Neuro-urology: functional disorders in male and female urogenital tract

Research is focused in the Pelvic Floor & Sexuality Research Group Leiden on bladder/urethral/pelvic floor (dys)function, sexual (dys)function) in men and women and on andrological aspects. With regard to neuro-anatomy and neuro physiology, a close relationship exists between those (dys)functions.

Principal investigators

Dr H.W. Elzevier, Dr P.J. Voorham, Prof.Dr A.A.B. Lycklama à Nijeholt 

 

Aim and focus

Various studies are focused on:

  • Anatomy: neuro-anatomy of pelvic floor musculature and external sphincters in relation to neurostimulation [Voorham] and operative incontinence procedures and sexual (dys)function in women [Elzevier],
  • Neurophysiology: the mode of action and efficacy of various pelvic floor physiotherapeutic and/or electrical stimulation techniques [Voorham Lycklama à Nijeholt].
  • Validation and standardization of the measurement of pelvic floor function with the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe) [Voorham, Pelger]
  • Innovative surgical techniques in male urinary stress incontinence [Elzevier]
  • The value of pelvic floor physiotherapy in post-prostatectomy incontinence [Voorham]
  • Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in urological patients [Elzevier]
  • Position in international context

In the last decade the urological research on bladder/pelvic floor (dys)function and sexual (dys)function has intensified. In international context, our approach, combining neuro-anatomy, neurophysiology and various innovative diagnostic and stimulation techniques in a clinical setting is quite unique.

Content/highlights/achievements

In 2003 the Pelvic Floor & Sexuality Research Group Leiden was initiated at the dept of urology/pelvic floor center to facilitate related studies; within a few years the research group was on tract. Several studies are supported by unrestricted grants from Pfizer and Stichting Amsterdam 98.

Future themes

  • Studies related to the implementation of the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe)
  • Preservation/improvement of sexual function and continence in relation to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
  • Improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic pelvic floor physiotherapeutic and/or electrical stimulation techniques
  • Improvement of prevention and treatment of urinary stress incontinence in male and female patients

Cohesion within LUMC

Collaboration with departments of anatomy (de Ruiter), neurophysiology (v Dijk), med dec making (Stiggelbout), radiology (Wasser).