Urosepsis 30-day mortality, morbidity, and their risk factors: SERPENS study, a prospective, observational multi-center study.

PURPOSE: To provide a descriptive report of mortality and morbidity in the first 30 days of diagnosis of urosepsis. Secondary aim is to identify risk factors of unfavourable outcomes. METHODS: Prospective observational multicentre cohort study conducted from September 2014 to November 2018 in European hospitals. Adult patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with acute urosepsis according to Sepsis-2 criteria with confirmed microbiological infection were included. Outcomes were classified in one of four health states: death, multiple organ failure, single organ failure, and recovery at day 30 from onset of urosepsis. Descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty four patients were recruited, and 30-day mortality rate was 2.8%, rising to 4.6% for severe sepsis. All patients who died had a SOFA score of ≥ 2 at diagnosis. Upon initial diagnosis, 79% (n = 281) of patients presented with OF. Within 30 days, an additional 5% developed OF, resulting in a total of 84% affected. Charlson score (OR 1.14 CI 1.01-1.28), patients with respiratory failure at baseline (OR 2.35, CI 1.32-4.21), ICU admission within the past 12 months (OR 2.05, CI 1.00-4.19), obstruction causative of urosepsis (OR 1.76, CI 1.02-3.05), urosepsis with multi-drug-resistant(MDR) pathogens (OR 2.01, CI 1.15-3.53), and SOFA baseline score ≥ 2 (OR 2.74, CI 1.49-5.07) are significantly associated with day 30 outcomes (OF and death). CONCLUSIONS: Impact of comorbidities and MDR pathogens on outcomes highlights the existence of a distinct group of patients who are prone to mortality and morbidity. These findings underscore the need for the development of pragmatic classifications to better assess the severity of UTIs and guide management strategies. STUDY REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT02380170.

Recommendations of the SUFU/AUGS/ICS Female Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgical Publication Working Group: A common standard minimum data set for the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Relevant, meaningful, and achievable data points are critical in objectively assessing quality, utility, and outcomes in female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery. A minimum data set female SUI surgery studies was proposed by the first American Urological Association guidelines on the surgical management of female SUI in 1997, but recommendation adherence has been suboptimal. The Female Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgical Publication Working Group (WG) was created from members of several prominent organizations to formulate a recommended standard of study structure, description, and minimum outcome data set to be utilized in designing and publishing future SUI studies. The goal of this WG was to create a body of evidence better able to assess the outcomes of female SUI surgery. METHODS: The WG reviewed the minimum data set proposed in the 1997 AUA SUI Guideline document, and other relevant literature. The body of literature was examined in the context of the profound changes in the field over the past 25 years. Through a DELPHI process, a standard study structure and minimum data set were generated. Care was taken to balance the value of several meaningful and relevant data points against the burden of creating an excessively difficult or restrictive standard that would disincentivize widespread adoption and negatively impact manuscript production and acceptance. RESULTS: The WG outlined standardization in four major areas: (1) study design, (2) pretreatment demographics and characterization of the study population, (3) intraoperative events, and (4) posttreatment evaluation, and complications. Forty-two items were evaluated and graded as: STANDARD-must be included; ADDITIONAL-may be included for a specific study and is inclusive of the Standard items; OPTIMAL-may be included for a comprehensive study and is inclusive of the Standard and Additional items; UNNECESSARY/LEGACY-not relevant. CONCLUSIONS: A reasonable, achievable, and clinically meaningful minimum data set has been constructed. A structured framework will allow future surgical interventions for female SUI to be objectively scrutinized and compared in a clinically significant manner. Ultimately, such a data set, if adopted by the academic community, will enhance the quality of the scientific literature, and ultimately improve short and long-term outcomes for female patients undergoing surgery to correct SUI.

Evaluation of the effect of 100U of Onabotulinum toxin A on detrusor contractility in women with idiopathic OAB: A multicentre prospective study.

AIMS: Intradetrusor injection of Onabotulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) is a third-line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). Voiding dysfunction and the need for intermittent catheterization are potential complications, consequent to bladder contractility (BC) decrement. Primary aim: to evaluate BC variation after BTX-A detrusor injection in women with idiopathic OAB. METHODS: A prospective multi-institutional observational study was conducted. Medical history, bladder diary, 24-h pad test, and invasive urodynamic parameters were recorded before and 4-6 weeks after BTX-A 100U administration. BC was measured as Modified Projected Isovolumetric Pressure (PIP1), that is, maximum flow rate (Qmax) + detrusor pressure at Qmax (PdetQmax). Continuous variables were expressed as median and interquartile range. We compared continuous variables using Wilcoxon test and proportions between two times with Fisher exact test. RESULTS: No changes in PIP1 were observed (p > 0.05) in 45 women enrolled between January 2018 and September 2019. Median age was 54.6 years. At baseline, 91.1% had urge urinary incontinence, with 4.9 ± 2.6 daily pads used and a 24-h pad test of 205.4 ± 70.8 g. Baseline detrusor contractility was normal in all the patients. Postoperatively, an improvement in the 24-h pad test (p < 0.01), daily voids (p < 0.01), and nocturia (p < 0.01) occurred. Urodynamics pointed out a significant reduction of detrusor overactivity rate (p < 0.01) and an increase of median maximum cystometric capacity (p < 0.01). No difference was observed in median Qmax (p > 0.05), PdetQmax (p > 0.05), and PVR (p > 0.05). No patient needed postoperative catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: The current series provides evidence that detrusor injection of botulinum toxin is an effective option for treating OAB, without causing voiding dysfunction and BC impairment.

Translabial ultrasound: a non-invasive technique for assessing "technical errors" after TOT failure.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aims of this study were to evaluate by transperineal ultrasound if there were ultrasound-detectable changes over time in the dynamic behavior of the sling in patients who underwent transobturator tape (TOT), and to evaluate if dynamic translabial ultrasonography recognized factors that may be associated with failed surgery. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective study. We included women who underwent "out-in" TOT for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A dynamic translabial ultrasound was performed 6 months post-surgery and again at the last visit. The objective cure for SUI was defined as the absence of urine leakage during the stress test. We evaluated the bladder neck mobility at rest and during Valsalva; the position of the mesh along the urethra; the concordance of urethral movement with the sling during Valsalva; the symmetry of the lateral arms of the sling during straining; and the presence or absence of bladder neck funneling. RESULTS: From December 2012 to February 2016, 80 consecutive patients were included. Six months after surgery, incontinent women compared with continent women had the sling in a proximal or distal position, that moved discordantly with the urethra (p < 0.0001), with asymmetry arm and bladder neck funneling (p < 0.0001). Continent patients had a significant improvement of urethrocele grade both at rest (p = 0.036) and during Valsalva (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Technical and positioning errors can lead to the failure of anti-incontinence surgical treatment. Translabial ultrasound allows the correct positioning of the sling to be evaluated and any errors that need to be analyzed in order to then solve the failure.

Sexual and functional outcomes after prolapse surgery: a randomized prospective comparison of trocarless transvaginal mesh and pelvic organ prolapse suspension.

PURPOSE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) related to pelvic organ prolapse represents a common condition that negatively impacts female sexual activity. Laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse surgery (POPs) and the anterior repair with a trocar-less trans-vaginal mesh (TTMs) represent two different surgical techniques to treat SUI secondary to POP. This study aimed to report the results of these techniques comparing the sexual and functional outcome improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine sexually active female patients, complaining of urodynamic stress incontinence, were enrolled in this prospective study, and simply randomized in two groups: 29 POPs and 30 TTMs. All patients were studied at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Preoperative evaluation included medical history, urodynamic test, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and pelvic magnetic resonance defecography. Six months after surgery, all patients completed the FSFI and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and were investigated with a uroflowmetry test with post-void residual volume (PVR). RESULTS: At 6 months after surgery, 87% of POPs patients and 79% of TTMs subjects resulted dry. No statistically significant results were obtained in terms of urinary outcomes between the two surgical groups. Regarding sexual function, POPs group exhibited a significant greater improvement of global FSFI (mean: 27.4; SD: 4.31) compared to TTMs group (mean FSFI: 23.56; SD: 2.28; p-value ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that POPs and TTMs lead to satisfactory and safe functional outcomes with a good recovery of urinary continence. Furthermore, POPs, when compared to TTMs, led to a greater improvement of sexual function.

Are Two Meshes Better than One in Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse? Comparison of Single Anterior versus Anterior and Posterior Vaginal Mesh Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Sacrocolpopexy (SC) is the main treatment option for the repair of anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Indications and technical aspects are not standardized, and the question remains whether it is necessary to place a mesh on both anterior and posterior vaginal walls, particularly in cases with only minor or no posterior compartment prolapse. The present study aimed to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of single anterior mesh only versus anterior and posterior mesh procedures in SC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospectively maintained database on POP was used to identify patients who had undergone either abdominal or mini-invasive SC from January 2006 to October 2019. Patients with symptomatic or unmasked stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were not included in the study and were treated using the pubo-vaginal cystocele sling procedure. Objective outcomes included clinical evaluation of pre-existing or de novo POP by the halfway system and POP-q classifications, as well as the development of de novo SUI. Subjective outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) with questions on bladder, bowel, and vaginal functions. Persistent or de novo constipation and overactive bladder were defined as bowel symptoms and urinary urgency/frequency/urinary incontinence after surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-five women with symptomatic anterior and apical POP underwent SC. Forty-one patients were treated with only anterior vaginal mesh (group A), and 54 with anterior and posterior mesh (group B). There were no differences between the pre- and post-operative characteristics of the 2 groups. In group B, there were 2 blood transfusions, 1 wound dehiscence, and 3 mesh erosions/extrusion after abdominal SC (Clavien-Dindo II), and in group A, there was 1 ileal lesion after laparoscopic SC (Clavien-Dindo III). There were no differences between the 2 groups in either anatomical or functional outcomes during 3 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: SC with single anterior vaginal mesh has similar results to SC with combined anterior/posterior mesh, regardless of the surgical approach. The single anterior mesh may reduce the risk of complications (mesh erosion/extrusion), and offers better subjective outcomes with improved quality of life. Anterior/posterior mesh may be justified in the presence of clinically significant posterior POP.

Prolapse Surgery: What Kind of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Is Necessary?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess whether antibiotic prophylaxis or therapy is sufficient for laparoscopic or vaginal prolapse surgery with mesh. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study. The study was divided into 3 groups. Protocol A: metronidazole (15 mg/kg) and piperacillin-tazobactam (2 g) 1 h before surgery and, for postoperative treatment, gentamycin (160 mg) 1 h before surgery in a single dose. Metronidazole and piperacillin-tazobactam were administered until hospital discharge. Protocol B: gentamycin and piperacillin-tazobactam in the same manner as group A. Protocol C: clindamycin (600 mg) and gentamicin (160 mg) 1 h before surgery in a single dose. RESULTS: We included 87 consecutive patients who underwent prolapse surgery involving mesh prostheses: 57 by the laparoscopic approach and 30 by the vaginal route. Of these, 30 patients were included in protocol A, 30 in protocol B, and 27 in protocol C. There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 protocols regarding any postoperative complications, except for urinary tract infections that were more in the vaginal approach than in the laparoscopic route, in protocol A (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: One-shot prophylaxis can be successfully used in prolapse surgery regardless of the surgical approach.

Comparison between laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with hysterectomy and hysteropexy in advanced urogenital prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes in women who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) with or without hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: This was a single-centre prospective study. We included women with symptomatic POP (III-IV stage) who underwent LSC with or without hysterectomy. The preoperative evaluation included a history, clinical examination and urodynamic test; all patients completed FSFI, UDI-6 and IIQ-7 questionnaires. They were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and then annually thereafter with the same preoperative flow chart. At the last visit, they also completed the PGI-I questionnaire. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2016, a total of 136 patients with POP were included (82 in the LSC with hysterectomy group and 54 in the hysteropexy group). At a median follow-up of 65.3 months (36-84 months), there were improvements in the anatomical and functional outcomes of both groups without differences between the two approaches. The apical success rate was 100% in all women, without recurrence in either group; the anterior and posterior success rates of hysterectomy were higher than those of uterine preservation. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there were no differences in the anatomical and functional outcomes between LSC with or without hysterectomy for POP.

Sexual and functional outcomes of prostate artery embolisation: A prospective long-term follow-up, large cohort study.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Among minimally invasive procedures for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is described as safe and effective. Aim of this study is to report our results, focusing on sexual outcomes (erectile and ejaculatory functions sparing) of PAE in patients suffering from bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to BPH. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled and submitted to PAE subjects suffering from BOO secondary to BPH. All patients were not suitable for surgery or declined invasive approaches. All subjects were preoperatively and postoperatively (3, 6, 12 and 18 months after) evaluated by urinary flowmetry, post voiding residual volume, prostate volume, serum PSA levels, International Index of Erectile Function, International Prostate Symptom Score and QoL scores. RESULTS: PAE was performed in 147 patients (mean age 72.5 y.o.). PAE was technically successful in all patients. The procedure lasted a mean time of 94.3 minutes, with a mean fluoroscopic time of 42.5 minutes. Twelve months follow-up data were available for all patients, while 126 patients (85%) completed the 18 months follow up. At 12 months follow up, the mean IPSS and QoL scores significantly decreased, and all the objective parameters (mean Qmax, PVR and prostate volume) reported a significant improvement. A total of 130 patients (88.5%) at 12 months reported the antegrade ejaculation preserved, and a slight not significant improvement of IIEF scores. The 18 months after PAE outcomes confirmed the significant improvement of all the variables evaluated (even for PSA values and IIEF scores). No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results evidence prostate artery embolisation as highly feasible and safe procedure with interesting outcomes. In particular, in our study PAE reported promising results in preserving antegrade ejaculation and erectile function. Our data are in line with the literature, confirming how PAE reduces obstructive symptoms in BPH patients not suitable or refusing standard surgical approaches.

Is the Voided Volume at Office Uroflowmetry Physiological and Reliable? A Comparison between Voiding Diary and Uroflowmetry.

INTRODUCTION: We compared voided volumes (VV) at voiding diaries (VD) and at uroflowmetry (UF) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter study. In a cohort of males with LUTS, VV reported in 3-day VD was compared to VV recorded at UF. Demographic data were analyzed. The patients were stratified according to VV. A sub-analysis dividing males by age strata was also performed. RESULTS: We enrolled 169 patients. Mean VV were higher at UF than at VD in the entire population and in each group, stratified by age. VV significantly decreased with aging. Males with the lowest threshold difference (50 mL) were 29%, with a moderate threshold difference (<100 mL) 55.6%, with an intermediate threshold difference 49.1% (51-150 mL), whereas 21.9% of men had a large threshold difference (>150 mL). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: VV correlation between VD and UF was poor. A large part of men performed UF with VV which were poorly comparable to the habitual VV assessed by 3-day VD. Therefore, our results indicate the relevance to obtain more than 1 UF in these patients.

Could COVID-19 have an impact on male fertility?

The pandemic caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to several hypotheses of functional alteration of different organs. The direct influence of this virus on the male urogenital organs is still to be evaluated. However some hypotheses can already be made, especially in the andrological field, for the biological similarity of the SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2. As well as SARS-CoV, SARS CoV-2 uses the 'Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2' (ACE2) as a receptor to enter human cells. It was found that ACE2, Angiotensin (1-7) and its MAS receptors are present, over in the lung, also in the testicles, in particular in Leydig and Sertoli cells. A first hypothesis is that the virus could enter the testicle and lead to alterations in testicular functionality. A second hypothesis is that the binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor, could cause an excess of ACE2 and give rise to a typical inflammatory response. The inflammatory cells could interfere with the function of Leydig and Sertoli cells. Both hypotheses should be evaluated and confirmed, in order to possibly monitor fertility in patients COVID-19+.

Urodynamic findings and functional outcomes after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and urodynamic findings after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) in patients with stages II-IV pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: In this single-center prospective study, we evaluated 63 women (mean age 62.5 ± 7.5 years) women with symptomatic and advanced POP (stage II-IV) who underwent LSC without concomitant anti-incontinence surgery. The preoperative evaluation incuded history, clinical examination, and urodynamic testing. Women were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and then annually using history, examination, and uroflowmetry. At 6 months, we performed urodynamic testing. To evaluate urinary symptoms, we used the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI)-6 questionnaire before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Median follow- up was 22 months (range 8-48). After surgery, maximum flow (Qmax) significantly improved compared with baseline (14.17 ± 2.3 vs 27 ± 8.4 ml/s; p = 0.02), and the percentage of patients with elevated postvoid residual (PVR) significantly decreased (33.3% vs 11.1%; p = 0.001). Detrusor overactivity and bladder outlet obstruction disappeared in 73.6% and 85.7% of patients, respectively, while detrusor underactivity persisted in 66.6% of women. Twenty women (31.7%) reported stress urinary incontinence (SUI) before surgery (14 clinically evident and 6 as occult form), which persisted in only 7/20 (11%) patients following LSC, with no de novo cases. The most common preoperative symptoms were voiding symptoms, present in 42/63 (66.6%) patients, which resolved in 36 (85.7%). The overactive bladder syndrome disappeared in 60% of women, with no de novo cases. Results were reflected by a significant decrease in UDI-6 score from a median of 16 (0-45) at baseline to 5.5 (0-17) at the final follow-up (p = 0.001). The domain on storage symptoms (median 3 vs 1) and voiding symptoms (median 3 vs 1) of UDI-6 showed an improvement after surgery (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The urodynamic finding showed that LSC in women with advanced POP provides good functional outcomes.

Transobturator mid-urethral sling in females with stress urinary incontinence and detrusor underactivity: effect on voiding phase.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To assess whether detrusor underactivity (DU) is a risk factor for voiding dysfunction (VD) after transobturator tape (TOT) and if a detrusor pressure at maximum flow (PdetQmax) value predicts postoperative VD in DU patients. Also, we examined uncomplicated patients for postoperative VD. METHODS: This is a prospective long-term study on SUI patients who underwent TOT. Exclusion criteria were preoperative POP stage ≥ 2, previous anti-incontinence surgery and comorbidities. Patients were grouped by detrusor contractility using the projected isovolumetric pressure (PIP) index (PdetQmax + maximum flow rate) with values of 30-75 cmH2O indicating normal contractility. Follow-up was at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and then annually. All patients underwent a stress test and responded to the Urogenital Distress Inventory questionnaire and to the King's Health Questionnaire. The subjective cure was evaluated using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement. We determined the diagnostic accuracy of PdetQmax levels using ROC curve analysis, with a cut-off point calculated for optimal sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: In 2007-2013, 118 patients underwent TOT. We included 50 in the undercontractility group (G1) and 50 in the normocontractility group (G2). Continence rates were 82% in G1 and 84% in G2 (mean follow-up 76 months). VD increased from 18 to 36% (p < 0.05) in G1 and from 14 to 16% (p = 0.198) in G2. De novo VD was 28% in G1 and 2% in G2. In the G1 group PdetQmax ≤ 12 cmH2O predicted postoperative VD with 71.4% specificity and 80.0% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: DU adversely affects the voiding phase of micturition after TOT. In DU patients, PdetQmax ≤ 12 cmH2O predicts postoperative VD.

Uterus Preserving Prolapse Repair: How Long does it Last?

BACKGROUND: The preservation of the uterus has an important role in the pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the long-term anatomical and functional outcomes of abdominal hysterosacropexy. METHODS: Prospective study. A series of women who underwent open abdominal hysterosacropexy for high-stage POP with a minimum 75-month follow-up were included. RESULTS: Data on 51 patients were included. Median follow-up was 136.7 months (range 75.8-258 months). Apical prolapse cure rate was 100%. The success rate for anterior and posterior vaginal compartment was 96 and 94% respectively. Urinary and sexual symptoms significantly improved. Ninety-two percentage of the women were "extremely" or "very much improved" with the operation. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that abdominal hysterosacropexy is a good surgical option with durable results for the management of POP in women who wish to preserve their uterus.

No Treatment Required for Asymptomatic Vaginal Mesh Exposure.

INTRODUCTION: There is no specific recommendation for the management of asymptomatic vaginal mesh erosions post antiincontinence or prolapse surgery, but revision or excision may represent overtreatment. We hypothesize that asymptomatic vaginal exposures remain asymptomatic during follow-up and do not require any intervention. METHODS: We evaluated a "no treatment" approach by prospectively following-up women with asymptomatic vaginal exposures after antiincontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery. After a 1-month course of vaginal oestrogen, they underwent the "wait and see" protocol. It consisted of no treatment. Women were followed-up every 3 months, for the first year and then every 6 months with history, clinical examination with measurement of size of the exposure, and the evaluation of possible infection signs or vaginal discharge. RESULTS: Forty women were followed-up for a median of 33.52 months (range 8-48 months). All exposures were ≤1 cm (mean 6.5 ± 1.5 mm, range 4-10 mm), patients were asymptomatic and without pain. During the observation period, the size of the exposure did not change and all women remained asymptomatic. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: No treatment seems to be required for asymptomatic and small vaginal mesh exposures after prolapse or incontinence surgery.

Urological dysfunction in young women: an inheritance of childhood?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of a history of lower urinary tract symptomatology during childhood with lower urinary tract dysfunction in young adult women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a multicentre, prospective, case-control study conducted between April 2013 and November 2015. A total of 300 women, aged 18-40 years, participated. The case group comprised women attending urogynaecology clinics for various lower urinary tract complaints and the control group was recruited from a healthy population. Exclusion criteria were designed to avoid common causes of lower urinary tract dysfunction and symptoms and included diabetes mellitus, neurological disease and pelvic inflammatory disease. All women completed a self-administered 77-item questionnaire, exploring childhood urological and bowel history, as well as current urological, bowel and sexual symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests to compare categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were fit for the prediction of the adult outcomes, incorporating as explanatory variables all those that showed a significant P value in bivariate analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Women with childhood urinary voiding and storage symptoms had a higher prevalence of these symptoms in adult life compared with women without such history. Women with urinary tract infections (UTIs) during childhood had a higher incidence of adult UTIs compared with women without this problem in childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract dysfunction in childhood seems to 'persist' in young adult life but the implications of this finding in clinical practice need to be defined in future studies.

Coital Incontinence in Women With Urinary Incontinence: An International Study.

INTRODUCTION: Coital urinary incontinence (CUI) is not much explored during clinical history, and this could lead to an underestimation of the problem. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical risk factors of CUI in women with urinary incontinence (UI), and to measure the impact of CUI on women's sexuality and quality of life. METHODS: This was a multicenter international study, conducted in Italy, Greece, the United States, and Egypt. Inclusion criteria were: sexually active women with UI and in a stable relationship for at least 6 months. Exclusion criteria were: age <18 years and unstable relationship. The UI was classified as stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI), and mixed UI (MUI). Women completed a questionnaire on demographics and medical history, in particular on UI and possible CUI and the timing of its occurrence, and the impact of CUI on quality and frequency of their sexual life. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To evaluate the CUI and its impact on sexual life we used the open questions on CUI as well as the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition questionnaire. RESULTS: In this study 1,041 women (age 52.4 ± 10.7 years) were included. In all, 53.8% of women had CUI: 8% at penetration, 35% during intercourse, 9% at orgasm, and 48% during a combination of these. Women with CUI at penetration had a higher prevalence of SUI, women with CUI during intercourse had higher prevalence of MUI with predominant SUI, and women with CUI at orgasm had higher prevalence of UUI and MUI with predominant UUI component. Previous hysterectomy was a risk factor for CUI during any phase, while cesarean delivery was a protective factor. Previous failed anti-UI surgery was a risk factor for CUI during penetration and intercourse, and body mass index >25 kg/m2 was a risk factor for CUI at intercourse. According to International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire scores, increased severity of UI positively correlated with CUI, and had a negative impact on the quality and frequency of sexual activity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study should encourage physicians to evaluate the CUI; in fact, it is an underestimated clinical problem, but with a negative impact on quality of life. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The strength of this study is the large number of women enrolled, while the limitation is its observational design. CONCLUSION: CUI is a symptom that can affect sexual life and should be investigated during counseling in all patients who are referred to urogynecological centers. Illiano E, Mahfouz W, Giannitsas K, et al. Coital Incontinence in Women With Urinary Incontinence: An International Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:1456-1462.

Counseling in urogynecology: A difficult task, or simply good surgeon-patient communication?

Surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) have greatly changed in recent years. Prompted by increases in reports of adverse outcomes in relation to such treatments, several scientific societies and researchers have emphasized providing patients with thorough counseling before treating them. Patient-centered communication has become the gold standard for excellence in clinical care. This challenges clinicians to be cognizant of their patients' perspectives, motivations, expectations, fears, concerns, and social contexts to enable them to reach a shared understanding with patients. Considering this, urogynecology counseling represents a crucial process through which women can gain a clear understanding of their clinical condition and the risks and benefits of potential treatment options. However, many urogynecologists believe that proposing a treatment and providing only enough detail to secure informed consent constitutes counseling. This article is intended to describe good counseling for women undergoing urogynecological surgery and to suggest optimal methodologies for implementation.

Prospective randomized study comparing monopolar with bipolar transurethral resection of prostate in benign prostatic obstruction: 36-month outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard surgical treatment for bothersome moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostate obstruction. The aim of the study is to compare monopolar versus bipolar TURP focusing on operative and functional outcomes, and evaluating complications with a long-term follow-up. METHODS: From January 2007 to July 2014, a total of 497 patients were randomized and prospectively scheduled to undergo bipolar (251) or monopolar (246) TURP. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of life (QoL), post-void residual and maximum flow rate were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months. Operative time, length of catheterization and hospitalization were all recorded. Complications were classified and reported. RESULTS: All patients completed the 36-month follow-up visit. Perioperative results showed no statistical significance between the two groups in terms of catheterization days, post-void residual, IPSS, IPSS-QoL score. The hospitalization length was found statistically significant in favor of the bipolar group. The 3-, 12-, 24- and 36-month follow-up showed significant and equal improvements in LUTS related to BPO in the two treatment groups. Regarding TURP complications, significant differences were observed in relation to urethral strictures, blood transfusion and TUR syndrome in favor of the bipolar group. CONCLUSIONS: Monopolar and bipolar TURP are safe and effective techniques for BPH management. Bipolar TURP in our prospective study reported the same efficacy of monopolar prostate resection, with a significant reduction of related complications.

The role of nonantibiotic treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize evidence on the efficacy of nonantibiotic treatments in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The need for antibiotic-free regimens seems to be imperative given the worldwide rates of resistance of uropathogens to available antibiotics. RECENT FINDINGS: In the recently published literature, cranberry products and probiotics are the focus of research. They both seem to be effective in preventing recurrent UTIs compared with placebo, but their benefit becomes less clear when they are compared with antibiotics. SUMMARY: A number of nonantibiotic-containing alternatives are available for the prevention of recurrent UTIs. For the majority of these alternatives, contradictory results have been published. These can be, at least partially, explained by variation in doses administered and duration of treatment. Selection of patients more likely to benefit from these interventions seems to be a realistic approach from a clinical-practice perspective, as well a worthwhile focus for future research.