Results of transvesical infiltration of the pelvic plexuses with phenol in 116 patients.

One hundred and sixteen patients with detrusor instability, detrusor hyper-reflexia or bladder hypersensitivity who had failed to respond to standard conservative methods of management were treated by transvesical infiltration of the pelvic plexuses with phenol. A satisfactory response was obtained in detrusor hyper-reflexia (82%), in detrusor instability in patients over 55 years of age (69%) and in idiopathic bladder hypersensitivity (68%). The response rate was much less satisfactory in detrusor instability in patients less than 55 years of age (14%) and when there was a definable cause for bladder hypersensitivity (0%).