Summary of the 2024 Update of the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Neurourology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Most patients with neurourological disorders require lifelong medical care. The European Association of Urology (EAU) regularly updates guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of these patients. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the 2024 updated EAU guidelines on neurourology. METHODS: A structured literature review covering the timeframe 2021-2023 was conducted for the guideline update. A level of evidence and a strength rating were assigned for each recommendation on the basis of the literature data. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Neurological conditions significantly affect urinary, sexual, and bowel function, and lifelong management is required for neurourological patients to maintain their quality of life and prevent urinary tract deterioration. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are key, and comprehensive clinical assessments, including urodynamics, are crucial. Management should be customised to individual needs and should involve a multidisciplinary approach and address sexuality and fertility. Lifelong monitoring and follow-up highlight the importance of continuous care for neurourological patients. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The 2024 EAU guidelines on neurourology provide an up-to-date overview of available evidence on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for neurourological patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: Neurological disorders very frequently affect the lower urinary tract and sexual and bowel function and patients need lifelong management. We summarise the updated European Association of Urology guidelines on neurourology to provide patients and caregivers with the latest insights for optimal health care support.

How to define failure of intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin A for neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) has a major impact on patients' quality of life and can lead to upper urinary tract complications. Intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A injections are administered as second-line treatment to these patients following the failure of anticholinergic agents. The aim of the DETOX 2 study is to propose a consensus definition of the failure of intradetrusor botulinum toxin injections for NDO in patients presenting spinal cord injury, spina bifida, or multiple sclerosis (MS) with self-catheterization. METHOD: This study followed the method adopted by the French National Authority for Health for recommendations by consensus. Based on a review of the literature and a preliminary survey, a steering committee compiled a questionnaire and selected a rating group comprising 16 experts from the Neuro-Urology Committee of the French Urology Association (cnuAFU) and Genulf. The experts were asked to complete the online questionnaire. At the end of the first round, all participants came together to discuss any disagreements and a second-round online questionnaire was completed to reach a consensus. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 16 experts approached completed both rounds of questionnaires. A strong consensus was reached for two proposals (median score = 9/10) which were therefore included in the definition from the first round: at least one repeat injection of the same botulinum toxin at the same dose must be given to rule out failure on technical grounds and a duration of efficacy <3 months must be considered a failure. At the end of round 2, a relative consensus was reached regarding the clinical criterion defining failure (median score = 7/10) and the urodynamic criterion of failure (median score = 8/10). An additional proposal was selected during this second round on the need for a voiding diary (median score = 8/10). CONCLUSION: The first consensus definition of failure of an intradetrusor injection of TB-A for NDO has been achieved with this study: persistence of detrusor overactivity with maximum detrusor pressures >40 cm H2O and/or a compliance issue and/or persistence of urinary incontinence and/or urgency and/or a number of daily self-catheterizations >8/day and/or efficacy <3 months. This study will help to standardize research on the failure of the intradetrusor botulinum toxin for NDO in clinical practice and clinical research.

Practices and knowledge of general practitioners on erectile dysfunction: A practice survey.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and underestimated sexual disorder. This sexual concern, which should raise the suspicion of an underlying coronary artery disease, is rarely broached by general practitioners (GPs). The aim of this work was to establish an inventory of the practices and knowledge of general practitioners when faced with a case of ED. METHODS: This survey is a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study targeting GPs' practice. Answers were collected through a self-questionnaire, "KIKI SAIT?", online that explored: demographic data, level of practice and theoretical knowledge regarding ED. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-seven GPs took part in this study. Regarding their practice, 80.2% of doctors expected the patient to bring up the subject. Few clinicians managed ED according to recommendations of the French Association of Urology. More than 30% referred the patient to a urologist, cardiologist or endocrinologist. In total, 57.6% of practitioners prescribed a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) as first-line treatment. Regarding their knowledge, 67.8% of doctors considered their level of knowledge about PDE5I to be poor, 96.6% about intracavernosal injections, 88.7% about vacuum devices and 91% about penis rings. The main obstacle retained was the lack of medical knowledge (71.2%). Clinicians who rarely consulted for ED were less confident in explaining possible treatments (25/63 versus 18/113, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Strengthening initial training and providing a practical algorithm for the management of ED could be useful to help general practitioners detect ED, which could be a sentinel of coronary heart disease.

Development of a predictive tool for sacral nerve modulation implantation in the treatment of non-obstructive urinary retention and/or slow urinary stream: a study from the Neuro-Urology Committee of the French Association of Urology.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to seek predictive factors and develop a predictive tool for sacral nerve modulation (SNM) implantation in patients with non-obstructive urinary retention and/or slow urinary stream (NOUR/SS). METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective study including all patients who have undergone a two-stage SNM for NOUR/SS between 2000 and 2021 in 11 academic hospitals. The primary outcome was defined as the implantation rate. Secondary outcomes included changes in bladder emptying parameters. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed and determined odds ratio for IPG implantation to build a predictive tool. The performance of the multivariable model discrimination was evaluated using the c-statistics and an internal validation was performed using bootstrap resampling. RESULTS: Of the 357 patients included, 210 (58.8%) were finally implanted. After multivariable logistic regression, 4 predictive factors were found, including age (≤ 52 yo; OR = 3.31 CI95% [1.79; 6.14]), gender (female; OR = 2.62 CI95% [1.39; 4.92]), maximal urethral closure pressure (≥ 70 cmH2O; OR: 2.36 CI95% [1.17; 4.74]), and the absence of an underlying neurological disease affecting the lower motor neuron (OR = 2.25 CI95% [1.07; 4.76]). Combining these factors, we established 16 response profiles with distinct IPG implantation rates, ranging from 8.7 to 81.5%. Internal validation found a good discrimination value (c-statistic, 0.724; 95% CI 0.660-0.789) with a low optimism bias (0.013). This allowed us to develop a predictive tool ( https://predictivetool.wixsite.com/void ). CONCLUSION: The present study identified 4 predictive factors, allowing to develop a predictive tool for SNM implantation in NOUR/SS patients, that may help in guiding therapeutic decision-making. External validation of the tool is warranted.

Initial experience with ACT™ periurethral adjustable balloons to treat urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency in the pediatric population.

PURPOSE: To present our initial experience with periurethral adjustable continence therapy (ACT™) for urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in children. METHODS: This is an approved prospective non-randomized pilot study (NCT03351634) aiming to treat children born with spinal dysraphism (SD) or exstrophy epispadias complex (EEC) with ACT™. Endpoints were patient-reported changes in daily pad count, 24-h Pad test and complications. RESULTS: Since April 2018, 13 children (six girls, seven boys) were implanted at the median age of 12 years (5-16). The etiology of incontinence was neurogenic ISD (7/13, 54%) and EEC (6/13, 46%). After ACT™ implantation, continence (no pad or 1 security pad/day) was achieved in 9(69%) patients (5/7 SD, 4/6 EEC). Additionally, two (15%) patients had a significant improvement (decreasing Pad test from 1049 to 310 g at 3 months). One patient (7%) had no improvement. Results were stable at 21 months (6-43) of follow-up. Mean final balloon volume was 2.89 ml (± 0.85) with a median of 3 fillings to obtain continence. We had four revisions due to cutaneous port erosion (n = 3) and balloon migration (n = 1) and two definitive explantations. PinQ score was significantly improved (47 vs 40.5 with balloon, p = ns). Neither degradation of the upper urinary tract nor cystomanometric changes have been observed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence due to ISD owing to EEC or SD can be successfully treated with ACT™ periurethral balloons. Given the minimal invasiveness of this therapy, it might be a first-line option treatment in children with complex stress urinary incontinence.

Prostatic artery embolisation versus medical treatment in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (PARTEM): a randomised, multicentre, open-label, phase 3, superiority trial.

Background: Prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our aim was to compare patient's symptoms improvement after PAE and medical treatment. Methods: A randomised, open-label, superiority trial was set in 10 French hospitals. Patients with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) defined by International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) > 11 and quality of life (QoL) > 3, and BPH ≥50 ml resistant to alpha-blocker monotherapy were randomly assigned (1:1) to PAE or Combined Therapy ([CT], oral dutasteride 0.5 mg/tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 mg per day). Randomisation was stratified by centre, IPSS and prostate volume with a minimisation procedure. The primary outcome was the 9-month IPSS change. Primary and safety analysis were done according to the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle among patients with an evaluable primary outcome. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02869971. Findings: Ninety patients were randomised from September 2016 to February 2020, and 44 and 43 patients assessed for primary endpoint in PAE and CT groups, respectively. The 9-month change of IPSS was -10.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.8 to -8.3) and -5.7 (95% CI: -7.5 to -3.8) in the PAE and CT groups, respectively. This reduction was significantly greater in the PAE group than in the CT group (-4.4 [95% CI: -6.9 to -1.9], p = 0.0008). The IIEF-15 score change was 8.2 (95% CI: 2.9-13.5) and -2.8 (95% CI: -8.4 to 2.8) in the PAE and CT groups, respectively. No treatment-related AE or hospitalisation was noticed. After 9 months, 5 and 18 patients had invasive prostate re-treatment in the PAE and CT group, respectively. Interpretation: In patients with BPH ≥50 ml and bothersome LUTS resistant to alpha-blocker monotherapy, PAE provides more urinary and sexual symptoms benefit than CT up to 24 months. Funding: French Ministry of Health and a complementary grant from Merit Medical.

Intravesical injections of botulinum neurotoxin A to treat overactive bladder and/or detrusor overactivity related to multiple sclerosis: 5-Year continuation rate and specific risk factors for discontinuation-A study from the neuro-urology committee of the French Association of Urology.

BACKGROUND: While intravesical injections of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) are currently recommended for patients experiencing refractory neurogenic overactive bladder and/or detrusor overactivity (OAB/DO), it is unclear how much this therapy is effective and sustainable in the long-term in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVES: To assess the mid-term continuation rate of BoNT-A injections to treat neurogenic OAB/DO in MS patients and to investigate MS-specific risk factors for discontinuation. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 11 French university hospital centers. All MS patients who received BoNT-A to treat neurogenic OAB/DO between 2008 and 2013 and were subsequently followed up for at least 5 years were eligible. RESULTS: Of the 196 MS patients included, 159 (81.1%) were still under BoNT-A 5 years after the first injection. The combination of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS < 6 or ⩾ 6) and of the MS type (relapsing-remitting vs progressive) predicted the risk of discontinuation. This risk was 5.5% for patients with no risk factor, whereas patients presenting with one or two risk factors were 3.3 and 5.7 times more likely to discontinue, respectively. CONCLUSION: BoNT-A is a satisfying mid-term neurogenic OAB/DO therapy for most MS patients. Combining EDSS and MS type could help predict BoNT-A discontinuation.

Five-year Results from the Prospective, Multicenter, Observational SOUNDS Study of Patients with Overactive Bladder Treated with the InterStim System for Sacral Neuromodulation.

BACKGROUND: Although sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for overactive bladder (OAB) is an established therapy, there is a lack of high-quality, long-term data on real-life practice. OBJECTIVE: To report on real-life therapeutic effectiveness, quality of life (QoL), disease severity, and safety as well as patient-reported symptom bother after approximately 5 yr of follow-up. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 291 OAB patients were enrolled at 25 French sites according to local standard of care. Sacral neuromOdUlation with InterStim therapy for intractable lower uriNary tract DySfunctions (SOUNDS) enrolled both de novo and replacement patients, and a total of 229 patients were permanently implanted. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Over the course of the study, patients were followed up six times with two follow-ups in the year after implantation and annually thereafter. Of the patients, 154 completed the final follow-up after a mean of 57.7 ± 3.9 mo. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The mean number of daily leaks in urinary urge incontinence (UI) patients was reduced from 4.4 ± 3.3 at baseline to 1.8 ± 2.6 after 5 yr in de novo and from 5.4 ± 4.9 to 2.2 ± 3.0 in replacement patients (both p < 0.001). Likewise, the number of voids in urinary frequency patients was reduced compared with baseline (de novo: reduced from 12.6 ± 4.0 [baseline] to 9.6 ± 4.3 [5 yr]; replacements: reduced from 11.5 ± 4.3 [baseline] to 9.2 ± 3.1 [5 yr]; both p < 0.05). Complete continence rates after 5 yr were 44% (25/57) in de novo and 33% (5/15) in replacement UI patients, and 68% (39/57) and 67% (10/15) of UI patients were categorized as therapy responders by showing a >50% improvement in leaks. Disease severity (Urinary Symptom Profile domain 2), Numeric Rating Scale-based symptom bother, and disease-specific QoL (Ditrovie) improved significantly in both groups at all visits (p < 0.001). Adverse events related to device or procedure occurred in 51% (140/274) of patients, with 66% (152/229) of the events being classified as minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I and II). Surgical revisions were reported in 39% (89/229), which include permanent explants in 15% (34/229) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: SOUNDS demonstrates the sustained effectiveness and QoL improvements of SNM in OAB patients after 5 yr in real-world conditions while maintaining an acceptable safety profile consistent with literature. PATIENT SUMMARY: This study confirmed that French overactive bladder patients had a sustained symptom and bother reduction, and improvements in quality of life up to 5 yr after sacral neuromodulation device implantation.

Non-continent Urinary Diversion (Ileal Conduit) as Salvage Therapy in Patients With Refractory Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunctions due to Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a National Cohort From the French Association of Urology (AFU) Neurourology Committee and the French-speaking Neurourology Study Group (GENULF).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of ileal conduit as a salvage therapy for refractory lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTDs) due to multiple sclerosis (MS) in a national neurourology referral center network. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter French study was carried out to identify MS patients who underwent non-continent urinary diversion for refractory LUTDs from January 2010 to December 2015. Multiple sclerosis status, urological history, surgical indication and technique, postoperative complications, renal anatomy and function at last follow-up as well as number of rehospitalizations for urinary tract infections (UTI) were collected. Preoperative and postoperative urinary-related quality of life (urQoL) through the Qualiveen short-form questionnaire (QSF) and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 10 centers identified 211 patients with a mean age of 54±11 and mean preoperative EDSS (expanded disability status scale) score of 7.3±0.9. The main indication for diversion was MS progression leading to impossible intermittent self-catheterization (55%). Cystectomy was performed either by open (34.6%), laparoscopic (39.3%) or robotic (21.8%) approach (unknown: 4.2%) with cystectomy in all cases. Early complications were reported in 42% of the patients, mainly Clavien I or II grades. There was no difference in GFR (glomerular filtration rate) after surgery. After diversion, patients had fewer hospitalizations for UTI and better urQoL on QSF confirmed by evaluation of PGI-I. CONCLUSION: This study, reporting the largest series of ileal conduit in selected MS patients with end-stage LUTDs, showed significant improvement in symptomatic UTI and quality of life with a low high-grade complication rate.

A study of the immunohistochemical profile of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients by the French Association of Urology.

PURPOSE: To establish whether the expression of markers of cell differentiation (CK7, CK14, CK20, GATA3), apoptosis (p53), proliferation (Ki67, STAG2) and peri-tumoural lymphocytes (CD3, CD8), provides specific information about urothelial carcinogenesis in neuro-urological patients with bladder cancer (NBC). METHODS: Tissue samples from NBC were retrieved from 15 centres in France and compared to control samples from non neuro-urological patients with bladder cancer (NNBC) and from neuro-urological patients without bladder cancer (NB). The expression of CK7, CK14, CK20, GATA3, p53, Ki67, STAG2, CD3 and CD8 markers was analysed using immunohistochemistry of tissue microarray sections. RESULTS: Overall, tissue samples from 124 patients were included in the study (n = 72 NBC, n = 26 NNBC and n = 26 NB). Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) was found in 52 NBC patients (72.2%) and squamous cell differentiation in 9 (12.5%). In NBC samples, the expression of CK20 and GATA3 was significantly more frequent in NMIBC compared to MIBC (p = 0.015 and p = 0.004, respectively). CK20 and GATA3 were significantly more expressed in NBC compared to NNBC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). The expression of CK14, Ki67, CD3 and CD8 was significantly more frequent in NBC than in NNBC samples (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The expression of CD3 and CD8 was similar in NBC and NB samples. CONCLUSION: In NBC, markers of basal differentiation, proliferation and peri-tumoural lymphocytes were significantly more expressed compared to NNBC controls. These results suggest the aggressiveness of NBC and the role of chronic inflammation in the carcinogenesis of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients.

Continent cutaneous urinary diversion with an ileal pouch with the Mitrofanoff principle versus a Miami pouch in patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer: results of a comparative study.

PURPOSE: Radical cystectomy (RC) is currently the standard of care for non-metastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer. Few studies compare methods of cutaneous continent urinary diversion (CCUD) following RC. The objective was to compare perioperative morbidity and functional outcomes of CCUD using an ileal pouch with a Mitrofanoff efferent versus a Miami ileocolic pouch in patients undergoing cystectomy of pelvic exenteration for bladder cancer. METHODS: This retrospective two-centre study included all consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy or pelvic exenteration with CCUD for bladder cancer between 2001 and 2020 in two academic French hospitals with a median follow-up time of 5.4 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of urinary diversion: Miami ileocolonic pouch (group A) and ileal pouch with Mitrofanoff/Monti principle (group B). Continence rate, ability to perform intermittent self-catheterisation, complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured by the bladder cancer index were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included. Continence was achieved in 11 out of 14 patients (79%) in group A versus 12 out of 17 patients (71%) in group B (P = 0.3). A significantly higher rate of cutaneous tube stenosis was reported in group B compared to group A (eight (47%) vs. one (7%) patient, respectively; P = 0.02). HRQoL outcomes were similar in both groups except less digestive discomfort observed in group A. CONCLUSIONS: When comparing the ileal pouch with Mitrofanoff/Monti's principle with a Miami pouch, no significant differences were found regarding continence rate, ability to self-catheterise, long-term complication rate and overall patient satisfaction.

Incidence of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients in France: a nationwide study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bladder cancer (BCa) in patients with the main neurological diseases that induce neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, namely, multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI) and spina bifida (SB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of nationwide data from the French Hospital Discharge Database (PMSI) from January 2010 to December 2018. The incidence of BCa was calculated in patients with MS, SCI and SB. Incidence, sex, age, radical cystectomy after BCa diagnosis and in-hospital deaths were compared between the three groups. The Chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for qualitative and quantitative data comparisons, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 2015 neuro-urological patients (mean (± SD) age: 65.4 ± 12.3 years) were hospitalized in France between 2010 and 2018 with a new diagnosis of BCa. In neuro-urological patients, BCa was more frequent in men than in women (sex ratio: 3.08). The incidence of BCa in neuro-urological patients was 174.9/100,000 persons/year. The incidence of BCa was 791.1/100,000 persons/year in SCI compared to 56.6 in MS and 113.8 in SB (p < 0.0001). After the initial diagnosis of BCa, 551 (27.3%) patients underwent a radical cystectomy and 613 (30.4%) died in hospital after BCa diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BCa in France between 2010 and 2018 was 174.9/100 000 persons/year, and was particularly high in patients with SCI.

Epidemiology and care pathway of vesicovaginal fistulas managed in France between 2010 and 2018.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) in France. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively and systematically collected data from January 2010 to December 2018 in the French Hospital Discharge Database. We used ICD-10 code "N820" to identify new VVF diagnoses. VVF incidence was calculated using estimations of the French population. We compared age on diagnosis, medical history of pelvic tumoral disease, radiotherapy, hysterectomy and childbirth, according to three subgroups: surgical repair attempt (SRA), long-term catheter and/or nephrostomies (LTC) or immediate surgical urinary diversion (ISUD). We focused on the patients diagnosed in 2017 to better analyse VVF aetiologies and outcomes (7-year hindsight and 1 year of follow-up). Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests were, respectively, used for qualitative and quantitative data comparisons. RESULTS: Of the 196 million hospital stays out of 50 million French citizens hospitalised from 2010 to 2018, 5499 women were hospitalised for VVF. The estimated incidence of VVF was 2.3/100,000 women-year. Approximately half of the patients underwent SRA (48.4%); 39.8% had LTC and 11.9% had ISUD. Patients were younger in the SRA subgroup (53.4 ± 14.7 years p < 0.001) with a lower rate of pelvic cancer (p < 0.001) or radiotherapy (p < 0.001) and a higher rate of hysterectomies (p > 0.001). In 2017, two-thirds of the VVF diagnosed were secondary to pelvic surgery. Mean management time was 9.2 ± 10.6 months. After SRA, 5.4% underwent incontinence surgery and 5.0% underwent secondary surgical urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: VVF is not a rare pathology in France, mainly due to pelvic surgery. Its management is complex and not well defined.

Long-term results of endoscopic treatment in vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term clinical outcomes and identify factors predicting success of endoscopic treatment for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after kidney transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had a symptomatic VUR after renal transplantation at our centre between January 2000 and December 2020 was performed. VUR was documented by retrograde cystography and was determined by at least one episode of acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN). Endoscopic injections of polydimethylsiloxane (MacroPlastique™) or dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux™) were performed by expert urologists via rigid cystoscopy with a bevelled needle system. The results of endoscopic treatment were evaluated by cystography at three months. The primary endpoint was clinical efficacy as defined by the absence of AGPN during follow-up. Radiological success was defined by the absence of VUR at the three months follow-up cystography. RESULTS: Out of 2135 kidney transplantations, a total of 117 (5.5%) patients had symptomatic VUR: 100 (85.5%) underwent Deflux™ and 17 (14.5%) MacroPlastique™. Preoperative high-grade VUR was recorded in 71% of patients. One postoperative complication was observed, Clavien > II. After a median follow-up of 11.2 years (IQR 6.5-14.4), clinical success was achieved in 73 patients (62.4%). Radiological success was obtained in 42 patients (36%). Multivariable analysis failed to identify predictors of endoscopic treatment success, which was independent of the preoperative grade of VUR and the type of bulking agent used. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of VUR is a simple and well-tolerated procedure with long-term clinical efficacy.

HoSAGE: sarcopenia in older patient with intermediate / high-risk prostate cancer, prevalence and incidence after androgen deprivation therapy: study protocol for a cohort trial.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined by a loss of muscle strength associated to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass. Ageing greatly contributes to sarcopenia as may many other factors such as cancer or androgen deprivation therapies (ADT). This cohort study aims to evaluate (1) the prevalence of muscle disorders and sarcopenia in older patients before initiation of intermediate to high risk prostate cancer treatment with ADT and radiotherapy, and (2) the occurrence and/or aggravation of muscle disorders and sarcopenia at the end of cancer treatment. METHODS: This cohort study is monocentric and prospective. The primary objectives are to determine the risk factor of sarcopenia prevalence and to study the relationship between ADT and sarcopenia incidence, in patients 70 years and older with histologically proven localized or locally advanced prostate cancer, addressed to a geriatrician (G8 score ≤14) for comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in Marseille University Hospital. Secondary objectives encompass, measurement of sarcopenia clinical criteria along prostate oncological treatment; evaluation of the quality of life of patients with sarcopenia; evaluation of the impact of socio-behavioral and anthropological factors on sarcopenia evolution and incidence; finally the evaluation of the impact of ADT exposure on sarcopenia. Sarcopenia prevalence was estimated to be between 20 and 30%, therefore the study will enroll 200 patients. DISCUSSION: The current guidelines for older patients with prostate cancer recommend a pelvic radiotherapy treatment associated to variable duration (6 to 36 months) of ADT. However ADT impacts muscle mass and could exacerbate the risks of sarcopenia. Our study intends to assess the specific effect of ADT on sarcopenia incidence and/or worsening as well as to estimate sarcopenia prevalence in this population. The results of this cohort trial will lead to a better understanding of sarcopenia prevalence and incidence necessary to further elaborate a prevention plan. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered to the French drug and device regulation agency under the number 2019-A02319-48, before beginning the study (11/12/2019). The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT04484246, registration on the ClinicalTrials.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04484246 ).

Definitions of Urinary Tract Infection Used in Interventional Studies Involving Neurourological Patients-A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Neurourological patients often encounter bacteriuria without any symptoms or may experience symptoms suspicious of urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, there is a lack of guidelines that unequivocally state the definition of UTIs in this specific patient group. OBJECTIVE: To present all used definitions of UTIs in neurourological patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were identified by electronic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials databases, and clinicaltrial.gov without a time limitation (last search September 2020) and by screening of reference lists and reviews. The occurrences of the various UTI definitions were counted and the frequencies calculated. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: After screening 7164 abstracts, we included 32 studies enrolling a total of 8488 patients with a neurourological disorder who took part in an interventional clinical study. UTI definitions were heterogeneous. The concordance to predefined definitions was low. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional clinical studies rarely report specific definitions for UTIs, and both clinical and laboratory criteria used are heterogeneous. A generally accepted UTI definition for neurourological patients is urgently needed. PATIENT SUMMARY: Patients suffering from neurological disorders often experience symptoms in their lower urinary tract that resemble urinary tract infections. Furthermore, they can have positive urine cultures without symptoms (the so-called asymptomatic bacteriuria). However, clinical studies rarely report specific definitions for urinary tract infections, and when it is done, they are heterogeneous. A generally accepted urinary tract infection definition for neurourological patients is urgently needed. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Interventional clinical studies on neurourological patients rarely report specific definitions for urinary tract infections (UTIs), and both clinical and laboratory criteria used are heterogeneous. A generally accepted UTI definition for neurourological patients is urgently needed.

Ureteral reimplantation after deflux failure for vesicoureteral reflux in renal transplant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of ureteral reimplantation (UR) after failure of endoscopic treatment for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric retrospective study that included all renal transplant recipients with failure of Deflux™ as first-line treatment of VUR from January 2007 to December 2020. Failure of Deflux™ was defined by: VUR on retrograde cystography and at least one acute pyelonephritis of the renal graft. The preferred surgical treatment was native ureteropyelostomy (NPUS) in the recent years. If the native ureter could not be used, ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) was performed. The primary outcome was the clinical efficacy of UR defined as the absence of acute graft pyelonephritis during follow-up. RESULTS: Out of 1565 kidney transplantations, 119 (7.6%) had symptomatic VUR treated with bulking agent. 35 (29.4%) had Deflux™ failure and were addressed to UR: 21/35 (60%) NPUS and 14/35 (40%) UNC. The median estimated blood loss, operative time, and length of stay were 120 mL, 90 min, and 7 days, respectively. After a median follow-up of 7.1 (IQR 4.1-9.8) years, UR was clinically successful in a total of 32 patients (91.4%): 20 (95.2%) and 12 (85.7%) patients in the NPUS and UNC groups, respectively (p = 0.55). Three (8.5%) high-grade complications have been reported. No nephrectomy of native kidney was required in the NPUS group. CONCLUSIONS: After failure of Deflux™ for VUR of renal graft, surgical treatment with native ureteropyelostomy or ureteroneocystostomy is associated to a high success rate and few high-grade complications.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on functional urology procedures in France: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on functional urology procedures in France. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted within 11 secondary and tertiary referral centers in France. Patients aged > 18 years who were diagnosed with a functional urology disease before the national lockdown (March 17th, 2020) and who required a surgery were included. Study period went from March 17th to September 30th 2020. The included interventions were listed according to the guidelines for functional urology enacted by the French Association of Urology and delay of reoperation was compared to the guidelines' delay. The primary outcome was the number of procedures left unscheduled at the end of the study period. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: From March 17th 2020 to September 3 rd 2020, 1246 patients with a previous diagnosis of a functional urological disease requiring a surgery were included. The mean follow-up was 140.4 days (± 53.4). Overall, 316 interventions (25.4%) were maintained whereas 74 (5.9%) were canceled, 848 (68.1%) postponed and 8 patients (0.6%) died. At the end of the follow-up, 184 patients (21.7%) were still not rescheduled. If the intervention was postponed, the mean delay between the initial and final date was 85.7 days (± 64.4). CONCLUSION: Overall, more than two thirds of interventions had to be postponed and the mean delay between the initial and final date was about three months.

Efficacy and Safety of Surgical Treatments for Neurogenic Stress Urinary Incontinence in Adults: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Controversy still exists regarding the balance of benefits and harms for the different surgical options for neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (N-SUI). OBJECTIVE: To identify which surgical option for N-SUI offers the highest cure rate and best safety without compromising urinary tract function and bladder management. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review was performed under the auspices of the European Association of Urology Guidelines Office and the European Association of Urology Neuro-Urology Guidelines Panel according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 32 studies were included. Overall, 852 neurourological patients were surgically treated for N-SUI. The treatment offered most often (13/32 studies) was an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS; 49%, 416/852) and was associated with a need for reintervention in one-third of patients. More than 200 surgical revisions were described. Overall, 146/852 patients (17%) received concomitant bladder augmentation, mainly during placement of an AUS (42%, 62/146) or autologous sling (34% of women and 14% of men). Following pubovaginal sling placement, dryness was achieved in 83% of cases. A significant improvement in N-SUI was observed in 87% (82/94) of women following placement of a synthetic midurethral sling. Efficacy after insertion of an adjustable continence therapy device (ACT 40%, proACT 60%) was reported for 38/128 cases (30%). The cure rate for bulking agents was 35% (9/25) according to 2/32 studies, mainly among men (90%). The risk of bias was highly relevant. Baseline and postoperative cystometry were missing in 13 and 28 studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is mainly reported in retrospective studies. More than one intervention is often required to achieve continence because of coexisting neurogenic detrusor overactivity, low compliance, or the onset of complications in the medium and long term. Urodynamic data are needed to better clarify the success of N-SUI treatment with the different techniques. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our review shows that insertion of an artificial urinary sphincter for urinary incontinence is effective but is highly associated with a need for repeat surgery. Other surgical options may have lower continence rates or a risk of requiring intermittent catheterization, which patients should be informed about before deciding on surgery for their incontinence.