Improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms across multiple domains following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in lower urinary tract symptoms following ventriculoperitoneal shunting in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).

METHODS: Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with new-onset iNPH were prospectively evaluated using validated questionnaires from the International Consultation on Incontinence to assess overactive bladder (ICIq-OAB), incontinence (ICIq-UI), and quality of life (ICIq-LUTqol), as well as the American Urological Association Symptom Score bother scale, prior to and following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for iNPH. Sub-analysis was performed based on gender, age, and medical comorbidities.

RESULTS: Twenty-three consecutive patients with new-onset iNPH were evaluated prior to, and following, surgical intervention for iNPH via ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Shunting resulted in a significant improvement in urinary urgency, urge incontinence, ability to perform physical activities, and overall quality of life. Women had improvement across more domains than men following shunting, particularly in terms of urinary urgency and overall quality of life. Younger patients experienced significant improvement in scores following shunting as compared to older patients. Patients with two or more medical comorbidities, as well as those with fewer than two comorbidities, reported a significant improvement in overall quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention for iNPH results in significant improvement in urinary symptoms, specifically in terms of urinary urgency and urge incontinence as well as overall quality of life, particularly in women and younger patients.