Sexuality and erectile function after implantation of an Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS) for urinary stress incontinence. A multi-institutional prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate erectile function and sexuality before/after implantation of the ATOMS device including continence outcome, pain perception and co-morbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data from 34 patients (2010-2014) who were provided with an ATOMS implant due to mild or moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy (RPE), transurethral resection (TURP) or radiotherapy. Previous failed implants were no contraindication. Sexuality was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) were used to analyse pain perception. Results regarding continence, influence of co-morbidities and drug intake were interpreted. RESULTS: IIEF-5 score increased 6 months after ATOMS implantation with a mean difference of 2.18 (Cl: 1.22, 3.14), p < 0,001). Non-sexually active patients had the greatest benefit. However, 50% of patients achieved a mean IIEF-5 of 10.1 and 38% of patients reported a new onset of sexual activity at follow up (mean IIEF-5 score of 12.9). This is in accordance with reduced SUI and absence of persistent pain syndrome. Overall success rate regarding 24h pad-use was 88% (no pad rate 38%). Previous failed implants did not influence results but diabetes, obesity and drug intake (beta-blockers, antidepressants) led to poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: Sexuality and erectile function improves significantly 6 months after ATOMS implantation. We postulate that reduced SUI (also during sexual activity) and absence of chronic pain are the improving factors. ATOMS should be offered to men with mild to moderate SUI who are interested in regaining their erectile function and sexual activity.

Early results of a European multicentre experience with a new self-anchoring adjustable transobturator system for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in men.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with a new self-anchoring adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS®; AMI, Vienna, Austria) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 99 men, in a number of centres, were treated for SUI with the new ATOMS® device. The device was implanted in all patients using an outside-in technique by passing the obturator foramen and anchoring the device to the inferior pubic ramus. The titanium port was placed s.c. on the left symphysis region. Adjustments were performed via port access. Postoperative evaluation consisted of physical examination, 24-h pad test, and 24 h-pad count. Preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up, patients completed a validated quality-of-life questionnaire. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyse changes over time. Within-group effects for time were tested using post hoc Dunnett's contrasts of baseline values vs subsequent measurements. RESULTS: The most common indication was SUI after radical prostatectomy (92.9%). Failure of previous surgeries was present in 34.3% patients and 31.3% patients had undergone secondary radiation. The mean (SD; range) surgery time was 47 (13.8; 29-112) min. Temporary urinary retention occurred in two patients (2%) and transient perineal/scrotal dysaesthesia or pain was reported by 68 patients (68.7%) and resolved after 3-4 weeks of non-opioid analgesics. There were four (4%) cases of wound infection at the site of the titanium port leading to explantation. No urethral or bladder injuries related to the device or erosions occurred. The mean (SD; range) number of adjustments to reach the desired result (dryness, improvement and/or patient satisfaction) was 3.8 (1.3; 1-6). After a mean (SD; range) follow-up time of 17.8 (1.6; 12-33) months, the overall success rate was 92% and the mean pad use decreased from 7.1 to 1.3 pads/24 h (P < 0.001). Overall, 63% were considered dry and 29% were improved. CONCLUSION: Treatment of male SUI with this self-anchored adjustable system is safe and effective.

Initial experience and results with a new adjustable transobturator male system for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: We report on our initial experience in terms of efficacy and safety with a new, self-anchoring adjustable transobturator male system (A.M.I.® ATOMS System) for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, nonrandomized single center study conducted between March and December 2009, patients with stress urinary incontinence secondary to prostatic surgery were treated with the ATOMS device. Urethroscopy, filling and voiding cystometry were performed preoperatively for all patients. In addition, incontinence symptoms were assessed, and a physical examination, 24-hour pad test and 24-hour pad count were performed before and after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included in the study (36 after radical prostatectomy, 2 after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery). No intraoperative complications occurred. Mean number of adjustments during followup was 3.97 (range 0 to 9). At a mean followup of 16.9 months (range 13 to 21) the overall success rate was 84.2%. Of the successful cases 60.5% were considered dry (0 to 1 pad and less than 15 ml/24-hour pad test) and 23.7% improved (more than 1 pad per 24 hours but more than 50% decrease in pad use and less than 100 ml per 24-hour pad test). In 15.8% of the patients the treatment was considered to have failed (more than 2 pads daily and greater than 100 ml on 24-hour pad test). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of male stress urinary incontinence with the ATOMS is safe and effective. It is an excellent first or second line treatment for mild to moderate male stress urinary incontinence, even after external irradiation. The option of long-term, minimally invasive adjustment to respond to patient needs is a significant advantage of this new implant.

Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in the 70+ population: a nation-wide registry analysis of 845 patients.

AIM: To analyze demographics, perioperative mortality and overall survival of radical cystectomy (RC) in patients aged 70+ years in Austria in a nation-wide registry cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients >69 years who underwent RC in public hospitals (covering >95% of all surgical procedures) in Austria between 1992 and 2004 were analyzed. Data were provided by the Austrian Health Institute (ÖBIG). RESULTS: A total of 845 patients aged 70-89 years (mean 74) entered the analysis. The annual number of cystectomies in this age group increased from 27 in 1992 to 79 (+292%) in 2004. The mean length of hospital stay declined from 37.1 days (in 1992) to 27.1 days (in 2004). The 60-day mortality of the entire cohort was 1.5% and increased to 5.2% in patients aged 80+ years. Almost 50% of patients had to be rehospitalized within 30 days. The 5-year overall survival declined from 62% in those aged 70-74 years to 61% in those aged 75-79 years to 46% in the oldest age group (80+ years). CONCLUSIONS: The annual number of cystectomies in patients aged 70+ years increased substantially during the study period. These nation-wide registry data provide insights into the current status of RC in the elderly in Austria and demonstrate that cystectomy in this age cohort can be done with an acceptable perioperative mortality and overall survival.

De novo OAB After ATOMS: An Underestimated Problem or a Rare Side Effect?

Background: The urinary incontinence system ATOMS (A.M.I., Austria) generates suburethral compression through its sphincter cushion. To what extent the ATOMS may lead to overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms or which risk factors for these symptoms exist remain unknown to date. We report on our multicentre evaluation on the prevalence, status, and therapy of OAB after ATOMS. Methods: Between 10/09 and 01/17, a total of 361 patients received an ATOMS device in Vienna and Halle. A prerequisite for surgery was persistent male stress urinary incontinence lasting at least 6 months after the primary intervention, as well as the failure of conservative treatment. Patients with a preoperative untreated anastomotic stricture or detrusor overactivity were excluded. In addition to continence and voiding parameters, patient's age, BMI, comorbidities, and pre-treatment strategies of the underlying disease and urinary incontinence were examined. If de novo OAB was present, urodynamics were used for further clarification. Statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism 7® (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, USA), p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: OAB presented 18 patients (4.9%). Regarding the degree of urinary incontinence as well as uroflowmetry, residual volume and comorbidities, patients with an OAB showed no differences compared to patients without an OAB (p < 0.05). Only previous radiotherapy or urinary incontinence surgery and urethral stricture interventions resulted in statistically significant differences based on the bivariate analysis (p = 0.030, p = 0.006, p = 0.007). The consecutive postoperative urodynamics revealed a sensory OAB in 17 patients and a low-compliance bladder in a patient with newly diagnosed insulin-dependent type II diabetes mellitus. OAB was treated with a standard dose of antimuscarinic drugs and for the low-compliance bladder with botulinum toxin type A. Conclusion: OAB symptoms can occur after ATOMS implantation, but are rare and have no clear correlation to the incontinence device but rather are due to urinary incontinence-related underlying diseases and previous treatments.

Prostate-specific Antigen Parameters and Prostate Health Index Enhance Prostate Cancer Prediction With the In-bore 3-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Transrectal Targeted Prostate Biopsy After Negative 12-Core Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prostate cancer (PCa) detection and prediction by combining the in-bore magnetic resonance imaging-guided transrectal targeted prostate biopsy (MRGB) with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) parameters and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) in case of negative 12-core standard biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 men (2014-2016) underwent 3-T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent MRGB of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) lesions 3-5. Ancillary PSA parameters (PSA ratio [%fPSA] and PSA density [PSAD]) and the PHI and PHI density (PHID) were recorded. With these parameters in combination with MRGB, PCa prediction was calculated. RESULTS: The most common lesions biopsied were PI-RADS 4 (66%), located in the peripheral zone (64%), in the middle (58%) and anterior (65%) sections of the prostate, and 13 mm (IQR 10-15) in size. PCa was found in 62 (55%) patients (28% Gleason score ≥7). PSAD (0.15 vs 0.21; P = .0051), %fPSA (16 vs 13; P = .0191), PHI (45 vs 69; P < .0001), PHID (0.7 vs 1.5; P < .0001), and prostate volume (56 mL vs 45 mL; P = .0073) were significantly different in patients with PCa and those without PCa. PHI and PHID were the strongest predictors of PCa with areas under the curve of 0.79 and 0.77, respectively. Using optimal thresholds of 59 and 0.79, PHI and PHID were 69% and 84% sensitive and 82% and62% specific for PCa, respectively. CONCLUSION: Following negative standard biopsy of the prostate, the MRGB achieved an overall PCa detection rate of 55% in patients with PI-RADS 3-5 lesions. By considering PHI and PHID, 82% and 62% of unnecessary biopsies could have been avoided, failing to detect 31% and 16% of cancers.

[First experience with the laparoscopic radical cystectomy]. / Erste Erfahrungen mit der laparoskopischen radikalen Zystektomie.

In muscle-invasive bladder cancer, radical cystectomy is the treatment of choice. Pioneers of laparoscopy have tried to remove the bladder in the early 90s. In the year 2000 Gill et al. managed to remove the bladder and reconstruct the urinary diversion completely laparoscopically for the first time. Since the implementation of the technique of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in many American and European institutes, the development of technical instruments for laparoscopy is a milestone. With these instruments and with the knowledge of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, the step to perform a laparoscopic radical cystectomy is not very far.

[Multimodal therapy of prostate cancer - 2 case reports]. / Multimodale Therapie des Prostatakarzinoms - 2 Fallberichte.

The importance of the carcinoma of the prostate is still increasing. It is important to have options such as multimodal therapy. In this article two selected case reports are presented. Treatment options such as surgery, hormonal and irradiation therapy as well as chemotherapy will be discussed. Each patient suffering from carcinoma of prostate should receive individual best therapy.

[Therapy of locoregional prostate cancer]. / Therapie des lokoregionären Prostatakarzinoms.

The importance of the carcinoma of the prostate is still increasing. It is important to know about the possibilities of diagnosis and treatment options. In this article risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options such as surgery, hormonal and irradiation therapy as well as "wait and see" strategy will be discussed. Each patient suffering from carcinoma of prostate should receive the therapy best suited to his needs.

[Interdisciplinary strategies for the treatment of bladder cancer]. / Interdisziplinäre Behandlungsstrategien des Harnblasenkarzinoms.

Muscle invasive bladder cancer is still an interdisciplinary problem for urologists, oncologists and radiotherapists. Our efforts should be on finding the right time for the right intervention such as radical cystectomy or chemotherapy and/or irradiation. New forms of diagnostics and therapies are now available, or at least in clinical trails, to make therapy more effective.