Summary Paper on Underactive Bladder from the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Panel on non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) aimed to develop a new subchapter on underactive bladder (UAB) in non-neurogenic men to inform health care providers of current best evidence and practice. Here, we present a summary of the UAB subchapter that is incorporated into the 2024 version of the EAU guidelines on non-neurogenic male LUTS. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted from 2002 to 2022, and articles with the highest certainty evidence were selected. A strength rating has been provided for each recommendation according to the EAU Guideline Office methodology. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a urodynamic diagnosis defined as a contraction of reduced strength and/or duration, resulting in prolonged bladder emptying and/or failure to achieve complete bladder emptying within a normal time span. UAB is a terminology that should be reserved for describing symptoms and clinical features related to DU. Invasive urodynamics is the only widely accepted method for diagnosing DU. In patients with persistently elevated postvoid residual (ie, >300 ml), intermittent catheterization is indicated and preferred to indwelling catheters. Alpha-adrenergic blockers are recommended before more invasive techniques, but the level of evidence is low. In men with DU and concomitant benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), benign prostatic surgery should be considered only after appropriate counseling. In men with DU and no BPO, a test phase of sacral neuromodulation may be considered. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The current text represents a summary of the new subchapter on UAB. For more detailed information, refer to the full-text version available on the EAU website (https://uroweb.org/guidelines/management-of-non-neurogenic-male-luts). PATIENT SUMMARY: The European Association of Urology guidelines on underactive bladder in non-neurogenic adult men are presented here. Patients must be fully informed of all relevant options and, together with their treating physicians, decide on the most optimal management for them.

Primary implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter using the perineal and penoscrotal approaches: Functional results and assessment of reoperative procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the standard treatment for severe stress urinary incontinence in men. While the perineal access is considered the gold standard, some authors have proposed penoscrotal AUS in order to facilitate the procedure. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the duration of survival without revision surgery (SSRC) according to the surgical approach for primary implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 1179 patients implanted in France between 1991 and 2020 with an AMS 800 AUS were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 762 men were implanted perineally (VP) and 417 penoscrotally (VPS). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 20 vs. 25months respectively. The groups were equivalent overall, apart from the use of anticoagulants (11% VP vs. 6.3% VPS P=0.014). In our population, 54% patients were considered as "dry" in the case of VPS vs. 42% for VP. There was no significant difference in terms of survival time without reoperation, revision, replacement or explantation. In univariate and multivariate analysis, age over 70years was predictive of more reinterventions, whereas the use of a 4.5cm cuff was protective, with hazard ratios of 1.42 (P=0.001) and 0.78 (P=0.04), respectively. CONCLUSION: The penoscrotal approach does not appear to be associated with more complications, has good functional results and no significant difference in reoperation-free survival. A prospective multicenter non-inferiority study could be of interest to confirm our findings.

Do pelvic floor muscle function parameters differ in women according to continence status? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Current literature highlights the difficulty in identifying which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) functions are correlated with urinary incontinence (UI). AIM: In this study, we compared parameters of PFM function (strength, endurance, tone, control, reaction, and/or coordination) according to continence status in women (presence or absence, type and/or severity of urinary incontinence). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Three databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, and LiSSa) were searched from inception to December 31, 2021. Assessment of risk of bias was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The initial research yielded 4733 studies. Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, including 4015 participants. No statistical association was found between PFM function and the presence or absence of UI, the different type of UI or the different levels of severity of UI. The heterogeneity in methodologies and analyzes of the results only with the P-value are important limitations of this review. CONCLUSION: It appears that muscle function is not always associated with presence or absence of UI. No association is found between PFM function and type or severity of UI. These results reinforce the need to carry out a bio-psycho-social evaluation of UI that does not only focus on PFM functions. As such, the results reported herein can be considered a resource for more specific research.

How I Do It: Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation TENSI+ system.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL), well-being and daily functioning for both men and women. Among various treatments, peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) emerges as an effective third-line treatment for OAB symptoms, with options for either a percutaneous approach (P-PTNS) or by transcutaneous delivery (T-PTNS). Recent studies have shown negligible differences between P-PTNS and T-PTNS efficacy in alleviating urinary urgency and frequency and QoL improvement and, overall no difference in efficacy over antimuscarinic regimens. The TENSI+ system offers a cutting-edge transcutaneous approach, allowing patients to self-administer treatment conveniently at home with electrical stimulation delivery through surface electrodes. It stands out for its ease of preparation, tolerability, and high levels of patient satisfaction. Prospective multicentric data highlights TENSI+ to be an effective and safe treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms with high treatment adherence at 3 months. This paper aims to familiarize readers with the TENSI+ system, current studies, device assembly, operation, and treatment recommendations.

Evaluation of the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of voiding dysfunction after endometriosis surgery.

Pelvic surgery for endometriosis is associated with a risk of bladder and digestive sequelae. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and voiding dysfunction (VD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in treating voiding dysfunction (VD) following endometriosis surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from women who underwent SNM testing for persistent VD after endometriosis surgery. The study included 21 patients from a French tertiary referral center. Patient characteristics, lower urinary tract symptoms, urodynamic findings, SNM procedures, and outcomes were assessed. The primary outcome was the success of SNM treatment for VD. After a median follow-up of 55 months, 60% of patients achieved successful outcomes, with significant improvements of VD and quality of life. Moreover, more than half of patients who required clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) before SNM were able to wean off CISC. Complications such as infections and paraesthesia were observed, but overall, SNM was found to be effective and well tolerated. Age and the interval between endometriosis surgery and SNM testing were associated with treatment success. This study adds to the limited existing literature on SNM for VD after endometriosis surgery and suggests that SNM can be a valuable therapeutic option for these patients. Further research is needed to identify predictive factors and mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of SNM in this context. MRI-compatible and rechargeable devices, has improved the feasibility of SNM for these patients. In conclusion, SNM offers promise as a treatment option for persistent VD after endometriosis surgery, warranting further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Which revision strategy is the best for non-mechanical failure of male artificial urinary sphincter?

PURPOSE: Persistence or recurrence of stress urinary incontinence (prSUI) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation may be secondary to non-mechanical failure (NOMECA). It have for long been assumed to result from urethral atrophy. Its existence is now debated. As the pathophysiology of NOMECA is not elucidated, the most appropriate management remains unclear. We aimed to compare the several revision techniques for NOMECA of AUS in men. METHODS: NOMECA was defined as prSUI, with normally functioning device, no erosion, infection or fluid loss. Exclusion criteria were neurogenic SUI, revision or explantation for other causes. From 1991 to 2022, 143 AUS revisions for NOMECA, including 99 cuff DOWNSIZING, 10 cuff repositioning (RELOC), 13 TANDEM-CUFF placement, 18 cuff changing (CHANGE), three increasing balloon pressure (BALLOON-UP), were performed in 10 centers. BALLOON-UP patients weren't included in comparative analysis due to small sample size. All components could be changed during the revision. Patients were also categorized in COMPLETE-CHANGE vs. PARTIAL-CHANGE of the device. RESULTS: The three-months complete continence rate was 70.8% with a significant difference between RELOC and DOWNSIZING groups (p = 0.04). COMPLETE CHANGE was significantly associated with complete continence status at three months in multivariate analysis (83.3% vs. 63.3%, OR = 2.7; CI 95% [1.1-7.1], p = 0.03). Estimated five-year reoperation-free and explantation-free survival were respectively 63.4% and 75.9% (p = 0.16; p = 0.30). Those were significantly longer in COMPLETE-CHANGE vs PARTIAL-CHANGE (82.2% vs. 69.6%, p = 0.03); (71.2% vs. 58.2%, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: AUS revision for prSUI due to NOMECA yields satisfactory outcomes regardless of the technique used. We observed better functional outcomes when repositioning the new cuff. COMPLETE-CHANGE may improve functional outcomes, explantation-free and reoperation-free survivals.

Medical Treatment Incidence and Persistence After Surgical Relief of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Critical Analysis of the Literature.

CONTEXT: The incidence and risk factors for persisting pharmacotherapy following surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence on persisting pharmacotherapy of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following surgical treatment of BPO. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses checklist (PROSPERO ID CRD42022310598). PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched in February 2022, with an updated search in October 2022. Studies evaluating pharmacotherapy in men aged >18 yr following surgical treatment of BPO were included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, ten nonrandomized studies and one post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials were included. The incidence of persisting medical treatment or medical retreatment varied strongly between time points and investigated surgical techniques. Among the investigated techniques, most data were available for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Persistence of pharmacotherapy after TURP at 6 mo ranged from 8.7% to 57% for the use of alpha-blockers. The use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors after TURP ranged from 5.5% at 6 mo to 19% at 6-24 mo, whereas the use of antimuscarinics ranged from 3.4% to 28.1% at 6 mo. Data on initiation of pharmacotherapy after TURP also differed between study and type of medication. At 12 yr, the use of alpha-blockers after TURP ranged from 12% to 38%. The risk factors associated with medication after BPO surgery were age, history of diabetes mellitus, history of cerebrovascular accident, preoperative medication use, as well as surgical techniques other than laser enucleation of the prostate. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacotherapy for LUTS is common after BPO surgery. The outcomes following different surgical techniques are heterogeneous, with limited data from randomized controlled trials. Future studies on surgical treatment of BPO should include the use of LUTS-related pharmacotherapy after BPO surgery as a secondary endpoint. PATIENT SUMMARY: In the present systematic review, we investigated the risk of ongoing or novel therapy with drugs following surgery for benign prostate enlargement. We found that a non-negligible proportion of men will need to take drug therapy after surgery. Certain risk factors can be identified, which are associated with a higher risk of drug therapy after surgery.

Efficacy, Safety, and Reoperation-free Survival of Artificial Urinary Sphincter in Non-neurological Male Patients over 75 Years of Age.

Background: Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is a gold standard treatment in male stress urinary incontinence but remains poorly used in elderly patients. Objective: To assess the efficacy, safety, and reoperation-free survival of AUS implantation in male patients over 75 yr of age. Design setting and participants: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all 1233 non-neurological male AUS implantations between 2005 and 2020 at 13 French centers. We compared 330 patients ≥75 yr old (GROUP75+) with 903 patients <75 yr old (GROUP75-) at the time of AUS implantation. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Our primary endpoint was social continence at 3 mo defined as the use of one or fewer pad daily. We used Kaplan-Meier analyses to assess reoperation-free survival. We sought factors of erosion using logistic regression. Results and limitations: Early postoperative continence was comparable in both groups (74.4% vs 80.1%, p = 0.114). We observed a higher rate of postoperative complications in GROUP75+ (18.8% vs 12.6%, p = 0.014), but the complications were more frequently of low grade in GROUP75+ (p = 0.025). The overall reoperation-free survival was similar (p = 0.076) after a median follow-up of 2 yr. However, patients in GROUP75+ had poorer explantation-free survival (p < 0.0001). A history of radiotherapy was a predictive factor of erosion (odds ratio [OR] = 5.31, p < 0.01), but age was not (OR = 1.08, p = 0.87). Unfortunately, our dataset did not include a systematic geriatric evaluation. Conclusions: AUS in elderly patients appears to be an effective option to treat stress urinary incontinence. However, we observed more postoperative complications and explantations, although age was not associated with the onset of erosion. A prospective study is required to determine whether a geriatric evaluation would be an effective strategy to select patients before surgery. Patient summary: In this study, we looked at outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter in elderly men in a large population. We found satisfying efficacy but slightly more postoperative complications and device infections.

Efficacy and safety of the TENSI+ device for posterior tibial nerve stimulation: A multicenter, retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TC-PTNS) is a validated option for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) management, with a short-term success rate of around 60% and few adverse events. Our goal was to report the efficacy and safety results of TC-PTNS using the newly issued device TENSI+ for LUTS management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 7 urology departments in France. All patients treated with TC-PTNS for LUTS using the TENSI+ device between September 2021 and February 2022 were included. All patients received supervised at-home training by a specialized nurse. All patients were asked to do daily, 20minutes sessions of TC-PTNS. Patient demographics, history, initial symptoms and previous treatment were collected at inclusion. A follow-up visit was scheduled at 3 months. Efficacy was evaluated through treatment persistence at 3 months and PGI-I (Patient Global Impression of Improvement) score. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients (86 women and 17 men) were included. All patients had overactive bladder symptoms, 64 suffered from urgency incontinence, and 24 had associated voiding symptoms. Eighteen patients had neurogenic background, and 30 previously received anticholinergics. After a median follow-up of 12 [10-21]weeks, 70 patients were still using the device (68%). PGI-I score reflected an improvement in 70.9% and was 1, 2 and 3 in 28, 26 and 19 patients respectively, while 24 were unchanged and 6 were worse. No clinical baseline parameter was predictive of success. Adverse events included pain at stimulation site (two cases) and pelvic pain (two patients), which rapidly resolved after treatment interruption. CONCLUSIONS: TC-PTNS with TENSI+ device is an effective option for LUTS management, with results that seem similar to other TC-PTNS approaches. Adverse events were mild and reversible after treatment interruption.

[Multidisciplinary meetings in pelvic floor disease in women: A national survey by the CUROPF among French urologists]. / Réunion de concertation pluridisciplinaire en pelvipérinéologie en France : résultats d'une enquête nationale du CUROPF auprès des urologues français.

INTRODUCTION: Multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs) in the field of pelvic floor diseases in women tend to generalize, as they are required as mandatory before mid-urethral sling implantation or sacrocolpopexy by recent decrees published by the French health authorities. However, access to these meetings is variable in the French territory. The goal of the present study was to describe the existence and the settings of these kinds of meetings in France. MATERIEL AND METHODS: An on-line survey was conducted between June and July 2020 (stage 1) then between November 2021 and January 2022 (stage 2). A 15-item questionnaire was sent to all members of the Association française d'urologie (AFU). A descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-two completed questionnaires were sent back during stage 1 and 158 during stage 2. Early 2022, 61.3% of respondents had access to a pelviperineology MTM, with important difference according to geographical areas. Main activity of MTMs was case discussion of complex situations (68% of meetings). At the end of 2021, 22% of the respondents declared willing to stop partially or totally their pelviperineology activity, given the new regulations set in place by the authorities. CONCLUSION: Despite being absolutely mandatory in current clinical practice, MTMs in pelvic floor disease have spread slowly. MTMs implementation was still insufficient in 2022, and variable on the French territory. Some urologists declare having no access to such resources and about 1 out of 5 were considering to voluntary stop of decrease significantly their activity in this difficult context.

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.

Summary Paper on the 2023 European Association of Urology Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

CONTEXT: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common, often bothersome, and have multifactorial aetiology. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2023 version of the European Association of Urology guidelines on the management of male LUTS. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A structured literature search from 1966 to 2021 selected the articles with the highest certainty evidence. The Delphi technique consensus approach was used to develop the recommendations. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The assessment of men with LUTS should be practical. A careful medical history and physical examination are essential. Validated symptom scores, urine test, uroflowmetry, and postvoid urine residual, as well as frequency-volume charts for patients with nocturia or predominately storage symptoms should be used. Prostate-specific antigen should be ordered if a diagnosis of prostate cancer changes the treatment plan. Urodynamics should be performed for selected patients. Men with mild symptoms are candidates for watchful waiting. Behavioural modification should be offered to men with LUTS prior to, or concurrent with, treatment. The choice of medical treatment depends on the assessment findings, predominant type of symptoms, ability of the treatment to change the findings, and the expectations to be met in terms of the speed of onset, efficacy, side effects, and disease progression. Surgery is reserved for men with absolute indications, and for patients who fail or prefer not to receive medical therapy. Surgical management has been divided into five sections: resection, enucleation, vaporisation, and alternative ablative and nonablative techniques. The choice of surgical technique depends on patient's characteristics, expectations, and preferences; surgeon's expertise; and availability of modalities. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines provide an evidence-based approach for the management of male LUTS. PATIENT SUMMARY: A clinical assessment should identify the cause(s) of symptoms and define the clinical profile and patient's expectations. The treatment should aim to ameliorate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

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.

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Minimally invasive surgical therapies for male lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction were developed to be safer and more tolerable than standard ablative techniques. These treatments have not been compared with each other in a randomised fashion, and for some treatments, there are no trials against a reference technique. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of water vapour thermal therapy (WVTT), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE), temporary implantable nitinol device (iTIND), transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and grey literature for randomised controlled trials was performed. Trials meeting the selection criteria were assessed for the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Treatments were compared, using a network meta-analysis, in terms of outcomes including symptom score, quality of life, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and scales from the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search identified 63 trials. Symptoms and quality of life for PAE, PUL, and WVTT appeared similar to those for TURP, whereas TURP was found to have the most clinically significant improvement in flow rate. TUMT was less efficacious than TURP but provided similar results on quality of life. Comparisons of ejaculatory function favoured WVTT and PUL compared with TURP. The relative efficacy of iTIND was less clear because of the risk of bias in the respective trial. CONCLUSIONS: PAE, PUL, and WVTT appear favourable from a risk-benefit perspective despite probably having less efficacy than TURP for objective outcomes. These findings warrant confirmation through long-term randomised controlled trials. PATIENT SUMMARY: This paper has summarised the evidence from 63 clinical trials on minimally invasive surgical therapies for men with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including water vapour thermal therapy (WVTT), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE), temporary implantable nitinol device, and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). Improvement in symptoms for each of PAE, PUL, TUMT, and WVTT in short-term follow-up was similar to that for the standard surgical treatment, although standard surgery appeared to provide the greatest increase in urine flow. Men who had WVTT or PUL were less likely to have problems with sexual function than those who had standard surgery.

Pharmacologic and Surgical Retreatment After Office-based Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Office-based treatments are increasingly offered as an optional step to replace medical treatment or delay surgery for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Nevertheless, little is known regarding the risks of retreatment. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding retreatment rates after water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), and temporarily implanted nitinol device (iTIND) procedures. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was conducted up to June 2022 using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The primary outcomes were the rates of pharmacologic and surgical retreatment during follow-up. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 36 studies including 6380 patients met our inclusion criteria. Surgical and minimally invasive retreatment rates were generally well reported in the studies included and reached up to 5% after 3 yr of follow-up for iTIND, and up to 4% for WVTT and 13% for PUL after 5 yr of follow-up. The types and rates of pharmacologic retreatment are poorly reported in the literature, with the latter reaching up to 7% after 3 yr of follow-up for iTIND, and up to 11% after 5 yr of follow-up for WVTT and PUL. The main limitations of our review are the unclear to high risk of bias in most of the studies included and the lack of long-term (>5 yr) data on retreatment risks. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the low retreatment rates at mid-term follow-up after office-based treatments for LUTS, supporting the development of these strategies as an intermediate step between BPH medication and conventional surgery. Pending more robust data with longer follow-up, these results should be used to improve patient information and facilitate shared decision-making. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our review highlights the low risk of mid-term retreatment after office-based treatments for benign enlargement of the prostate that is affecting urinary function. For well-selected patients, these results support the increasing use of office-based treatment as an intermediate option before conventional surgery.

Latest Evidence on Post-Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence.

A radical prostatectomy is frequently used as the first-line treatment for men with prostate cancer. Persistent urinary incontinence after surgery is one of the most severe adverse events. We report the results of a comprehensive literature search focused on post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI), performed by a panel of experts on non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms. The data on the prevalence and timing of PPI are very heterogeneous. The etiology of PPI can be multifactorial and mainly dependent on patient characteristics, lower urinary tract function or surgical issues. The medical history with a physical examination, the use of validated questionnaires with a voiding diary and pad tests are determinants in identifying the contributing factors and choosing the right treatment. Lifestyle intervention and urinary containment are the most frequently used strategies for the conservative management of PPI, while antimuscarinics, beta-3 agonists and duloxetine (off-label) are drugs indicated to manage PPI with a concomitant overactive bladder. Surgical therapies for the management of post-prostatectomy SUI include non-adjustable trans-obturator slings in men with mild-to-moderate incontinence and an artificial urinary sphincter in men with moderate-to-severe incontinence.