Urologie pro praxi 2/2007

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF DIAGNOSING AND TREATMENT OF OVERACTIVE BLADDER

Overactive bladder (OAB) problems have become one of the most topical issues in both urology and urogynaecology today. In recent years, OAB has received a great deal of attention, mainly in relation to the results of epidemiologic studies which suggest its high prevalence in the population. Though it is not associated with a high mortality or morbidity rate, this condition has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. Moreover, OAB is supposed to be encountered more and more frequently given the increasing life expectancy of the population as well as owing to the fact that lower urinary tract symptoms have ceased to be a taboo among the lay public. Despite the increasing knowledge of aetiology, aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of OAB, there are numerous aspects which remain controversial. The aim of the paper is to give an overview of the currently most discussed OAB problems and also to suggest possible solutions for clinical practice.

Keywords: overactive bladder, urgency, urodynamics, behavioural therapy, anticholinergics.