Technological Innovation and Patient-Centered Research Lead to Improved Treatment Outcomes

Article information

Int Neurourol J. 2025;29(1):1-2

Publication date (electronic) : 2025 March 31

doi : https://doi.org/10.5213/inj.2425edi01

Su Jin Kim

Department of Urology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea

Corresponding author: Su Jin Kim Email: hygeiasujin@naver.com

The current issue of the International Neurourology Journal (INJ) features a collection of original research articles that collectively highlight the dynamic and multidisciplinary progress being made in understanding and managing lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). These studies span mechanistic explorations in preclinical models, clinical outcome analyses, and emerging technologies, underscoring the journal’s commitment to translational urological science.

Takaoka et al. [1] demonstrated the potential utility of acotiamide in improving voiding function in a rat model of neurogenic underactive bladder. This pharmacological approach, which showed enhanced contraction amplitudes and voiding efficiency, offers new avenues for treating a condition with few effective options. New technologies not only introduce novel treatment strategies for such refractory diseases but also improve conventional therapeutic methods and deepen our understanding of underlying health conditions. Several studies in this issue of the INJ reflect this trend. Liu et al. [2] introduced a deep learning model capable of real-time recognition of typical urodynamic signals, representing a significant advancement in standardizing diagnostics.

Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms often experience diverse and bothersome symptoms, and their treatment goals can vary widely. At times, a discrepancy exists between the patient’s expectations and realistic outcomes, which is an important factor contributing to dissatisfaction after treatment. To address this, the INJ highlights studies that focus on patient-centered outcomes in LUTD management. Curtis et al. [3] compared patient-reported acceptability of outpatient botulinum toxin injections with that of diagnostic cystoscopy, providing evidence to support the broader adoption of minimally invasive approaches. In poststroke urgency urinary incontinence, both botulinum toxin and sacral neuromodulation demonstrated comparable efficacy [4]. A large prospective cohort study examined the impact of prostate size on urinary incontinence after HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation of the prostate), revealing findings with important implications for preoperative counseling [5]. Additionally, preoperative urinary incontinence was shown to correlate with postoperative incontinence following laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, emphasizing the importance of thorough preoperative assessment to guide patient selection and manage expectations [6]. Finally, Toprak and Ayribas [7] explored the potential role of psychological factors in LUTD, demonstrating correlations between overactive bladder symptoms and obsessive-compulsive disorder, somatization, and altered body perception.

Together, these articles exemplify the convergence of experimental, clinical, and technological domains in advancing the understanding of LUTD. The integration of neuroimaging, machine learning, and patient-centered research reflects a shift toward personalized and precision-based urology. We hope these studies inspire further multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation in the care of patients with voiding dysfunction.