The efficacy of pyridostigmine therapy after transurethral resection of prostate in cases with underactive urinary bladder: prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND

Bladder outlet obstruction mediated underactive bladder represents a challenging condition in which transurethral resection of prostate did not prove to be a sufficient treatment option. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects and adverse effects of Pyridostigmine as a treatment for underactive bladder after transurethral resection of prostate.

METHODS

This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted between May 2024 and November 2024. Sixty-six patients who had benign prostatic hyperplasia with preoperative underactive bladder and eligible for transurethral resection of prostate were randomized into two groups: the Pyridostigmine group, which received Pyridostigmine 120 mg daily for 3 months postoperatively, and the control group, which received placebo postoperatively. Patients were followed-up for 3 months postoperatively to observe symptom changes, urodynamic changes and adverse effects.

RESULTS

Patient who received Pyridostigmine showed significant improvement compared to the control group patients regarding IPSS score (p = 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), postvoid residual volume (p = 0.002), maximum flow rate (p < 0.001), contractility index (p = 0.001) and postoperative retention incidence (p = 0.005). Mild adverse effects were reported in 23.5% of patients who received Pyridostigmine with no reported serious adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Pyridostigmine after transurethral resection of prostate in patients with underactive bladder with benign prostatic hyperplasia leads to significant improvements in postoperative subjective and objective outcomes with insignificant adverse effects and wide safety profile making Pyridostigmine a therapeutic option for enhancing bladder function recoverability after transurethral resection of prostate.