LOW-INTENSITY SHOCKWAVE TREATMENT FOR NEUROGENIC BLADDER WITH CHRONIC URINE RETENTION - CASE REPORT
Authors: Tosev Georgi , Vladeva Evgeniya , Geil-Bierschenk Cornelius , Sobek Hans , Felgner Joachim , Reimold Philipp 
Published: March 2024

We present a case of neurogenic bladder accompanied by chronic urine retention in a patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). This condition was effectively managed by low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT). Low-intensity focused shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of urological problems. This case study investigates the feasibility and efficacy of using Li-ESWT to reduce post-void residual volume in persons with neurogenic bladder, representing the first examination of its sort. Bladder dysfunction (BD) frequently occurs in patients who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Bladder dysfunction (BD) can occur due to the impairment of nerve impulses in the central nervous system regions involved for regulating bladder function and managing the contractions of the urinary sphincters, which is caused by the lesions associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Urinary retention can cause various symptoms, including insufficient bladder emptying, urinary incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections, urosepsis resulting in the development of kidney abscesses due to localised kidney infection, and reduced kidney function. Optimal bladder function is essential for individuals with MS, as it plays a critical role in preserving kidney health, preventing urinary tract infections and incontinence, reducing the frequency of MS episodes, and improving their overall well-being. A 31-year-old woman was referred to our urology office with a chronic urinary tract infection caused by a neurogenic bladder with a significant volume of residual urine. A kidney abscess formation was identified as a complication. Li-ESWT, which stands for low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, was used as a part of a multimodal strategy to treat the urinary bladder. This treatment was delivered off-label. The therapy was given on a weekly basis for a period of 6 weeks. The procedure included administering 2500 shocks at a rate of four pulses per second, with an energy flux density (EFD) of 0.25 millijoules per square millimetre. The EFD (Energy Flux Density) used in our study exceeded 0.32 mJmm2,4, the fR (frequency rate) was set at 8 Hz (pulses per second), the treatment sessions consisted of 12 cycles of Li-ESWT (Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy), and a total of 3000 shocks were administered. At the intervals of one week, three months, six months, nine months, and twelve months following the administration of Li-ESWT and tadalafil 2.5 mg, the post-void residual (PVR) volume was consistently below 50 ml. The Li-ESWT treatment effectively reduced the post-void residual urine volume.Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) can safely and efficiently decrease the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding in individuals with neurogenic bladder caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). We have effectively demonstrated that Li-ESWT is a feasible and safe treatment for chronic urine retention, resulting in a decrease of post-void residual (PVR) volume from 200 ml to 50 ml. In the future, Li-ESWT has the potential to be advanced as a more efficacious alternative therapy for individuals experiencing chronic urinary retention. Further investigation is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of ESWT in addressing the neurogenic bladder.