergone bladder augmentations. All 5 patients who improved had undergone augmentation and had catheterizable channels. No improvement was seen in 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Injection at the BN is well tolerated and relatively easy to perform. Success rates may be better in females and in patients with neuropathic incontinence. Despite limited success it remains an option for all patients who are poor surgical candidates and those who want to avoid extensive BN reconstruction.