This book provides up-to-date guidance on optimal care of the patient with an underactive bladder. It covers all aspects of management, including clinical evaluation, urodynamic diagnosis, standard care, drug therapy, and emerging treatment options. Nursing issues are extensively discussed, and advice offered on the use of catheters and avoidance of catheter-related complications. Further chapters address epidemiology, pathophysiology, animal modeling, and health care costs.
While most practitioners are familiar with overactive bladder, the converse condition of underactive bladder has generally remained far below the radar. As a consequence, there is still a lack of empirically validated treatments and effective treatment strategies. This is a matter of concern, especially as the burden of the condition is expected to rise in line with the aging of global populations. The Underactive Bladder is a major step forward in raising awareness, exploring best practices in patient care, and searching for future therapies. It will be invaluable for urologists, geriatricians, other specialists, researchers, and nurses.