Outcomes of sacral neuromodulation in male patients with overactive bladder, chronic pelvic pain, and fecal incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing body of literature on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes, research focusing on male patients remains limited and often represented by small cohorts nested within a larger study of mostly women. Herein, we evaluated the outcomes of SNM in a male-only cohort with overactive bladder (OAB), fecal incontinence (FI), chronic bladder pain, and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 64 male patients who underwent SNM insertion between 2013 and 2021 at a high-volume tertiary center. Indications for SNM therapy included OAB, FI, chronic pelvic pain, and NLUTD. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's and t-test were used in analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.7 ± 13.4 years, and the most frequent reason for SNM insertion was idiopathic OAB (72%), FI (16%), pelvic pain (11%), and NLUTD (11%). A majority (84%) of men received treatment prior to SNM insertion. 84% reported satisfaction and 92% symptom improvement within the first year, and these improvements persisted beyond 1 year in 73% of patients. Mean follow up was 52.7 ± 21.0 months. The complication rate was 23%, and the need for adjunct treatments was significantly reduced (73% to 27%, p < 0.001). Treatment outcomes did not differ significantly between various indications for SNM therapy or the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). CONCLUSION: SNM is an effective and safe procedure for male patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic OAB, pelvic pain, and FI. Over 70% of patients experienced symptomatic improvement and remained satisfied in the mid to long term follow up. BPH does not seem to hinder treatment outcomes.

AI for BPH Surgical Decision-Making: Cost Effectiveness and Outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent in nearly 70% of men over the age of 60, leading to significant clinical challenges due to varying symptom presentations and treatment responses. The decision to undergo surgical intervention is not straightforward; the American Urological Association recommends consideration of surgical treatment after inadequate or failed response to medical therapy. This review explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning models, in enhancing the decision-making processes for BPH management. RECENT FINDINGS: AI applications in this space include analysis of non-invasive imaging modalities, such as multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound, which enhance diagnostic precision. AI models also concatenate serum biomarkers and histopathological analysis to distinguish BPH from prostate cancer (PC), offering high accuracy rates. Furthermore, AI aids in predicting patient outcomes post-treatment, supporting personalized medicine, and optimizing therapeutic strategies. AI has demonstrated potential in differentiating BPH from PC through advanced imaging and predictive models, improving diagnostic accuracy, and reducing the need for invasive procedures. Despite promising advancements, challenges remain in integrating AI into clinical workflows, establishing standard evaluation metrics, and achieving cost-effectiveness. Here, we underscore the potential of AI to improve patient outcomes, streamline BPH management, and reduce healthcare costs, especially with continued research and development in this transformative field.

Safety and Efficacy of Same Day Discharge for Men Undergoing Contemporary Robotic-assisted Aquablation Prostate Surgery in an Ambulatory Surgery Center Setting-First Global Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of same-day discharge (SDD) after Aquablation specifically in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). METHODS: A prospective cohort of men with significant BPH underwent Aquablation at a single ASC. Comprehensive preoperative assessments were conducted, including uroflowmetry, IPSS, and PVR. Aquablation was performed as morning cases by a single experienced surgeon. Following the procedure, men were assessed for immediate postoperative outcomes, including pain levels, hematuria, and voiding efficiency. Patients meeting discharge criteria were allowed to return home on the same calendar day. RESULTS: A total of 60 consecutive men with a mean prostate size of 115 mL underwent Aquablation, 59 (98%) of whom were discharged the same day. No transfusions or return to the OR occurred. The procedure demonstrated a significant improvement in urinary flow rates and a substantial reduction in IPSS scores at the 1-month post-operative period. Pain scores were found to be minimal, and the incidence of postoperative complications, including hematuria and urinary retention was low and comparable to previously published outcomes. Despite more meticulous focal cautery, no differences in erectile, ejaculatory or adverse outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION: Aquablation for BPH at an ASC appears to be a safe and effective approach. Morning procedures and attentive cautery and streamlined patient pathways seem essential for SDD. Despite electrosurgical hemostasis, ejaculatory, sexual, and post-operatively pain were not compromised.

Sacral neuromodulation in pediatric refractory bladder and bowel dysfunction Insights from Canada's first pediatric cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Refractory bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) significantly affects the health and quality of life of children and their caregivers, emphasizing the need for effective and minimally invasive treatments. This study aims to present the inaugural Canadian experience using sacral neuromodulation (SNM ) as a therapeutic option for children with refractory BBD. METHODS: Patients <18 years old with refractory BBD were prospectively followed from 2018 to the present. Preoperative evaluation included spinal MRI and video urodynamics. Two-stage SNM implantation was executed with a minimum two-week stage 1 trial. Functional outcomes and complication rates were measured following validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Six patients completed staged implantation at a median age of 10.8 years (range 8.2-18). The median baseline Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS) score was 12.5 (10-22). At six months of followup, only one patient required adjunct bladder medication. Median DVSS at one-year followup was 5.5 (0-7). Symptomatic resolution was noted in three patients at six months, sustained over one year. Early surgical complications were reported in one (infection) and late complications in three (lead fracture, battery depletion, non-traumatic malfunction), requiring reimplantation at a median of 37.5 (1-49) months. Post-SNM reimplantation, oral medication and rectal therapy decreased, and DVSS scores improved by 30% (0-63.6) at six months. CONCLUSIONS: SNM is feasible and offers promising results for refractory pediatric BBD in Canada. The significant improvement of symptoms highlights the treatment's potential, which must be balanced against the high need for revision detected at three years, possibly related to patients' growth and high activity level.

Feasibility assessment of catheter-free water vapor thermal therapy for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To investigate safety and feasibility of performing water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT; Rezum, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) without postoperative catheterization among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: This is a prospective, single arm, unblinded pilot study of 20 consecutive male patients ages 40-80 who underwent WVTT at a single academic institution. All patients underwent 1 injection per lobe at the point of maximal obstruction based on visualization. Primary outcome was evaluation of voiding parameters, symptom scores, and need for catheterization at 3 day, 1, 3, and 6 month follow up compared to baseline visit 30 days prior to surgery. RESULTS: Mean age was 65 years (range 55-75). Mean prostate volume and PVR were 43 cc (range 30-68) and 89 cc, with 30% (n = 6) having median lobes. Patients received 2-3 treatments based on presence of bilobar versus trilobar hyperplasia. One patient (55 cc prostate, no median lobe) required catheterization for acute urinary retention on postoperative day 2. No patients required antibiotics for urinary tract infection or inpatient readmission within 30 days. Qmax significantly increased from 6 mL/s to 8, 13, 12, and 14 at 3 days, 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.05). IPSS decreased from 17 preoperatively to 10, 6, 7, and 8 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in PVR, IIEF, MSHQ-EjD, or SF-12. CONCLUSIONS: In well-selected men, catheter-free WVTT is feasible and improved voiding parameters and symptom scores. No changes in sexual function, infectious complications, or readmission were noted. Only 1 patient (5%) required postoperative catheterization within 30 days.

National Long-Term Trends in Postoperative Opioid Prescribing in Ambulatory Urology Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: With more than 60% of urological procedures performed in ambulatory settings, it is imperative to understand the current trends in postoperative narcotic prescriptions and their adherence to the guidelines. We studied postoperative opioid-prescribing patterns after selected common urology ambulatory procedures. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was derived from a 10% random sample of enrollees within the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus for Academics database from 2015 to 2021. Patient-level baseline characteristics were collected in the year preceding the index date. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to compare patient characteristics from opioid and nonopioid cohorts and those who utilized opioids ≤ 7 days and > 7 days postprocedurally. Trends of opioid and nonopioid use were also investigated and compared. RESULTS: Between 2015 to 2021, 17,817 patients underwent urological ambulatory procedures, of which the majority (90.9%) were endoscopic procedures. Of those, 4077 (22%) were prescribed opioids and 978 (5.4%) patients were given prescription nonopioid (ie, ketorolac) medication. From 2015 to 2021, there was an overall decrease in prescription of opioids from 32% to 19%. The acute fulfillment (within 7 days of the procedure) of opioids had notably declined; however, there is a slight increase in the fulfillment of opioids beyond 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Within the 7-day postsurgical period after ambulatory procedures, narcotic prescribing habits among urologists are congruent with current initiatives to reduce narcotic use in the setting of the opioid pandemic. However, beyond the 7-day postsurgical period, further guidelines are needed to guide narcotic prescribing habits.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 2023 update.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that affects over 50% of men as they enter their fifth decade of life, often leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Primary treatment options include alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. However, these medications can have some side effects, and there is a noticeable dearth of information addressing the long-term use of these medications. Thus, the exploration of all treatment modalities helps ensure patients receive personalized and effective care. Consequently, the primary objective of this review is to identify potential emerging medications for the treatment of BPH. AREAS COVERED: We conducted an extensive review of articles discussing pharmacotherapy for BPH spanning the last 15 years. Our information gathering process involved Scopus, PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane, Wiley Online Library Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the PharmaProjects database. This approach ensures that readers gain an in-depth knowledge of the existing therapeutic agents as well as promising avenues for managing BPH. EXPERT OPINION: BPH treatment targets a patient's specific constellation of symptoms. Therefore, a broad knowledge base encompassing various treatment options is paramount in ensuring optimal treatment. Looking forward, the emphasis on personalization promises to reshape the landscape of BPH treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Can ChatGPT provide high-quality patient information on male lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostate enlargement?

BACKGROUND: ChatGPT has recently emerged as a novel resource for patients' disease-specific inquiries. There is, however, limited evidence assessing the quality of the information. We evaluated the accuracy and quality of the ChatGPT's responses on male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostate enlargement (BPE) when compared to two reference resources. METHODS: Using patient information websites from the European Association of Urology and the American Urological Association as reference material, we formulated 88 BPE-centric questions for ChatGPT 4.0+. Independently and in duplicate, we compared the ChatGPT's responses and the reference material, calculating accuracy through F1 score, precision, and recall metrics. We used a 5-point Likert scale for quality rating. We evaluated examiner agreement using the interclass correlation coefficient and assessed the difference in the quality scores with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: ChatGPT addressed all (88/88) LUTS/BPE-related questions. For the 88 questions, the recorded F1 score was 0.79 (range: 0-1), precision 0.66 (range: 0-1), recall 0.97 (range: 0-1), and the quality score had a median of 4 (range = 1-5). Examiners had a good level of agreement (ICC = 0.86). We found no statistically significant difference between the scores given by the examiners and the overall quality of the responses (p = 0.72). DISCUSSION: ChatGPT demostrated a potential utility in educating patients about BPE/LUTS, its prognosis, and treatment that helps in the decision-making process. One must exercise prudence when recommending this as the sole information outlet. Additional studies are needed to completely understand the full extent of AI's efficacy in delivering patient education in urology.

An analysis of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgical treatment reimbursement trends across Canada Examining provincial changes over the recent decade with comparison to cost of living changes.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of procedures for the endoscopic surgical treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refractory to medical therapy have existed for decades. The present study examined trends in surgeon compensation for these treatments within Canada. METHODS: The physician fee schedule for BPH surgery across 10 Canadian provinces for the years 2010 and 2023 were obtained. A descriptive study examined first the provincial reimbursement for transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and laser ablative/enucleation surgery; second, the difference in TURP reimbursement between 2010 and 2023; and third, the annual change in TURP reimbursement juxtaposed with the annual change in the provincial Consumer Price Index (CPI) and annual salary for the working population aged 35-44. RESULTS: Seven of 10 Canadian provinces reimburse laser BPH surgery equally to TURP. The average provincial TURP reimbursement is $545, ranging from $451 in Ontario to $688 in Saskatchewan. Since 2010, TURP reimbursement has varied by province from a 0% net change in Ontario to an increase of 21% in Nova Scotia. Reimbursement for TURP has increased at a slower pace than the local CPI, and for half of the provinces at a slower pace than the annual salary for people aged 35-44. CONCLUSIONS: The compensation model for endoscopic BPH surgery does not have a unified structure in Canada that is consistent across provinces, nor does it keep up with inflation, possibly impacting future recruitment, increasing geographic disparities, and most importantly, limiting the adoption of new BPH therapies.

Prevalence and determinants of shared decision-making for PSA testing in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making (SDM) is recommended for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing but appears underutilized. This population-based study assessed the prevalence and determinants of SDM for PSA testing among US men. METHODS: We assessed PSA testing rates and SDM engagement in men aged 40 and older without prostate cancer history using the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. SDM was defined as discussing the advantages and disadvantages of PSA testing with a physician. We used multivariable logistic regression with machine learning to identify factors associated with lack of SDM. RESULTS: Among 9723 eligible participants (mean age 58 years), lifetime PSA testing prevalence was 45.9% and the 1-year testing incidence was 29.1%. Only 24.1% reported engaging in SDM with a physician, while 62.9% never discussed PSA testing. Younger age and lower education levels were the primary determinants of decreased SDM engagement. Men with less education engaged in SDM less than half as often as those with higher education levels across all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Societal guidelines recommend SDM for PSA testing. However, most men, regardless of age, have never engaged in SDM conversations with a healthcare provider about PSA testing, especially those with less education. More efforts are needed to improve patient-provider conversations about the potential benefits and harms of PSA testing.

Influence of Early Apical Release on Outcomes in Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate: Results From a Multicenter Series of 4392 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes after laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) stratified by whether early apical release (EAR) was performed or not. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with holmium or thulium fiber laser in 8 centers (January 2020-January 2022). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: previous prostate/urethral surgery, prostate cancer, pelvic radiotherapy, concomitant lower urinary tract surgery. One-to-one propensity score-matching was performed between patients with EAR vs no EAR, with covariates including age, prostate volume, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preoperative indwelling catheter, IPSS, Qmax, enucleation, and laser types. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate independent predictors of 30-day postoperative complications and urinary incontinence. RESULTS: EAR was performed in 2094 of 4392 included patients. The matched cohort consisted of 787 patients per arm. Total operation time was significantly longer in the EAR group (median 75 vs 67 minutes, P = .004). Early complications were higher in the EAR group (18.6% vs 12.5%, P = .001), while postoperative incontinence rates were similar (14.1% vs 13.1%, P = .61). Multivariable regression analysis showed that 3-lobe enucleation and operation time were significant predictors of postoperative complications; preoperative indwelling catheterization, higher prostate volume, and en-bloc enucleation were associated with higher odds of postoperative incontinence. LIMITATION: retrospective nature. CONCLUSION: Performing EAR during EEP is associated with a greater incidence of early complications, which was mainly driven by higher rates of postoperative hematuria and perioperative transfusion. The risk of postoperative incontinence and its duration are not affected by EAR.

High-power holmium laser versus thulium fiber laser for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate in patients with glands larger than 80 ml: Results from the Prostate Endoscopic EnucLeation study group.

Background: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) has gained acceptance as an equitable alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Our primary aim is to compare peri-operative outcomes of EEP using thulium fiber laser (TFL) against high-power holmium laser (HPHL) in hands of experienced surgeons for large prostates (≥80 ml in volume). Secondary outcomes were assess complications within 1 year of follow up. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with TFL or HPHL in 13 centers (January 2019-January 2023). Patients with prostate volume ≥80 ml were included, while those with concomitant prostate cancer, previous prostate/urethral surgery, and pelvic radiotherapy were excluded. Results: Of 1,929 included patients, HPHL was utilized in 1,459 and TFL in 470. After propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline characteristics, 247 patients from each group were analyzed. Overall operative time (90 [70, 120] vs. 52.5 [39, 93] min, P < 0.001) and enucleation time (90 [70, 105] vs. 38 [25, 70] min, P < 0.001) were longer in the TFL group, with comparable morcellation time (13 [10, 19.5] vs. 13 [10, 16.5] min, P = 0.914). In terms of postoperative outcomes, there were no differences in 30-day complications such as acute urinary retention, urinary tract infection or sepsis. In the PSM cohort, univariable analyses showed that higher age, lower preoperative Qmax, higher preoperative PVRU, and longer operation time were associated with higher odds of postoperative incontinence, while 2-lobe enucleation had lower odds of incontinence compared to 3-lobe enucleation. Conclusions: This real-world study reaffirms that HPHL and TFL in large prostates are equally efficacious in terms of 30-day complications. TFL with the en-bloc technique has a shorter operative time which significantly improves short- and medium-term functional outcomes.

Defining minimal invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic obstruction surgery: Perspectives from a global knowledge, attitude, and practice survey.

Objective: To scrutinize the definitions of minimal invasive surgical therapy (MIST) and to investigate urologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices for benign prostatic obstruction surgeries. Methods: A 36-item survey was developed with a Delphi method. Questions on definitions of MIST and attitudes and practices of benign prostatic obstruction surgeries were included. Urologists were invited globally to complete the online survey. Consensus was achieved when more than or equal to 70% responses were "agree or strongly agree" and less than or equal to 15% responses were "disagree or strongly disagree" (consensus agree), or when more than or equal to 70% responses were "disagree or strongly disagree" and less than or equal to 15% responses were "agree or strongly agree" (consensus disagree). Results: The top three qualities for defining MIST were minimal blood loss (n=466, 80.3%), fast post-operative recovery (n=431, 74.3%), and short hospital stay (n=425, 73.3%). The top three surgeries that were regarded as MIST were Urolift® (n=361, 62.2%), Rezum® (n=351, 60.5%), and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) (n=332, 57.2%). Consensus in the knowledge section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®, Rezum®, and iTIND® over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss, recovery, day surgery feasibility, and post-operative continence. Consensus in the attitudes section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®, Rezum®, and iTIND® over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss, recovery, and day surgery feasibility. Consensus on both sections was achieved for EEP as the option with the better symptoms and flow improvement, lower retreatment rate, and better suitable for prostate more than 80 mL. Conclusion: Minimal blood loss, fast post-operative recovery, and short hospital stay were the most important qualities for defining MIST. Urolift®, Rezum®, and EEP were regarded as MIST by most urologists.

Use of the Schelin Catheter for transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia prior to Rezum treatment.

Minimally invasive surgery techniques (MIST) have become newly adopted in urological care.  Given this, new analgesic techniques are important in optimizing patient outcomes and resource management. Rezum treatment (RT) for BPH has emerged as a new MIST with excellent patient outcomes, including improving quality of life (QoL) and International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs), while also preserving sexual function.  Currently, the standard analgesic approach for RT involves a peri-prostatic nerve block (PNB) using a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or systemic sedation anesthesia.  The TRUS approach is invasive, uncomfortable, and holds a risk of infection.  Additionally, alternative methods such as, inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox), nitric oxide, general anesthesia, as well as intravenous (IV) sedation pose safety risks or mandate the presence of an anesthesiology team.  Transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia (TUIA) using the Schelin Catheter (ProstaLund, Lund, Sweden) (SC) provides a new, non-invasive, and efficient technique for out-patient, office based Rezum procedures.  Through local administration of an analgesic around the prostate base, the SC has been shown to reduce pain, procedure times, and bleeding during MISTs.  Herein, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of TUIA via the SC in a cohort of 10 patients undergoing in-patient RT for BPH.

Incidence of urinary incontinence following endoscopic laser enucleation of the prostate by en-bloc and non- en-bloc techniques: a multicenter, real-world experience of 5068 patients.

We aim to evaluate the incidence of incontinence following laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) comparing en-bloc (Group 1) versus 2-lobe/3-lobe techniques (Group 2). We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing EEP for benign prostatic enlargement in 12 centers between January 2020 and January 2022. Data were presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). There were 1711 patients in Group 1 and 3357 patients in Group 2. Patients in Group 2 were significantly younger (68 [62-73] years vs 69 [63-74] years, P = 0.002). Median (interquartile range) prostate volume (PV) was similar between the groups (70 [52-92] ml in Group 1 vs 70 [54-90] ml in Group 2, P = 0.774). There was no difference in preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, or maximum flow rate. Enucleation, morcellation, and total surgical time were significantly shorter in Group 1. Within 1 month, overall incontinence rate was 6.3% in Group 1 versus 5.3% in Group 2 ( P = 0.12), and urge incontinence was significantly higher in Group 1 (55.1% vs 37.3% in Group 2, P < 0.001). After 3 months, the overall rate of incontinence was 1.7% in Group 1 versus 2.3% in Group 2 ( P = 0.06), and SUI was significantly higher in Group 2 (55.6% vs 24.1% in Group 1, P = 0.002). At multivariable analysis, PV and IPSS were factors significantly associated with higher odds of transient SUI/MUI. PV, surgical time, and no early apical release technique were factors associated with higher odds of persistent SUI/MUI.

Comparing prostatic artery embolization to surgical and minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To summarize current evidence to report a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open simple prostatectomy (OSP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies published from inception until August 2021. The search terms used were (prostate embolization OR prostatic embolization) AND (prostatic hyperplasia OR prostatic obstruction) as well as the abbreviations of PAE and BPH. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4. RESULTS: Seven studies were included with 810 patients: five RCTs and one observational study compared PAE with TURP, and one observational study compared PAE with OSP. The included studies had considerable risk of bias concerns. TURP and OSP were associated with more statistically significant improvements in urodynamic measures and BPH symptoms compared to PAE. However, PAE seems to significantly improve erectile dysfunction compared to OSP and improve other outcome measures compared to TURP, although not significantly. PAE appeared to reduce adverse events and report more minor complications compared with TURP and OSP, but it is unclear whether PAE is more effective in the long-term. CONCLUSION: PAE is an emerging treatment option for patients with symptomatic BPH who cannot undergo surgery or have undergone failed medical therapy. Overall, PAE groups reported fewer adverse events. Future ongoing and longer-term studies are needed to provide better insight into the benefit of PAE compared to other treatment options.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of urinary incontinence prevalence and population estimates.

INTRODUCTION: Incontinence impacts the quality-of-life of people suffering from the disease. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of incontinence due to the stigma, lack of awareness, and underdiagnosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of overactive bladder (OAB) and nonobstructive urinary retention (NOUR). METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines using Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases to identify the relevant publications in the English language. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles and extracted the data. Review papers were assessed for content and references. A meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using the RStudio software. To address the age heterogeneity, a subanalysis was conducted. Pooled data were overlayed on the Canadian population and a sample of 10 populous countries to estimate the number of people suffering from incontinence. RESULTS: Twenty-eight and eight articles were selected for OAB and NOUR, respectively. The pooled prevalence of OAB in men and women was 12% (95% CI: 9%-16%) and 15% (95% CI: 12%-18%), respectively. The estimated prevalence of NOUR was 15.6%-26.1% of men over 60 and 9.3%-20% of women over 60. The subanalysis pooled prevalence of OAB in men and women was 11% (95% CI: 8%-15%) and 12% (95% CI: 9%-16%), respectively. We estimated that 1.4-2.5 million women and 1.3-2.2 million men suffer from OAB in Canada. CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence is an under-reported and underdiagnosed prevalent condition that requires appropriate treatment to improve a patient's quality-of-life.

Sacral neuromodulation in the golden years: Treatment outcomes in elderly 75 years and older.

INTRODUCTION: Despite high prevalence and increased severity and burden of overactive bladder (OAB) and fecal incontinence (FI) in the elderly, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is often overlooked as a potential treatment option for this demographic. In this study, we report the outcomes of SNM in patients aged 75 years or older at the time of surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent SNM implantation between 2013 and 2022 performed by a single, high-volume urologist at a tertiary center. Success, complication, and adjunct therapy rates were analyzed by Fisher's or Wilcox rank-sum test as appropriate. We compared outcomes between patients aged 75-79 years and octogenarians. RESULTS: Of 632 patients, 50 were ≥75 years. Patients had a mean age of 78.4±2.6 years and were predominantly female (84%). The indications for SNM were 66% OAB, 16% FI, 16% non-obstructive urinary retention, and 4% pelvic pain. Within the first year, 94% of patients reported satisfaction and improvement in symptoms, while 76% continued to experience improvement beyond one year. SNM insertion led to reduced oral medication use from 68% to 24% (p<0.0001). The complication rate was 16% and mostly included device pain. No significant difference was observed in treatment success, complication, or adjunct therapy rate between age groups. CONCLUSIONS: SNM is a safe and effective option in well-selected patients over the age of 75 years. Treatment success rate is comparable to younger cohorts. Advanced age should not preclude third-line therapy options in this population.