Long-term follow-up of TREK-1 KO mice reveals the development of bladder hypertrophy and impaired bladder smooth muscle contractility with age.

Stretch-activated two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels play important roles in many visceral organs, including the urinary bladder. The TWIK-related K+ channel TREK-1 is the predominantly expressed K2P channel in the urinary bladder of humans and rodents. Downregulation of TREK-1 channels was observed in the urinary bladder of patients with detrusor overactivity, suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of voiding dysfunction. This study aimed to characterize the long-term effects of TREK-1 on bladder function with global and smooth muscle-specific TREK-1 knockout (KO) mice. Bladder morphology, bladder smooth muscle (BSM) contractility, and voiding patterns were evaluated up to 12 mo of age. Both sexes were included in this study to probe the potential sex differences. Smooth muscle-specific TREK-1 KO mice were used to distinguish the effects of TREK-1 downregulation in BSM from the neural pathways involved in the control of bladder contraction and relaxation. TREK-1 KO mice developed enlarged urinary bladders (by 60.0% for males and by 45.1% for females at 6 mo; P < 0.001 compared with the age-matched control group) and had a significantly increased bladder capacity (by 137.7% at 12 mo; P < 0.0001) and compliance (by 73.4% at 12 mo; P < 0.0001). Bladder strips isolated from TREK-1 KO mice exhibited decreased contractility (peak force after KCl at 6 mo was 1.6 ± 0.7 N/g compared with 3.4 ± 2.0 N/g in the control group; P = 0.0005). The lack of TREK-1 channels exclusively in BSM did not replicate the bladder phenotype observed in TREK-1 KO mice, suggesting a strong neurogenic origin of TREK-1-related bladder dysfunction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study compared voiding function and bladder phenotypes in global and smooth muscle-specific TREK-1 KO mice. We found significant age-related changes in bladder contractility, suggesting that the lack of TREK-1 channel activity might contribute to age-related changes in bladder smooth muscle physiology.

Comparison of urological outcomes and quality of life after pelvic exenteration: partial vs radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative morbidity, functional and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes in patients with partial cystectomy vs radical cystectomy as part of pelvic exenteration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of pelvic exenteration patients (1998-2021) was conducted in a single centre. Study outcomes included postoperative complications, quality-of-life, functional and stoma-related outcomes. The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Physical and Mental Health Components, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal questionnaires and Distress Thermometer were available pre- and postoperatively. QoL outcomes were compared at the various time points. Stoma embarrassment and care scores were compared between patients with a colostomy, urostomy, and both. RESULTS: Urological complications were similar between both groups, but patients with partial cystectomy experienced less wound-related complications. Overall, 34/81 (42%) partial cystectomy patients reported one or more long-term voiding complication (i.e., incontinence [17 patients], frequency [six], retention [three], high post-voiding residuals [10], permanent suprapubic catheter/indwelling catheter [14], recurrent urinary tract infection [nine], percutaneous nephrostomy [three], progression to urostomy [three]). The QoL improved following surgery in both the partial and radical cystectomy groups, differences between cohorts were not significant. Patients with two stomas reported higher embarrassment scores than patients with one stoma, although this did not result in more difficulties in stoma care. CONCLUSIONS: Partial cystectomy patients have fewer postoperative wound-related complications than radical cystectomy patients, but often experience long-term voiding issues. The QoL outcomes are similar for both cohorts, with significant improvement following surgery.

Can We Differentiate Between Organic and Functional Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Males With Parkinson's Disease?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the type of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A case-control study was carried out in 46 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 formed by 23 PD patients with BOO (a URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Group 2 formed by 23 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and compressive obstruction (an opening pressure > 35 cm H2O) and URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Both groups underwent a pressure-flow study to calculate Dynamic Urethral Resistance Relationship (DURR) patterns. Based on previous research, we describe two types of DURR pattern. Pattern A typical of dynamic or functional obstruction and pattern B typical of static or organic obstruction. RESULTS: We found that PD patients had a significantly higher frequency of pattern A (70%) than BPH patients (4%). Other significant differences between groups were age (greater in PD group), bladder compliance (greater in PD group), maximum flow rate [Qmax (greater in BPH group)], maximum detrusor pressure [Pmax (greater in BPH group)], detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate [PQmax (greater in BPH group)], opening detrusor pressure (greater in BPH group), and the bladder contractility parameters BCI and Wmax (greater in BPH group). There were no significant differences in perineal voiding electromyography (EMG) activity between groups nor relationship between voiding EMG activity and the type of DURR pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the usefulness of the DURR pattern to differentiate between functional and organic BOO in PD patients. Most PD patients have functional obstruction although a minority has organic obstruction consistent with BPH.

Reliability of Uroflowmetry Pattern Interpretation in Adult Women.

INTRODUCTION: Uroflowmetry is often used to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Criteria for characterization of flow patterns are not well established, and subjective interpretation is the most common approach for flow curve classification. We assessed the reliability of uroflowmetry curve interpretation in adult women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Uroflowmetry studies were obtained in 296 women who participated in an observational cohort study. Four investigators with expertise in female LUTS and urodynamics reviewed and categorized each tracing for interrater reliability. A random subset of 50 tracings was re-reviewed by each investigator for intrarater reliability. The uroflowmetry tracings were rated using categories of continuous, continuous fluctuating, interrupted, and prolonged. Other parameters included flow rate, voided volume, time to maximum flow, and voiding time. Agreement between raters is summarized with kappa (k) statistics and percentage where at least three raters agreed. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 44.8 ± 18.3 years. Participant age categories were 18-24 years: 20%; 25-34 years: 17%; 35-64 years: 42%; 65+ years: 18%. Nine percent described their race as Asian, 31% Black, 62% White, and 89% were of non-Hispanic ethnicity. The interrater reliability was highest for the continuous flow category (k = 0.65), 0.47 for prolonged, 0.41 for continuous fluctuating, and 0.39 for interrupted flow curves. Agreement among at least three raters occurred in 74.3% of uroflow curves (69% for continuous, 33% for continuous fluctuating, 23% for interrupted, and 25% for prolonged). For intrarater reliability, the mean k was 0.72 with a range of 0.57-0.85. CONCLUSIONS: Currently accepted uroflowmetry pattern categories have fair to moderate interrater reliability, which is lower for flow curves that do not meet "continuous" criteria. Given the subjective nature of interpreting uroflowmetry data, more consistent and clear parameters may enhance reliability for use in research and as a screening tool for LUTS and voiding dysfunction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Parent trial: Validation of Bladder Health Instrument for Evaluation in Women (VIEW); ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04016298.

Voiding Dysfunction in Patients With Advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Bladder Outlet Obstruction Following Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery: Urodynamic Profile and Predictive Risk Factors.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of voiding function 1 year after pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS) in women with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 1894 women underwent PRS for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stages 3 to 4 with urodynamic findings of BOO. INTERVENTIONS: PRS. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measured was the resumption of normal voiding function, defined clinically with multichannel urodynamic testing at 1 year postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were to identify the different risk factors for persistence voiding dysfunction (VD) 1 year after PRS. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 431 women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages 3 and 4, urodynamic study of maximum urinary flow rate ≤15 mL/s, and detrusor pressure at maximum flow ≥20 cm H2O were included. Resumption of normal voiding function was found in 91% (n = 392 of 431), whereas 9% (n = 39 of 431) remained to have VD 1 year postoperatively. Those with persistent VD, 20.5% (n = 8 of 39) remained having urodynamic diagnosis of BOO. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression revealed factors associated with postoperative VD were pre-operative maximal cystometric capacity ≥500 mL and postvoid residual volume ≥200 mL. CONCLUSION: VD may persist in women with BOO after PRS, particularly in those with preoperative maximal cystometric capacity of >500 mL and postvoid residual volume >200 mL.

Burst Stimulation Evokes Increased Bladder and Urethral Pressure in Patients With Sacral Neuromodulation, Indicating Potential Activation of the Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes are often suboptimal, and changing stimulation parameters might improve SNM efficacy. Burst stimulation mimics physiological burst firing of the nervous system and might therefore benefit patients treated with SNM. The purpose of the present pilot study was to evaluate the effect of various Burst SNM paradigms on bladder and urethral pressure in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) or nonobstructive urinary retention (NOUR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bladder was filled to 50% of its capacity under general anesthesia in six patients with an implanted sacral lead for SNM purposes. Bladder pressure, and mid- and proximal urethral pressure were measured using conventional (Con-) SNM and various Burst SNM paradigms (10-20-40 Hz interburst frequency) with increasing amplitudes up to 5 mA for Con-SNM and 4 mA for Burst SNM. RESULTS: Burst SNM caused a substantial increase in both bladder and urethral pressure. In contrast, Con-SNM caused a milder increase in urethral pressure, and only one patient showed a modest increase in bladder pressure. Furthermore, the pressure increase was higher in the proximal urethra than in the midurethra using Burst-SNM, whereas Con-SNM caused comparable increases in proximal and midurethra pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Burst SNM induces bladder contraction compared with Con-SNM and induces higher pressure increases in bladder and proximal urethra than does Con-SNM in patients with OAB or NOUR, indicating a higher degree of autonomic nervous system stimulation. The observed responses could not be fully explained by the total charge of the Burst SNM paradigms, which suggests the importance of individual Burst SNM parameters, such as frequency and amplitude. Future studies should assess the feasibility and efficacy of Burst SNM in awake patients.

Understanding the challenges faced by men learning to live with clean intermittent self-catheterisation.

Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) is considered the preferred option to an indwelling catheter for emptying the bladder in people with a range of voiding dysfunctions. CISC has a lower risk of complications and urinary tract infections. This narrative review of previous qualitative research explores the quality-of-life impacts and highlights the challenges that men face. It will provide nurses who teach CISC with some useful insights into the male experience and the issues of concordance and adherence. This will help to better inform and guide clinical practice in this specialist area of nursing practice.

Synthesis and secretion of Nerve Growth Factor is regulated by Nitric Oxide in bladder cells in vitro under a hyperglycemic environment.

Urine samples of female patients with overactive bladder (OAB) are characterized by low levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and elevated concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) compared to healthy controls. We therefore examined how NO might regulate NGF synthesis using rat bladder smooth muscle (SMCs) and urothelial (UROs) cells in culture. In UROs, incubation in hyperglycemic conditions to mimic insulin insensitivity present in the OAB cohort increased secretion of NO and concomitantly decreased NGF, except when the NO synthase inhibitor, l-NAME (1 mM) was present. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (300 µM, 24 h), a NO generator, decreased NGF levels and decreased cyclic GMP (cGMP) content, a process validated by the cGMP synthase inhibitor ODQ (100 µM). Alternatively, SNP increased mRNA of both NGF and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). MMP-9 knockout of UROs by Crispr-Cas9 potently decreased the effect of SNP on NGF, implying a dependent role of NO on MMP-9. On the other hand, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) activity was increased by SNP, which taken together with increase in NGF mRNA, suggests a compensatory mechanism. In SMCs, hyperglycemic conditions had the same effect on extracellular content of NO and NGF than in UROs. SNP also decreased NGF secretion but increased cGMP content. Stable permeable analogs of cGMP 8-(4-Chlorophenylthio)-cGMP (1 mM) and N2,2'-O-Dibutyryl-cGMP (3 mM) inhibited NGF release. NGF and MMP-9 mRNA expression was unchanged by SNP. Deletion of MMP-9 in SMCs by Crispr-Cas9 did not alter the effect of SNP. Finally, SNP decreased MMP-7 activity, diminishing the conversion of proNGF to NGF. These results demonstrate that enhanced NO secretion triggered by high glucose decreases NGF secretion through pathways unique for each cell type that involve cGMP and proteases MMP-7 and MMP-9. These results might help to explain our observations from the urine from patients with OAB associated with metabolic syndrome.

Validation of acoustic voided volume measure: a pilot prospective study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the accuracy and reliability of a new smartphone-based acoustic voided volume (VV) measurement application compared to VV estimation based on the measurement of urine volume in a bladder by ultrasound bladder scan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 53 subjects from 01/2021 to 09/2021 were prospectively enrolled. Bladder scan-based VV estimation is based on the difference in the volume of urine in a bladder measured before urination and volume measured after urination. The acoustic VV measurement is based on smartphone-based acoustic VV measurement mobile application. VV estimates for the same void were compared between two techniques. Urinary measures were obtained from 49 male subjects resulting in a total of 245 measurements for analysis. VV measures were compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), evaluation of observed versus predicted VV measures using linear regression fit indices, and Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: VV between the two techniques revealed strong correlation (PCC 0.811, p < 0.001). Means of the number of measurements per patient and inpatient days for measurements analyzed are 5 and 2.7, respectively. In 245 measurements, VV measured by bladder scan is 238.69 ± 122.32 mL, VV measured by mobile application is 254.69 ± 119.28 mL, and their difference of two measurements is 16 ± 74.29 mL. CONCLUSION: Through the comparison with VV estimated by ultrasound bladder scan, which is a technology to measure the urine volume in a bladder, it was confirmed that the smartphone-based acoustic VV measurement application proudP® is accurate.

Outcomes of women diagnosed with primary bladder neck obstruction based on video urodynamic criteria.

OBJECTIVE: Functional and anatomic bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women are more prevalent than previously suspected and remain a diagnostic challenge. Several urodynamic diagnostic criteria for female BOO have been proposed, but studies validating the criteria by assessing treatment outcomes are lacking. We sought to correlate video urodynamic (VUD) diagnostic criteria with symptom improvement in women with functional bladder outlet obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) by VUD criteria who underwent bladder neck incision (BNI) between 2010 and 2022 was performed. Patient demographic, clinical, and urodynamic characteristics were collected before and after treatment and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-six women with mean age 64.7 years underwent BNI. Nineteen patients (73.1%) were cured, four (15.4%) improved, and three (11.5%) failed. After BNI the mean postoperative Qmax was significantly higher (9.4 vs. 3 mL/s, p = 0.006) and mean postvoid residual (PVR) was significantly lower (102 vs. 514 mL, p ≤ 0.001). Patients who did not require a catheter preoperatively were more likely to be cured than those who did (90% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.03). The PdetQmax of patients that were cured or improved did not differ significantly from those who were not (50.7 cm H2 O vs. 32 cm H2 O, p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of PBNO by VUD criteria for obstruction correlated with treatment outcomes with success in 88.5% and 56% becoming catheter independent. Successful treatment was independent of preoperative PdetQmax.

Nonneurogenic female bladder outlet obstruction: Conservative and medical management.

INTRODUCTION: In nonneurogenic female bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), management goals include reduction of outlet resistance to increase urinary outflow and improve bladder voiding to prevent or reduce lower and upper urinary tract (LUT and UUT) function deterioration, by correcting the underlying etiology. As significant progress has been achieved in the conservative and pharmacological management of nonneurogenic female BOO, the purpose of this article is to review and summarize the current literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this narrative review, a PubMed® search was performed by cross-referencing the keywords "female bladder outlet obstruction," "female voiding dysfunction," "conservative management," "pharmacological management," and "treatment" with various terms related to the management of female BOO. Clinical practice guidelines and landmark reviews from the most renowned experts in the field were also used. MANAGEMENT: This review discusses and summarizes the conservative and pharmacological management of nonneurogenic female BOO based on the most relevant data currently available in the literature. CONCLUSION: The recent advances in the understanding of underlying mechanisms involved in female BOO allow for more individualized management. Conservative and pharmacological options show interesting outcomes, particularly in the context of a functional cause of BOO. Overall, the level of evidence is still low regarding the use of conservative and pharmacological measures and more long-term data are required.

ICS-SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure-flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting. Part 2: Analysis of PFS, reporting, and diagnosis.

AIMS: The Working Group (WG), initiated by the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardisation Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction, has revised the ICS Standard for pressure-flow studies of 1997. METHODS: Based on the ICS standard for developing evidence-based standards, the WG developed this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in December 2022 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release. RESULTS: The WG has recommended analysis principles for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult men and women without relevant neurological abnormalities. New standard terms and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance (UR), bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) and detrusor voiding contraction (DVC) are introduced in this part 2 of the standard. The WG has summarized the theory and recommendations for the practice of pressure-flow study (PFS) for patients in part 1. A pressure-flow plot is recommended for the diagnosis of every patient, in addition to time-based graphs. Voided percentage and post void residual volume should always be included in PFS analysis and diagnosis. Only parameters that represent the ratio or subtraction of pressure and synchronous flow are recommended to quantify UR and only parameters that combine pressure and flow in a product or sum are recommended to quantify DVC. The ICS BOO index and the ICS detrusor contraction index are introduced in this part 2 as the standard. The WG has suggested clinical PFS dysfunction classes for male and female patients. A pressure-flow scatter graph including every patient's pdet at maximum flow (pdetQmax ) with maximum flow rate (Qmax ) point should be included in all scientific reports considering voiding dysfunction. CONCLUSION: PFS is the gold standard used to objectively assess voiding function. Quantifying the dysfunction and grading of abnormalities are standardized for adult males and females.

ICS-SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure-flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting. Part 1: Background theory and practice.

AIMS: The working group (WG) initiated by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction has revised the (1997) ICS Standard for pressure flow studies. METHODS: Based on the ICS standard for developing evidence-based standards, the WG developed this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in January 2023 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release. RESULTS: The WG summarizes the theory and recommends the practice and the terms used for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult female and male patients without relevant neurological abnormalities, in part 1 of this standard. The WG has also recommended standard principles and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance and detrusor voiding contraction on the basis of pressure flow studies in part 2. The recommendations for practice in this part have also the aim to increase the understanding of the physiology as well as the psychology of voiding. The potential effects of the laboratory situation of the test on the voiding as well as the role of the urodynamicist in this regard are discussed. The WG has recommended to use for diagnosis only the voidings that are considered representative by the patient. CONCLUSION: A pressure flow study is the gold standard to assess voiding function and to quantify dysfunction. This part of the standard explains the clinical background, gives recommendations for the execution of a pressure flow study and lists relevant terms, parameters, and units of measurements.

The effect of prolapse surgery on voiding function.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Of women with symptomatic prolapse, 13-39% experience voiding dysfunction (VD). The aim of our observational cohort study was to determine the effect of prolapse surgery on voiding function. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 392 women who underwent surgery between May 2005 and August 2020. All had a standardized interview, POP-Q, uroflowmetry and 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) pre-and postoperatively. Primary outcome was change in VD symptoms. Secondary outcomes were changes in maximum urinary flow rate (MFR) centile and post-void residual urine (PVR). Explanatory measures were change in pelvic organ descent as seen on POP-Q and TPUS. RESULTS: Of 392 women, 81 were excluded due to missing data, leaving 311. Mean age and BMI were 58 years and 30 kg/m2, respectively. Procedures performed included anterior repair (n = 187, 60.1%), posterior repair (n = 245, 78.8%), vaginal hysterectomy (n = 85, 27.3%), sacrospinous colpopexy (n = 170, 54.7%) and mid-urethral sling (MUS) (n = 192, 61.7%). Mean follow-up was 7 (1-61) months. Pre-operatively, 135 (43.3%) women reported symptoms of VD. Postoperatively, this decreased to 69 (22.2%) (p < 0.001), and of those, 32 (10.3%) reported de novo VD. The difference remained significant after excluding concomitant MUS surgery (n = 119, p < 0.001). Postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in mean PVR (n = 311, p < 0.001). After excluding concomitant MUS surgery, there was a significant increase in mean MFR centile (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Prolapse repair significantly reduces symptoms of VD and improves PVR and flowmetry.

Outcomes of bladder neck botulinum toxin injection for female primary bladder neck obstruction-does subjective improvement correlate with an objective assessment?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Common options for management of primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) in women include medications and surgical treatment. Less invasive treatment such as bladder neck botulinum toxin injection can be an alternate therapy in patients with failed conservative management. In this study, we describe the subjective and objective outcomes, patient satisfaction, and willingness for repeat treatment with bladder neck botulinum toxin injection in females with PBNO. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of ten female PBNO patients managed with bladder neck botulinum toxin injection was performed. Subjective parameters were quantified with symptom assessment, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Quality of life (QoL) score. Objective parameters were assessed with maximum flow rate (Qmax) in uroflowmetry and postvoid residual (PVR). RESULTS: The mean pre-treatment IPSS, QoL score, Qmax, PVR was 24.2 ± 5.0, 4.8 ± 0.63, 5.73 ± 3.18 ml/s, and 210 ± 66 ml, respectively. Seven of the ten patients subjectively improved (IPSS 12.9 ± 9.6, QoL2.9 ± 1.6, p < 0.05). Three patients improved objectively (mean Qmax 17.3 ± 2.7 ml/s, PVR 42.7 ± 7.5 ml, p < 0.05). Three patients accepted repeat botulinum toxin injection. Three patients who showed no improvement underwent bladder neck incision with resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin can be an intermediary therapy in female patients with PBNO who want a minimally invasive procedure.

Microhematuria in Women Presenting for Overactive Bladder.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Microscopic hematuria and overactive bladder are two common urologic conditions. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of current literature as well as highlight important guidelines that will aid physicians in the diagnostic workup of microscopic hematuria in patients experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder. RECENT FINDINGS: Updated microscopic hematuria guidelines provide a structured and appropriate workup for women based on risk factors, which stratifies patients to prevent unnecessary procedures and imaging. Women presenting with microscopic hematuria in the setting of overactive bladder should undergo microscopic hematuria workup according to their risk stratification while receiving appropriate treatment for their overactive bladder. The physician should consider the presence of irritative voiding symptoms during the investigation and management of microscopic hematuria in patients with overactive bladder and should not delay overactive bladder treatment due to the presence of microscopic hematuria.

Investigation of predictive factors for the presence of voiding dysfunction after transvaginal mesh surgery-Can the flow curve shape on uroflowmetry be a predictor?

PURPOSE: This study established the prognostic significance of the uroflowmetry flow curve shape in the presence of voiding dysfunction following transvaginal mesh surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 439 symptomatic cystocele patients who underwent anterior wall repair with transvaginal mesh surgery. Uroflowmetry and postvoid residual were used to evaluate voiding function both preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. The patients were divided into two groups: those with and without postoperative voiding dysfunction, and the predictors of postoperative voiding dysfunction were analyzed. The shape of the urine flow curve was analyzed for its influence on the presence of postoperative voiding dysfunction. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants were in the voiding dysfunction group, while 404 were in the nonvoiding dysfunction group. Multivariate analysis was conducted by adding an interrupted-shaped curve to age, Qmax, and postvoid residual, which showed significant differences in univariate analysis, found that age 68 years or older (odds ratio [OR]: 7.68, 95%CI 1.02-58, p = 0.048), postvoid residual ≥110 mL (OR: 2.8, 95%CI 1.25-6.29, p = 0.013) and interrupted-shaped curve (OR: 2.47, 95%CI 1.07-5.69, p = 0.034) were discovered to be independent risk factors for the presence of voiding dysfunction after transvaginal mesh surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Following transvaginal mesh surgery for cystocele, three variables were found to be predictive of voiding dysfunction: the old age, excessive postvoid residual, and an interrupted-shaped flow curve. The uroflowmetry flow curve shape has the potential to be a new predictor of postoperative voiding dysfunction.

The effect of pelvic floor muscle training in women with functional bladder outlet obstruction.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Female voiding dysfunction is often due to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). We investigated pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) effectiveness in women with functional BOO. METHODS: This is a prospective study recruiting 63 women functionally obstructed, over 18yo, maximum flow rate (Qmax) less than 12 ml/sec, naïve of voiding treatment. Exclusion criteria were anatomical BOO, neurological condition, pelvic intervention, psychiatric or anticholinergic medication, diabetes mellitus and affected upper urinary tract. At baseline, women underwent uroflow, post void residual (PVR) measurement, cystoscopy, cystogram and urodynamic study (UDS) with pelvic electromyography (EMG). Blaivas-Groutz nomogram has been used to define obstruction. After diagnosis, patients underwent six-month PFMT. Re-evaluation was offered four weeks after end of treatment. Data were analyzed with SPSSv22.0. RESULTS: 63 women were recruited and 48 finally included. At baseline, 20 reported 3 urinary tract infections (UTIs) during last year, and 12 had one episode of urine retention. Median Qmax was 7.5 ml/sec and median PVR 110 ml. 40 women were obstructed. 16 (40%) had mild, 16 (40%) moderate and 8 (20%) severe obstruction. All subjects had an overactive pelvic floor on EMG. Obstructed women were re-evaluated. Median Qmax was 8.5 ml/sec, close to baseline (p = 0.16). Median PVR was 65 ml, reduced to baseline (p = 0.02). 33 (82.5%) remained obstructed, 22 (66.67%) with mild, 8 (24.24%) moderate and 3 (9.09%) severe obstruction. 7 (17.5%) were non-obstructed. 4 patients reported one UTI episode with no cases of retention. CONCLUSIONS: A 6 month PFMT reduced UTIs and PVR in women with functional BOO. Additionally, most patients had a de-escalation to milder obstruction.

Sacral neur al neuromodulation tr omodulation treatment for urinar eatment for urinary voiding dysfunctions: results of treatment with the largest single-center series in a ter series in a tertiary referral center in T al center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive treatment that modulates spinal reflexes to regulate bladder, urinary sphincter, and pelvic floor and has successfully been used in the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to present our experience with SNM in a tertiary referral center with the largest number of patients and review the safety and efficacy of the procedure. METHODS: A total of 42 patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms were included into the study. After an initial test period, patients who showed more than 50% improvement in their symptoms underwent the second stage of SNM. Twelve patients had overactive bladder (OAB), bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and 17 had urinary retention. The clinical success was examined during follow-up by voiding diary, urodynamics, and global response assessment. RESULTS: Between February 2015 and December 2020, a total of 29 patients underwent stages I&II SNM procedures. The mean ages of patients in OAB/BPS group and retention group were 40 (37-57 years) and 35 (27-44 years), respectively. Mean follow-up time was at least 1 year. Overall, 58.5% success rate was observed in OAB, BPS/IC, and urinary retention groups. Global response assessment score in both groups increased significantly (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between success or failure rates when sex and age were variable parameters (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: SNM appears to be an effective and safe treatment option in restoring voiding dysfunctions in patients with refractory idiopathic and neurogenic voiding dysfunctions. Our initial series revealed favorable results; however, further studies with larger series and longer follow-up are needed.

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.