Gwen Gonzales

Bio: Gwen Gonzales is an academic researcher from UCL Institute of Neurology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Overactive bladder & Urinary retention. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 27 publications receiving 651 citations. Previous affiliations of Gwen Gonzales include University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & University College Hospital.

Botulinum injections for the treatment of bladder symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Abstract: Objective Our objective was to demonstrate the efficacy and impact on quality of life of detrusor injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A in the treatment of bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods Forty-three patients with multiple sclerosis suffering from severe urgency incontinence were treated with detrusor injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A. Data from cystometric assessment of the bladder, voiding diaries, quality-of-life questionnaires, and procontinence medication usage were collected before treatment and 4 and 16 weeks after injection. The same data were also collected after repeat treatments. Results Highly significant improvements (p < 0.0001) in incontinence episodes and urinary urgency, daytime frequency and nocturia, were the symptomatic reflection of the significant improvements in urodynamically demonstrated bladder function. Although 98% of patients had to perform self-catheterization after treatment, there were sustained improvements in all quality-of-life scores. The mean duration of effect was 9.7 months. Similar results were seen with repeat treatments. Interpretation Minimally invasive injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A have been shown to be exceptionally effective in producing a prolonged improvement in urinary continence in patients with multiple sclerosis. This treatment is likely to have a major impact on future management. Ann Neurol 2007

Sacral neurostimulation for urinary retention: 10-year experience from one UK centre

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To report our 10-year experience of sacral neurostimulation (SNS) for women in urinary retention, comparing the original one-stage with the newer two-stage technique, as SNS therapy is a well-established treatment for urinary retention secondary to urethral sphincter overactivity (Fowler’s syndrome). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1996 and 2006, 60 patients with urinary retention had a SNS device inserted; their case records were reviewed and data on efficacy, follow-up, need for continued clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC), complications and operative revision rate were assessed. RESULTS Overall, 43 of 60 (72%) women were voiding spontaneously, with a mean postvoid residual volume of 100 mL; 30 (50%) no longer needed to use CISC. During a total of 2878 months of SNS experience, adverse event episodes included lead migration in 20, ‘box-site’ pain in 19, leg pain/numbness in 18 and loss of response/failure in 18 patients; 53% of the women required a surgical revision related to their implanted stimulator. The efficacy of the two-stage was similar to that of the one-stage procedure (73% vs 70%). Women with a normal urethral sphincter electromyogram had worse outcomes than women with an abnormal test (43% vs 76%). Although the efficacy was no different in those taking analgesia/antidepressant medication, this group of women had a higher surgical revision rate. Failure and complications for the one-stage procedure were not restricted to the early follow-up period. The mean battery life of the implant was 7.31 years. CONCLUSIONS SNS has sustained long-term efficacy but the procedure has a significant complication rate. At present, the two-stage technique has comparable efficacy to the one-stage technique but a longer-term follow-up is required. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommended the use of SNS in women with urinary incontinence who fail to respond adequately to anticholinergic therapy, but patients choosing this treatment should be made aware of the high complication rate associated with the procedure.

The neural control of micturition

Abstract: Micturition, or urination, occurs involuntarily in infants and young children until the age of 3 to 5 years, after which it is regulated voluntarily. The neural circuitry that controls this process is complex and highly distributed: it involves pathways at many levels of the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system and is mediated by multiple neurotransmitters. Diseases or injuries of the nervous system in adults can cause the re-emergence of involuntary or reflex micturition, leading to urinary incontinence. This is a major health problem, especially in those with neurological impairment. Here we review the neural control of micturition and how disruption of this control leads to abnormal storage and release of urine.

Adult conservative management

Abstract: was included in the ICI 5 edition PFMT (24) vs PFMT + resistance device (28) 52 Women with SUI or MUI (stress predominant) PFMT: As below without device PFMT +resistance; 5 quick and 5 slow (sustained), high-intensity contractions daily. Advised to hold contractions as long as possible, relaxing their PFM for an equivalent time before repeating the process. Intravaginal resistance: instructions to use the Pelvic-Toner Device concurrently whilst exercising. Two clinic visits and one phone call Reported cure (based on the Q11 of the ICIQFluts) PFMT 0/13 PFMT+resistance 1/15 Non-sign. difference btw groups (p=0.429) Improvement (post-Tx) PFMT 10/19 PFMT+resistance 11/21 Non-sign. difference btw groups 16 weeks of treatment, outcomes assessed at post-Tx and at 6 month follow-up Dropouts (at 6 month) PFMT 9/24 PFMT + resistance 15/28

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in the neurological patient: clinical assessment and management

Abstract: Lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is a common sequela of neurological disease, resulting in symptoms that have a pronounced effect on quality of life. The site and nature of the neurological lesion affect the pattern of dysfunction. The risk of developing upper urinary tract damage and renal failure is much lower in patients with slowly progressive non-traumatic neurological disorders than in those with spinal cord injury or spina bifida; this difference in morbidity is taken into account in the development of appropriate management algorithms. Clinical assessment might include tests such as uroflowmetry, post-void residual volume measurement, renal ultrasound, (video-)urodynamics, neurophysiology, and urethrocystoscopy, depending on the indication. Incomplete bladder emptying is most often managed by intermittent catheterisation, and storage dysfunction by antimuscarinic drugs. Intradetrusor injections of onabotulinumtoxinA have transformed the management of neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Neuromodulation offers promise for managing both storage and voiding dysfunction. An individualised, patient-tailored approach is required for the management of LUT dysfunction associated with neurological disorders.