Bladder Neck Contractures Stabilize After Placement of the Artificial Urinary Sphincter.

PURPOSE: For male cancer survivors, the combination of stress urinary incontinence and recurrent bladder neck contracture presents a management dilemma with poor consensus. Our objective was to assess the impact of artificial urinary sphincter placement on bladder neck contracture recurrence among prostate cancer survivors with stress urinary incontinence and bladder neck contracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men electing artificial urinary sphincter placement at our institution undergo synchronous bladder neck contracture treatment if indicated. An institutional database was queried for men with stress urinary incontinence and ≥1 intervention for bladder neck contracture. Records were divided according to whether an artificial urinary sphincter was ever placed. The impact of artificial urinary sphincter placement on bladder neck contracture recurrence was assessed using a multivariable conditional survival analysis, with survival defined as the recurrence-free interval following bladder neck contracture intervention. The proportional hazards assumption was assessed on the basis of Schoenfeld residuals. RESULTS: The analytic cohort consisted of 118 in the artificial urinary sphincter group and 88 in the non-artificial urinary sphincter group. Patients in both groups underwent a median of 2 (range 1-8) bladder neck contracture interventions over the entire course of their care, encompassing 445 total bladder neck contracture interventions. The artificial urinary sphincter group was on average 2.6 years younger (P = .02) and had a higher pack-year smoking history (P < .01). The presence of an artificial urinary sphincter was associated with a 61% lower bladder neck contracture re-intervention rate (HR 0.39, P < .01, CI 0.30-0.50) at any time when accounting for number of prior bladder neck contracture interventions and bladder neck contracture risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial urinary sphincter placement is associated with a lower rate of bladder neck contracture re-intervention. Artificial urinary sphincter placement should not be delayed or avoided due to the presence of bladder neck contracture.

One-Year Results for the ROBUST III Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Optilume® Drug-Coated Balloon for Anterior Urethral Strictures.

PURPOSE: The Optilume® drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a urethral dilation balloon with a paclitaxel coating that combines mechanical dilation for immediate symptomatic relief with local drug delivery to maintain urethral patency. The ROBUST III study is a randomized, single-blind trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Optilume DCB against endoscopic management of recurrent anterior urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were adult males with anterior strictures ≤12Fr in diameter and ≤3 cm in length, at least 2 prior endoscopic treatments, International Prostate Symptom Score ≥11 and maximum flow rate <15 ml per second. A total of 127 subjects were enrolled at 22 sites. The primary study end point was anatomical success (≥14Fr by cystoscopy or calibration) at 6 months. Key secondary end points included freedom from repeat treatment, International Prostatic Symptom Score and peak flow rate. The primary safety end point included freedom from serious device- or procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, with subjects having an average of 3.6 prior treatments and average length of 1.7 cm. Anatomical success for Optilume DCB was significantly higher than control at 6 months (75% vs 27%, p <0.001). Freedom from repeat intervention was significantly higher in the Optilume DCB arm. Immediate symptom and urinary flow rate improvement was significant in both groups, with the benefit being more durable in the Optilume DCB group. The most frequent adverse events included urinary tract infection, post-procedural hematuria and dysuria. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this randomized controlled trial support that Optilume is safe and superior to standard direct vision internal urethrotomy/dilation for the treatment of recurrent anterior urethral strictures <3 cm in length. The Optilume DCB may serve as an important alternative for men who have had an unsuccessful direct vision internal urethrotomy/dilation but want to avoid or delay urethroplasty.

Development of a Predictive Model for the Diagnosis of Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction in Men.

PURPOSE: We sought to develop and validate a bladder outlet obstruction predictive model for men with nonneurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included 1,148 patients who underwent a urodynamic study in the Urology Service of the Burgos University Hospital from January 2007 to December 2019. Obstruction was defined using the Abrams-Griffiths number. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of bladder outlet obstruction. We transferred these data to a model to calculate the individual probability of obstruction. RESULTS: A first group with 563 patients randomly divided was selected for the design of the predictive risk model and a second group of 585 patients for the validation. A total of 331 patients (58.8%) in the development group and 381 (65.1%) in the validation group had a diagnosis of obstruction. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that age, history of previous surgical intervention, presence of voiding symptoms, preserved anal tone, maximum urinary flow rate and voiding efficiency were significant for predicting obstruction. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (95% CI 0.75-0.82) and a model validation of 0.78 (0.72-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed model based on clinical and noninvasive urodynamics parameters allows us to predict the risk of presenting bladder outlet obstruction in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Urodynamic autonomic bladder dysfunction in women with complex chronic pelvic pain is associated with small fiber polyneuropathy.

AIMS: Small fiber neuropathy/polyneuropathy (SFN) has been found to be present in 64% of complex (refractory or multisystem) chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients. The small fiber dysfunction seen in SFN can negatively impact autonomic control of micturition in addition to pain. This study investigated the clinical association of autonomic dysfunction (detrusor underactivity and primary bladder neck obstruction [BNO]) on video urodynamics (VUDS) with SFN in patients with CPP. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study, querying data from patients with complex CPP. Inclusion criteria were: the presence of complex (refractory or multisystem) CPP, and completion of both (1) subspecialty autonomic neurology evaluation for SFN and (2) high-quality VUDS performed according to ICS standards. Autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) on VUDS was compared to the presence of SFN. RESULTS: Thirty-two female patients with complex CPP met criteria. Of the 32, 23 (72%) were found to have SFN. Patient with autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) were more likely to have SFN (OR = 9.5 [95% CI: 1.641, 55.00], p = 0.007). Post-void residual volume was higher in the SFN group (p = 0.011 [95% CI: 13.12, 94.0]) and symptoms of urge urinary incontinence were more likely to be present (p = 0.000 [95% CI: -3.4, -1.25]). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with complex CPP with autonomic bladder dysfunction are more likely to have SFN. This suggests patients with complex CPP should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of SFN, particularly if BNO or detrusor underactivity is noted on VUDS evaluation.

Urinary Symptoms and Bladder Voiding Dysfunction Are Common in Young Men with Defecatory Disorders: A Retrospective Evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequently reported by constipated patients. Prospective studies investigating the association between defecatory disorders (DDs) and voiding dysfunction, predominantly in women, have reported conflicting results. This study investigated (1) the prevalence of LUTS in young men with DDs and (2) the association between objectively documented DDs and voiding dysfunction in constipated young men with LUTS. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records, including validated questionnaires, of men aged 18-40 with confirmed DDs treated with pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) at our institution from May 2018 to November 2020. In a separate group of constipated young men with LUTS who underwent high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRM), rectal balloon expulsion test (BET), and uroflowmetry, we explored the relationship between DDs and voiding dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 72 men were evaluated in the study. Among 43 men receiving PT for a proven DD, 82% reported ≥ 1 LUTS, most commonly frequent urination. Over half of these men experienced a reduction in LUTS severity after bowel-directed pelvic floor PT. Among 29 constipated men with LUTS who had undergone HRM/BET and uroflowmetry, 28% had concurrent defecatory and voiding dysfunction, 10% had DD alone, 14% had only voiding dysfunction, and 48% had neither. The presence of DD was associated with significantly increased odds of concurrent voiding dysfunction (odds ratio 9.3 [95% CI 1.7-52.7]). CONCLUSIONS: Most young men with DDs experience LUTS, which may respond to bowel-directed physical therapy. Patients with DD and urinary symptoms have increased odds of voiding dysfunction.

The role of transperineal ultrasound in the evaluation of stress urinary incontinence cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of transperineal ultrasonography while diagnosing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by comparing the urethral angle (α), posterior urethrovesical angle (ß), and bladder neck descent (BND) during rest and Valsalva maneuver in continent women and women with SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted with 50 women with SUI and 50 continent women. Transperineal ultrasonography was performed at rest and during Valsalva maneuver. Q-tip test was performed. RESULTS: During the Valsalva maneuver, both α and ß angles were significantly higher in women with SUI (p < 0.001). The difference between Valsalva and rest measurements of α and ß angles (R α, R ß) were also significantly higher in women with SUI (p < 0.001). The cut-off point determined for the R α in the diagnosis of stress incontinence was 16° (80% sensitivity, 98% specificity). A statistically significant strong correlation was found between Q-tip test angle and R α value (p=0.000; r=0.890). Q-tip VAS pain scores were significantly higher than ultrasonography VAS pain scores (p < 0.001). In relation to the bladder neck descent comparison between the two groups showed that BND was significantly higher in SUI group (p < 0.001). The cut-off point determined for BND in the diagnosis of SUI was >11mm (90% sensitivity, 98% specificity). CONCLUSION: Transperineal ultrasonography is a practical, reliable, non-invasive and comfortable method for evaluation of SUI. It has the advantage of dynamic evaluation during the Valsalva maneuver. Rotation angles and BND have high sensitivity and specificity for detection of SUI. The change in α angle with Valsalva (Rα) can be used as an alternative to Q-tip test.

Can Concomitant Bladder Neck Incision and Primary Valve Ablation Reduce Early Re-admission Rate and Secondary Intervention?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of bladder neck morphology and its incision (BNI) in patients with posterior urethral valve (PUV) on early reintervention rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infants undergoing PUV ablation (PVA) before 24 months of age and had at least 18 months of follow-up, were categorized into three groups according to the bladder neck appearance on baseline radiological and endoscopic examination: group 1; normal bladder neck underwent PVA, group 2; high bladder neck underwent PVA plus BNI, group 3; high bladder neck underwent PVA only. Early reintervention was defined as the need for check cystoscopy because of persistent renal function deterioration, worsening hydronephrosis and/or unsatisfactory VCUG improvement during the 1st six months post primary PVA. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2017, a total of 114 patients underwent PVA and met the study criteria with a median follow-up of 58 (18-230) months. For group 1, 16 (22.9%) patients needed readmission. Check cystoscopy was free and no further intervention was performed in 5(7.5%) and re-ablation was performed in 11(15.7%) patients. For group 2, 3(14.3%) patients needed reintervention. Re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed in 1(4.8%) and 2(9.5%), respectively. For group 3, cystoscopy was free in 1(4.3%), re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed 2(8.7%) and 1(4.3%), respectively. There were no significant differences in the re-admission and re-intervention rates among the three study groups (p=0.65 and p=0.50, respectively). CONCLUSION: In morphologically high bladder neck associated PUV, concomitant BNI with PVA doesn't reduce early re-intervention rate.

Bladder neck stenosis after transurethral prostate surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Bladder neck stenosis (BNS) is a long-term complication of surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We performed a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of the incidence of BNS after transurethral procedures for BPH. METHODS: We performed a systemic literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Controlled Register of Trials. We accepted only randomized trials comparing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) vs. other transurethral surgery for BPH that were grouped in Ablation vs. Enucleation modalities. The incidences of BNS were pooled using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Method with the random effect model and expressed as Risk Ratios, 95% Confidence Intervals, and p values. Study heterogeneity was assessed utilizing the I2 value. RESULTS: 72 studies were identified for meta-analysis, 46 comparing TURP vs. Ablation and 26 TURP vs. Enucleation. The pooled incidence of BNS was 1.3% after TURP, 0.66% after enucleation and 1.2% after Ablation. The incidence of BNS was higher after TURP than after Enucleation but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.75 95% CI 0.81-3.79, p = 0.16). There was no significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 0%, Chi2 4.11, p = 0.90). The incidence of BNS was higher after TURP than after Ablation, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.82-2.11, p = 0.26) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 0%, Chi2 21.1, p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: Our study showed no difference in the rate of BNS incidence among randomized trials comparing TURP vs. Ablation vs. Enucleation and can be used as a reference to counsel patients undergoing BPH surgery.

Predictors of further anti-incontinence interventions or transvaginal urethrolysis after a pubovaginal sling procedure in women with and without neurologic disorders.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The impact of neurologic disorders on the clinical outcome of suburethral sling procedures has seldom been studied. Our aim is to elucidate factors predicting further anti-incontinence interventions or transvaginal urethrolysis after a re-adjustable pubovaginal sling procedure (PVS), especially in patients with neurologic disorders. METHODS: Medical records of all consecutive women who underwent re-adjustable PVS for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 589 women were enrolled, 152 (25.8%) women were found to have persistent or recurrent SUI after surgery, and 39 (6.6%) women underwent further anti-incontinence interventions. Postoperative voiding dysfunction was found in 46 (7.8%) women, and 23 women (3.9%) underwent transvaginal urethrolysis. Low body mass index (hazard ratio = 0.92) and low functional bladder capacity (dL, hazard ratio = 0.83) were factors predicting the presence of persistent/recurrent SUI. However, the presence of spinal cord disorder (hazard ratio = 8.91) and a history of prior surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (hazard ratio = 2.51) were factors predicting further anti-incontinence interventions. A high post-void residual volume (PVR, dL, hazard ratio = 1.52) and preoperative bladder outlet obstruction (BOO, hazard ratio = 5.39) were factors predicting postoperative voiding dysfunction. Similarly, a high PVR (dL, hazard ratio = 1.50) and preoperative BOO (hazard ratio = 5.38) were factors predicting transvaginal urethrolysis. A PVR >1.51 dL was an optimal cut-off value for predicting transvaginal urethrolysis. CONCLUSION: The presence of spinal cord disorder and prior surgery for pelvic organ prolapse were predictors of further anti-incontinence interventions after re-adjustable PVS. In addition, a large PVR and preoperative BOO were predictors of transvaginal urethrolysis after re-adjustable PVS.

Treatment Response and Complications after Intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection in Male Patients with Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Syndrome.

PURPOSE: We sought to assess the treatment response, complications and treatment continuation after onabotulinumtoxinA injection in male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of men with refractory idiopathic overactive bladder treated with intradetrusor injection of 100 IU onabotulinumtoxinA since 2007 in our department. Patients with previous radical prostatectomy were excluded from analysis. The treatment response was assessed using a treatment benefit scale of 1-greatly improved, 2-improved, 3-not changed and 4-worse after treatment. A treatment benefit scale score of 1 or 2 was considered a treatment response. Complications were classified according to the CD (Clavien-Dindo) classification. Treatment was considered to have continued if at the last visit patients had received an onabotulinumtoxinA injection within the preceding 12 months. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to assess factors predictive of the treatment response, complications and continuation on treatment. RESULTS: Of the 146 men with a mean ± SD age of 70.1 ± 13.3 years who were included in study 91 (62.3%) reported a response to treatment. A total of 24 complications (16.4%) were detected, including 19 cases (13%) of urinary retention (CD 2), 2 (1.3%) of hematuria (CD 1) and 3 (2%) of urinary infection (CD 2). Followup was more than 12 months in 128 patients, of whom 88 (68.8%) had discontinued treatment by the end of followup. A higher bladder outlet obstruction index was the only factor predicting a lower treatment response rate and a higher complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: Most male patients with idiopathic overactive bladder showed a treatment response after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection. However, the majority discontinued treatment. A higher bladder outlet obstruction index was related to a lower treatment response and a higher complication rate.

Treatment validation of the Solomon-Greenwell nomogram for female bladder outlet obstruction.

AIM: Bladder outflow in women (bladder outlet obstruction [BOO]) has no well-accepted defining diagnostic criteria. Various nomograms exist based on flow rates, pressure-flow data, and fluoroscopy. We have prospectively evaluated the Solomon-Greenwell bladder outflow obstruction nomogram (SG BOO nomogram) as a measurement of BOO resolution following targeted surgical intervention. METHODS: The routine posttreatment urodynamics of 21 unselected women with an original urodynamic diagnosis of BOO on fluoroscopy and the SG BOO nomogram (BOO boundary defined as Qmax > 2.2 Pdet.Qmax + 5) were reviewed. All women had symptomatic BOO secondary to anterior pelvic organ prolapse (aPOP), urethrovaginal fistula (UVF), previous stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery, urethral stricture (US), or urethral diverticulum (U Div). Following treatment, all presenting symptoms resolved and simple urodynamics were performed as part of routine follow-up. RESULTS: The urodynamic findings preoperatively and postoperatively showed statistically significant changes posttreatment in mean flow rate which increased from 9.38 to 14.71 mL/s, mean Pdet.Qmax which decreased from 38 to 18.38 cmH2 O, and mean SG BOO nomogram probability (PBOO) which reduced from PBOO = 0.68 to 0.08. Mean SG BOO nomogram PBOO was significantly reduced posttreatment in all individual categories except UVF where a nonsignificant reduction from PBOO = 0.55 to 0.05 occurred. CONCLUSIONS: All urodynamic parameters significantly improve in women who become asymptomatic following surgical treatment of BOO. This improvement is best demonstrated by the change in probability of BOO according to the Solomon-Greenwell nomogram. These findings underline the validity of the Solomon-Greenwell female BOO nomogram for diagnosing and monitoring BOO in women.

[Role of alphablockers in women: Systematic review]. / Place des alphabloquants chez la femme : revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Marketing authorization of alphablockers is limited principally to men with benign hypertrophy of prostate. The objective of this review is to evaluate clinical and urodynamic improvement of alphablockers in women. METHOD: A review of the literature was carried out on all prospective studies about the use of alphablockers in women with urination disorders. RESULTS: Seventeen articles have been included. The selected articles were classified according to the studied population: lower urinary tract disorders, bladder emptying disorders without details on mechanism, bladder outlet obstruction, detrusor hypoactivity overactive bladder. Four studies were randomized against placebo. There was an improvement in the IPSS in 8 studies going as far as a decrease of 11,7 points (4.6 vs. 16.3 P<0.05). The voiding IPSS subscore was improved overall in 8 studies with a decrease of up to 6,2 points (9.6±5.5 vs. 14.8±4 P<0.01). Two trials showed an improvement of clinical scores versus placebo with an improvement of IPSS from -11.7 vs -9.5 (P<0.05) and -5.6 vs -2.6 (P<0.05). Urodynamic parameters were also often improved with a decrase of Qmax going to+5.8mL/s (P<0.05). Alphablocker also appear to improve non obstructive voiding disorders. The benefit in overactive bladder seems limited. CONCLUSION: Alphablockers may be indicated in voiding disorders of women. Their exact role must be established.

Minimally Invasive Radical Prostatectomy after Previous Bladder Outlet Surgery: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Comparative Studies.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer surgery after previous bladder outlet surgery of benign prostatic hyperplasia is an uncommon yet challenging scenario. We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis of comparative studies on laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive radical prostatectomy after bladder outlet surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the literature on PubMed®, Embase® and Web of Science™ up to February 2019 according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) statement to identify eligible studies. Surgical, oncologic and functional outcomes in patients who underwent minimally invasive radical prostatectomy after bladder outlet surgery were compared to those without a history of bladder outlet surgery. Sensitivity analysis was done according to surgical technique (laparoscopic or robotic). RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 12 comparative studies were included in analysis. Patients who underwent minimally invasive radical prostatectomy after bladder outlet surgery were older (p ≤0.00001) and had a smaller prostate (p = 0.04) and lower prostate specific antigen (p = 0.003). The previous bladder outlet surgery group had lower odds of nerve sparing procedures, longer operative time, a higher rate of bladder neck reconstruction (each p <0.0001) and longer catheter time (p = 0.03). They were at higher risk for intraoperative (p = 0.001), overall (p <0.00001) and major complications (p = 0.0008), a higher positive surgical margin rate (p = 0.0005) and biochemical recurrence (p = 0.05). Moreover, potency (p = 0.03) and continence recovery (p = 0.007) at 12 months were lower in men with previous bladder outlet surgery. Robotic surgery seemed to offer better outcomes than laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive radical prostatectomy after previous bladder outlet surgery represents a challenging surgical task with a higher risk of complications, and higher odds of worse functional and oncologic outcomes. Patients should be aware of these drawbacks and these factors should be considered during patient counseling. When surgery is pursued, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy should be preferred over laparoscopic radical prostatectomy since it can offer superior outcomes. The overall literature on this topic is of low quality and further efforts should be made to obtain higher levels of evidence.

[Clinical characteristics and treatment of female stress urinary incontinence combined with bladder neck obstruction].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) combined with bladder neck obstruction (BNO). Methods: The clinical data of 17 cases of female SUI patients with BNO, who was admitted to the Urology department, Beijing Chaoyang hospital from November 2011 to April 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age was (60.3±2.6) years old and the mean body mass index was (23.8±0.5) kg/m(2). All patients had the first stage bladder neck incision with the second stage suprapubic urethral support sling. The clinical characteristics, curative effects and outcomes were analyzed. Results: The maximum flow rate was increased significantly after the bladder neck incision compared with preoperative [(9.3±0.5) vs (25.6±0.8) ml/s, P<0.001]. The postvoid residual urine volume and PdetQmax were decreased significantly than that preoperative [(167.5±4.4) vs (4.1±0.5) ml, P<0.001; (49.4±1.3) vs (24.9±0.7) cmH(2)O, P<0.001]. The incontinence questionnaire-short form score was significantly lower after the second stage suprapubic urethral support sling [(2.4±0.4) vs (14.9±0.3), P<0.001]. The number of subjective and objective case of suprapubic urethral support sling was 13, and the treatment effect of other patients was improved. The hospitalization and operation time of the bladder neck incision and the suprapubic urethral support sling were short. All patients had no intraoperative complications, two cases had dysuria and one case had groin pain after the suprapubic urethral support sling operation. Conclusions: The patients of female SUI combined with BNO are most elderly and obese population. The effectiveness and safety of the first stage bladder neck incision and the second stage suprapubic urethral support sling are high, and the surgeries can effectively relieve the obstruction and improve the quality of patients' life.

Suture causing urethral meatus stricture: A novel animal model of partial bladder outlet obstruction.

AIMS: Open surgery is the most commonly used methodological approach for generating a partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) animal model. Surgical suturing closing a part of the urethral meatus induces comparable pathophysiological changes in bladder and renal functions, but the optimum degree of obstruction that closely mimics the clinical pathology of pBOO has not been elucidated. We investigated the optimum obstruction level by performing a comprehensive time-dependent analysis of the stability and reliability of this novel animal model. METHODS: Six- to eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups according to the degree of urethral meatus stricture (UMS). Non-operated mice served as controls, and a pBOO model generated using the traditional method served as a positive control. A cystometric evaluation and long-term studies were performed to evaluate the validity and reliability of this novel animal model. An additional 35 mice were used to investigate the protein expression levels and histopathological features 24 h and 14 days postoperatively, respectively. RESULTS: The characteristic cystometry features in the UMS group revealed increased changes in pressure-related parameters compared with the control. The 1/3 UMS model is an optional pBOO animal model because the cystometric evaluation and histopathological studies revealed a striking resemblance between the 1/3 UMS model and the model generated using the traditional open-surgery method. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive UMS model required less time and produced minimal alterations in pathophysiologically relevant processes compared with the traditional surgery model. Suturing to cause UMS produced effective and repeatable patterns in bladder function investigations in mice.

Inhibitory effects of silodosin on the bladder mechanosensitive afferent activities and their relation with bladder myogenic contractions in male rats with bladder outlet obstruction.

AIMS: We investigated the effects of silodosin, an α1A-adrenoceptor (AR) antagonist, on bladder function, especially on non-voiding contractions (NVCs), in a male rat model of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) by evaluating cystometry (CMG) findings and bladder mechanosensitive single-unit afferent activities (SAAs), related with microcontractions, which may be similar with NVCs and to be of myogenic origin, in the rat model. METHODS: BOO was created by partial ligation of the posterior urethra. At 4 days after surgery for BOO, an osmotic pump filled with silodosin (0.12 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle was subcutaneously implanted. At 10 days after surgery, CMG and SAAs measurements were taken under conscious and urethane-anesthetized conditions, respectively. The SAAs of Aδ- and C-fibers, which were identified by electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve and by bladder distention, and intravesical pressure were recorded during constant bladder-filling with saline. Microcontractions were divided into three phases: "ascending," "descending," and "stationary." RESULTS: The silodosin-treated group showed a smaller number of NVCs in CMG measurements and lower SAAs of both Aδ- and C-fibers than the vehicle-treated group during bladder-filling. Moreover, in the vehicle-treated groups, the SAAs of both fibers for the ascending phase of microcontractions were significantly higher than those for the other two phases. On the contrary, no significant change was found between any of these three phases in the silodosin-treated group. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that silodosin inhibits the SAAs of mechanosensitive Aδ- and C-fibers at least partly due to suppressing myogenic bladder contractions in male BOO rats.

Oxidative stress in the bladder of men with LUTS undergoing open prostatectomy: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the link between preoperative parameters and oxidative stress (OS) markers in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2014 to August 2016, men aged ≥ 50 years and presenting with LUTS were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative assessment included validated questionnaires (IPSS and OAB - V8), lower urinary tract ultrasound and urodynamics. Bladder biopsies were taken during open prostatectomy for determination of OS markers. Increased OS was defined by increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and / or decreased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and / or catalase). P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty - eight consecutive patients were included. Mean age was 66.36 ± 6.44 years, mean prostate volume was 77.7 ± 20.63 cm3, and mean IPSS was 11.05 ± 8.72 points. MDA concentration was increased in men with severe bladder outlet obstruction (BOO grade V - VI according to the Schaefer's nomogram) in comparison with BOO grade III - IV (p = 0.022). Patients with severe LUTS also had higher MDA concentration when compared to those with mild LUTS (p = 0.031). There was a statistically significant association between increased post - void residual urine (cut off ≥ 50 mL) and not only higher levels of MDA, but also reduced activity of SOD and catalase (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that severity of LUTS and BOO were associated with increased MDA concentration in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Further studies are still needed to assess the role of non - invasive biomarkers of OS in predicting bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS.

A new surgical technique: transvesical resection of prostate - case series.

OBJECTIVE: To protect the urethra from instrumentation related urethra injures and stricture, we developed a new surgical technique which can be defined as transvesical resection of prostate without using urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 12 consecutive bladder outlet obstruction patients treated with transvesical prostate resection in our clinic between March 2016 and May 2016. Detailed anamnesis, results of physical examination, digital rectal examination, routine lab tests, international prostate symptoms score, transrectal ultrasound, measurement of prostate-specific antigen levels and uroflowmetry was performed in all patients prior to surgery. RESULTS: Hospitalization period following surgery was 1 day. Foley catheter and suprapubic cystostomy catheters were removed in a median period of 3.6 days and 1 day. Median mass of resected adenomas was measured as 21.8 gr. Median maximum flow rate was measured as 6mL/s. Median postvoid residual urine volume was 70.6 cc and median international prostate symptoms score and quality of life scores were 9 and 1.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, we would like to show the possible practicality of transvesical resection of prostate technique in this patient group. However, we think that this technique is very useful in special patient groups such as patients with bladder stones, priapism and penile prosthesis.

Urothelial Barrier Deficits, Suburothelial Inflammation and Altered Sensory Protein Expression in Detrusor Underactivity.

PURPOSE: The pathophysiology of detrusor underactivity remains unclear and impaired bladder afferent function is considered one of the important etiologies. We investigated urothelial barrier deficits, suburothelial inflammation and sensory proteins expressed in the bladder mucosa of patients with detrusor underactivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladder mucosa biopsies were performed in 34 patients with videourodynamic proven detrusor underactivity as the study group and in 10 women with stress urinary incontinence as controls. The expression of zona occuldens-1, E-cadherin in the urothelium, tryptase and apoptosis levels in the suburothelium, ß3-adrenoceptor, M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors, P2X3 receptor, and inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were compared between study patients and controls. RESULTS: Study patients included 22 women and 12 men with a mean ± SD age of 56.3 ± 19.7 years, of whom 15 had a history of diabetes. Study patients had significantly lower E-cadherin expression, and a higher number of mast cells and apoptotic cells than controls. Additionally, lower expression of M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors, P2X3 receptors and endothelial nitric oxide synthase was detected in study patients but higher expression of ß3-adrenoceptor. In study patients a positive correlation was noted between tryptase and apoptosis levels (r = 0.527) and between the expression of M2 muscarinic receptor and P2X3 receptor (r = 0.403). However, ß3-adrenoceptor expression negatively correlated with E-cadherin expression (r = -0.490, each p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Urothelial dysfunction, increased suburothelial inflammation and altered sensory protein expressions in bladder mucosa were prominent in patients with detrusor underactivity. Impaired urothelial signaling and sensory transduction pathways appear to reflect the pathophysiology of detrusor underactivity.

Postoperative Urinary Retention is an Independent Predictor of Short-Term and Long-Term Future Bladder Outlet Procedure in Men.

PURPOSE: Postoperative urinary retention is a common complication across surgical specialties. To our knowledge no literature to date has examined postoperative urinary retention as a predictor of long-term receipt of surgery for bladder outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of inpatients who underwent nonurological surgery in California between 2008 and 2010. Postoperative urinary retention during the index admission was identified, as was receipt of a bladder outlet procedure (transurethral prostate resection, prostate photoselective vaporization or suprapubic prostatectomy) at a subsequent encounter. Patients were matched using propensity scoring of demographics, comorbidities and surgery type. Adjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the cumulative incidence of subsequent bladder outlet procedures by patient group, including group 1-age 60 years or greater and postoperative urinary retention, group 2-age 60 years or greater and no postoperative urinary retention, group 3-age less than 60 years and postoperative urinary retention, and group 4-age less than 60 years and no postoperative urinary retention. RESULTS: Of 769,141 eligible male patients postoperative urinary retention developed in 8,051 (1.1%). Following hospital discharge 1,855 patients (0.24%) underwent a bladder outlet procedure. Those treated with a bladder outlet procedure were significantly more likely to have experienced postoperative urinary retention during the index admission (6.3% vs 1.0%, p <0.001). On matched analysis the bladder outlet procedure rate at 3 years was 7.1%, 2.2%, 0.8% and 0.0% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In men 60 years old or older postoperative urinary retention identified those with an increased incidence of bladder outlet procedures within 3 years. Men younger than 60 years had a low rate of subsequent bladder outlet procedures regardless of a postoperative urinary retention diagnosis.