Decreased amplitude of detrusor overactivity by repetitive swallowing

Purpose: We determined whether swallowing has an effect on the degree of urinary urgency and on the amplitude of detrusor contraction during filling cystometry in patients with detrusor overactivity. Materials and Methods: Included in study were 20 consecutive patients with detrusor overactivity. During urodynamics the mean peak pressure of each contraction was documented and compared. At the beginning of wave 2 patients were asked to perform 5 repetitive swallows. After each wave patients were asked to grade the severity of urgency on a visual analog scale. Results: The mean ± SD peak of the detrusor contraction was 39 ± 15 vs 95 ± 26 cm H₂O with vs without swallowing (p <0.01). All patients reported that during swallowing the degree of urgency decreased. The mean visual analog scale score for urgency was significantly lower during repetitive swallowing than without swallowing (mean 3.4 ± 1.5 vs 7.7 ± 2.2, p <0.01). Conclusions: The repetitive swallowing maneuver inhibits urinary urgency and detrusor overactivity. The maneuver can be used during bladder training program or when micturition is not desirable.