Racial disparities in bladder management in veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders.

AIMS: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in individuals with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D). The purpose of this study was to identify specific demographic, neurologic, and urologic factors associated with different bladder management methods (BMMs) in individuals with SCI/D. METHODS: A retrospective review of BMMs at a large Veterans Affairs SCI/D center was performed to identify associated risk factors including demographics, neurologic factors, and urologic factors. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with specific BMMs. Then, a propensity-matched racial group analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with differences in BMM. RESULTS: Data from 833 patients with SCI/D were reviewed and included 52.1% Caucasians and 39.6% African Americans. On bivariate analysis, current age, years since the injury, the severity of functional impairment, nonmedical mechanism of injury, and Caucasian race were associated with increased rates of indwelling catheter use. In an analysis of propensity-matched racial groups, African-American race was found to be an independent risk factor for not using indwelling catheters on multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.55). This finding was not related to access to care, as the rate of urodynamic testing was similar between races ( P = 0.174). CONCLUSIONS: Caucasians were more likely to use indwelling catheters and less likely to use conservative BMMs despite proper urodynamic evaluation. The racial discrepancy suggests a need for future research aimed at identifying unknown psychosocial factors associated with the use of indwelling catheters in individuals with SCI/D.

Stress incontinence surgery at the time of prolapse surgery: mandatory or forbidden?

INTRODUCTION: Concomitant anti-incontinence surgery at the time of prolapse repair has been a long-debated topic. Still today, there remains no clear answer to this question, although in recent years the literature has become more robust with the addition of more randomized controlled trials. The lifetime risk for women of undergoing surgical correction of pelvic organ prolapse is significant, and concomitant anti-incontinence surgery is an important question during surgical planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review delves further into the current literature to discuss a possible algorithm for managing the risk of stress incontinence after pelvic organ prolapse repair and examines the support in the literature for the following treatment methods: (1) anti-incontinence surgery for all women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair, (2) anti-incontinence surgery for no women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair, and (3) anti-incontinence surgery in select women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair. CONCLUSIONS: While there are data both for and against each of these approaches, after a review of the literature, we recommend anti-incontinence surgery for select women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair, including women with a history of symptomatic and occult stress incontinence diagnosed preoperatively.

Is there an association between polypropylene midurethral slings and malignancy?

OBJECTIVE: To examine any association between polypropylene mesh used in midurethral slings and malignancy in humans. Macroporous, monofilament polypropylene midurethral slings have been established as a safe and effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. However, despite long-term studies supporting the efficacy and safety of midurethral slings, there have been concerns regarding the general risks of using mesh in transvaginal surgery. In addition, concerns have recently been raised about synthetic midurethral slings and a possible link with malignancy. Therefore, the goal of this work was to further assess any association between polypropylene mesh slings and malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All sling procedures performed at our institution from 2004 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. From within this group, the International Classification of Disease codes for urethral cancer, vaginal cancer, and bladder cancer were reviewed. RESULTS: From 2004-2013, 2545 procedures were performed. Of these, 2361 (96.3%) underwent polypropylene midurethral sling placement. Average follow-up after sling placement was 42.0 ± 38.6 months, with follow-up extending up to 122.3 months. The rate of bladder cancer after the sling procedure was 1 of 2361 (0.0%), with the same rate of vaginal cancer. No sarcomas were noted. CONCLUSION: Overall, the rate of malignancy after polypropylene mesh midurethral sling placement in our series was 0.0% (2 of 2361). With a mean follow-up of almost 4 years and follow-up extending up to a maximum of 122.3 months, our series does not support any association between the polypropylene mesh used for midurethral slings and the development of malignancy in humans.

Current controversies regarding oncologic risk associated with polypropylene midurethral slings.

Midurethral synthetic slings are the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence. However, recent concerns have been raised regarding a possible association between synthetic midurethral slings and malignancy. The aim of this editorial was to examine the data behind these concerns. After a review of the data, no evidence was found to suggest that polypropylene midurethral slings are associated with a risk of malignancy.ᅟ

Bladder outlet obstruction in women: functional causes.

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women has received less focus in the past, as compared with BOO in men; however, more recently, studies have further examined BOO and voiding dysfunction in women to define the various etiologies, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. The differential diagnosis in women is broad and includes anatomic, neurologic, and functional etiologies. This review focuses on the functional etiologies, including dysfunctional voiding, Fowler's syndrome, and primary bladder neck obstruction in adult women.

Satisfaction in patients undergoing concurrent pelvic floor surgery for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Simultaneous repair of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common. In these cases, determinants of patient satisfaction are complicated given that surgical success may be achieved in one component but not the other. We sought to assess satisfaction in patients undergoing multiple pelvic surgeries. METHODS: We performed a review of 89 women undergoing concomitant POP repair and midurethral sling (MUS) placement. Focus was placed on patient-reported satisfaction rates. Validated measures were used to evaluate outcomes after MUS [International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ)-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, SUI item; pad use] and POP repair (ICIQ-Vaginal Symptoms; POPQ stage). RESULTS: At 1-year evaluation, 78 (88%) women reported satisfaction. Assessment identified combined cure of both POP/SUI in 64 (72%) patients, in contrast to failure of MUS, POP repair, and both repairs in 15 (17%) patients, 9 (10%) patients, and 1 (1%) patient, respectively. Subset analysis revealed dissatisfaction in 5% (3/64) of patients achieving complete cure of both SUI and POP. In contrast, 40% (6/15) were dissatisfied if there was failure to cure SUI, 22% (2/9) if failure to cure POP, and the patient with failure of both was not dissatisfied. The ICIQ-Vaginal Symptoms domain score for vaginal bulge was the only assessed outcome demonstrating a statistical relationship with patient-reported satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Among women achieving cure of both SUI and POP via concurrent surgical repair, 95% reported satisfaction. Interestingly, a variety of outcomes measures fail to correlate with satisfaction. Further, in patients with complete cure of concurrent pelvic surgeries, a percentage still report dissatisfaction, highlighting the complicated nature of patient satisfaction.

Comprehensive evaluation of anterior elevate system for the treatment of anterior and apical pelvic floor descent: 2-year followup.

PURPOSE: The Elevate® Anterior and Apical Prolapse Repair System is a polypropylene mesh that is anchored through sacrospinous ligament and obturator fascia fixation points. We present a comprehensive evaluation of this prolapse repair system through 2 years with a focus on safety, operative characteristics, and anatomical, subjective and quality of life outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 women underwent repair of stage II or greater anterior/apical compartment prolapse using the repair system, of whom 2 were lost to followup. Anatomical outcomes were assessed using POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification) staging. Subjective and quality of life outcomes were assessed by the validated ICIQ (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire)-VS (Vaginal Symptoms), ICIQ-FLUTS (Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) and IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7). Additional outcomes included a 3-day bladder diary and cough test with outcomes assessed preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and at 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: Mean ± SD blood loss was 93 ± 55 cc and mean operative time was 58 ± 27 minutes. POP-Q points Aa, Ba and C improved from 0.9, 0.8 and -1.3 preoperatively to -2.1, -2.7 and -6.1 cm at 2 years, respectively (each p <0.05). Four patients experienced anatomical recurrence, which was associated in 2 with symptomatic recurrence on the ICIQ-VS. Statistically significant improvements in the ICIQ-VS, ICIQ-FLUTS and IIQ-7 were seen throughout followup. Adverse events included leg pain, vaginal exposure and urinary retention in 1, 2 and 5 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Elevate Anterior and Apical Prolapse Repair System was associated with good anatomical restoration and significant improvements in validated symptom and quality of life indexes through 2 years of assessments. Our experience suggests that the system is a safe, effective surgical procedure in appropriately selected patients. Long-term followup is important, given the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warning regarding the use of surgical mesh in the repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

A new and automated method for objective analysis of detrusor rhythm during the filling phase.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing acceptance that the detrusor muscle is not silent during the filling phase of the micturition cycle but displays low-amplitude phasic contractions that have been associated with urinary urgency. Unfortunately, there is currently no standardized methodology to quantify detrusor rhythm during the filling phase. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an automated computer algorithm to analyze rat detrusor rhythm in a quick, accurate, and reproducible manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strips of detrusor smooth muscle from rats (n = 17) were placed on force transducers and subjected to escalating doses of PGE2 to generate contractile rhythm tracings. An automated computer algorithm was developed to analyze contractile frequency, amplitude, and tone on the generated rhythm tracings. Results of the automated computerized analysis were compared to human (n = 3) interpretations. Human interpreters manually counted contractions and then recounted the same data two weeks later. Intra-observer, inter-observer, and human-to-computer comparisons were performed. RESULTS: The computer algorithm quantified concentration-dependent changes in contractile frequency, amplitude, and tone after administration of PGE2 (10(-9)-10(-6)M). Concentration-response curves were similar for all contractile components with increases in frequency identified mainly at physiologic concentrations of PGE2 and increases in amplitude at supra-physiologic concentrations. The computer algorithm consistently over-counted the human interpreters, but with less variability. Differences in inter-observer consistency were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our computerized algorithm accurately and consistently identified changes in detrusor muscle contractile frequency, amplitude, and tone with varying doses of PGE2. Frequency counts were consistently higher than those obtained by human interpreters but without variability or bias. Refinements of this method may allow for more standardized approach in the study of pharmacologic agents on filling phase rhythmic activity.

Audience response system: a new learning tool for urologic conferences.

INTRODUCTION: Audience response systems (ARS) have not been used to gauge knowledge transfer and retention in the setting of large medical conferences. In this study, we explore the utility of an ARS as an educational tool in the setting of a large urology conference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the 2011 joint meeting of the Mid-Atlantic and New England sections of the American Urological Association, conference attendees were able to use a web-based and cell-phone accessed ARS. At the meeting, six ARS questions were asked during five point-counterpoint debate topics covering areas of prostate cancer, incontinence, pediatrics, stone disease, and renal cancer. Questions were presented by expert representatives from each of the sections; questions were structured as management options for predefined cases. At the beginning and end of each 15-minute session, attendees were asked to use the ARS to select the best management option. RESULTS: In five out of the six questions (83%) more than 10% of responses were changed following the presentation of the point-counterpoint session and a > 25% change in response was noted in two out of the six questions (33%). A statistically significant change was noted for one question relating to management of urolithiasis in pregnancy (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which demonstrates the potential utility of an ARS in a large urology conference. With further research it may be possible to use this technology to identify high-yield topics for medical education and improve outcomes during lecture-based educational activities.

Vaginal symptoms and sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape-obturator placement: minimum 12-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of the tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) on sexual function and vaginal symptoms. The effect of anti-incontinence surgery on vaginal symptoms and sexual function is controversial; these assessments are increasingly important given the Food and Drug Administration warning regarding the use of transvaginal surgical mesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 42 patients undergoing TVT-O with a minimum 1-year follow-up data was performed. The outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1 year postoperatively using validated questionnaires, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms, a validated measure assessing the impact of vaginal symptoms and sexual matters on quality of life and treatment outcomes. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form were used to assess the incontinence and quality of life outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were seen in the vaginal symptoms (from 9.7 to 6.0, P=.01), sexual matters (from 16.7 to 6.9, P=.01), and quality of life (from 3.0 to 1.1, P=.001) domains on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms from the baseline to 1-year assessment. Of 20 sexually active patients at baseline, 18 reported continued sexual activity postoperatively, with 2 patients reporting an absence of sexual activity because of other factors. Six patients who were not sexually active at baseline because of vaginal symptoms had resumed sexual activity at 1 year. Statistically significant improvement in vaginal soreness and a trend toward improvement in the abdominal pain domain score were seen. CONCLUSION: TVT-O sling placement was associated with symptom stability or improvement in validated measures of sexual function and vaginal symptoms. These data do not support the concerns regarding worsening sexual function and vaginal symptoms after TVT-O sling placement.

Association of bladder sensation measures and bladder diary in patients with urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Investigation suggests the involvement of afferent actions in the pathophysiology of urinary incontinence. Current diagnostic modalities do not allow for the accurate identification of sensory dysfunction. We previously reported urodynamic derivatives that may be useful in assessing bladder sensation. We sought to further investigate these derivatives by assessing for a relationship with 3-day bladder diary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subset analysis was performed in patients without stress urinary incontinence (SUI) attempting to isolate patients with urgency symptoms. RESULTS: No association was demonstrated between bladder diary parameters and urodynamic derivatives (r coefficient range (-0.06 to 0.08)(p > 0.05)). However, subset analysis demonstrated an association between detrusor overactivity (DO) and bladder urgency velocity (BUV), with a lower BUV identified in patients without DO. Subset analysis of patients with isolated urgency/urge incontinence identified weak associations between voiding frequency and FSR (r = 0.39) and between daily incontinence episodes and BUV (r = 0.35). However, these associations failed to demonstrate statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: No statistical association was seen between bladder diary and urodynamic derivatives. This is not unexpected, given that bladder diary parameters may reflect numerous pathologies including not only sensory dysfunction but also SUI and DO. However, weak associations were identified in patients without SUI and, further, a statistical relationship between DO and BUV was seen. Additional research is needed to assess the utility of FSR/BUV in characterizing sensory dysfunction, especially in patients without concurrent pathology (e.g. SUI, DO).

Expert training with standardized operative technique helps establish a successful penile prosthetics program for urologic resident education.

INTRODUCTION: The challenge of resident education in urologic surgery programs is to overcome disparity imparted by diverse patient populations, limited training times, and inequalities in the availability of expert surgical educators. Specifically, in the area of prosthetic urology, only a small proportion of programs have full-time faculty available to train residents in this discipline. AIM: To examine whether a new model using yearly training sessions from a recognized expert can establish a successful penile prosthetics program and result in better outcomes, higher case volumes, and willingness to perform more complex surgeries. METHODS: A recognized expert conducted one to two operative training sessions yearly to teach standardized technique for penile prosthetics to residents. Each session consisted of three to four operative cases performed under the direct supervision of the expert. Retrospective data were collected from all penile prosthetic operations before (February, 2000 to June, 2004: N = 44) and after (July, 2004 to October, 2007: N = 79) implementation of these sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes reviewed included patient age, race, medical comorbidities, operative time, estimated blood loss, type of prosthesis, operative approach, drain usage, length of stay, and complications including revision/explantation rates. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests, Fisher's tests, and survival curves using the Kaplan-Meier technique (P value ≤ 0.05 to define statistical significance). RESULTS: Patient characteristics were not significantly different pre- vs. post-training. Operative time and estimated blood loss significantly decreased. Inflatable implants increased from 19/44 (43.2%, pre-training) to 69/79 (87.3%, post-training) (P < 0.01). Operations per year increased from 9.96 (pre-training) to 24 (post-training) (P < 0.01). Revision/explantation occurred in 11/44 patients (25%, pre-training) vs. 7/79 (8.9%, post-training) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that yearly sessions with a recognized expert can improve surgical outcomes, type, and volume of implants and can reduce explantation/revision rates. This represents an excellent model for improved training of urologic residents in penile prosthetics surgery.

Prolonged urinary retention after intravesical botulinum injection for treatment of idiopathic detrusor overactivity.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin (BTX) has emerged as a treatment of refractory overactive bladder (OAB) and, while well tolerated, there exists concern regarding postoperative urinary retention. CASE: A 75-year-old female underwent intravesical BTX-A injection, which was followed by a prolonged episode of urinary retention, highlighting an unusual duration and degree of UR associated with BTX-A injection in the treatment of idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO). This case illustrates clinically significant urinary retention with bladder diaries demonstrating persistent postvoid residual (PVR) measurements exceeding voided volume until 9 month follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Notably, this duration and severity of urinary retention remains rare. However, this case underscores the need to appropriately counsel patients regarding the risks associated with intravesical injection of BTX-A.

A survey of ethically challenging issues in urological practice.

PURPOSE: We surveyed ethical attitudes among urological and nonurological practitioners, allowing for thought and discussion regarding ethical issues in a larger audience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With input from an academic urologist, a senior medical student and a hospital ethics committee member, a survey was created which asked for multiple choice responses to 3 demographic questions (practice type, age, location) and 10 ethically challenging clinical questions. Surveys were distributed online or via mail to 5 groups including academic urologists, urologists in private practice, medical students, hospital risk managers/attorneys and members of a bioethical society. Surveys were analyzed according to demographic variables. RESULTS: Surveys were sent out to 1,447 individuals and 340 responses were received (24%). There were statistically significant differences in the responses to several questions based on practice type, age and practice location. There was a lack of consistency in answer choices with greater than 50% agreeing on a single answer choice for only 4 of 10 questions (40%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to our knowledge which attempts to objectively categorize ethical attitudes in a broad based survey of urologists and nonurologists, and challenges members of our profession to study their own responses to these ethical issues.

The influence of psychiatric comorbidities and sexual trauma on lower urinary tract symptoms in female veterans.

PURPOSE: We characterized the association of psychiatric comorbidities and sexual trauma with lower urinary tract symptoms in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive women (121) referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms to a specialized urology clinic were given validated questionnaires including the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7. These data were then analyzed according to psychiatric comorbidities, history of sexual trauma, age, race and obstetric history. Baseline incidence of psychiatric comorbidity and sexual trauma was also compared to a control population (1,298) from which all patients were referred. RESULTS: Women referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms had higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities (64.5% vs 25.9%, p <0.001) and sexual trauma (49.6% vs 20.1%, p <0.001) compared to those in the primary care clinic. Total survey scores for the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 were significantly higher for patients with psychiatric comorbidities and sexual trauma (11.05 +/- 0.84) compared to scores of patients with neither of these conditions (7.6 +/- 1.02, p = 0.010). Stepwise multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that higher Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 scores were associated only with age younger than 50 years and history of miscarriage, and that higher Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 scores were associated only with psychiatric comorbidities and history of miscarriage. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric comorbidities and sexual trauma are prevalent in female veterans presenting for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities are associated with greater quality of life impact.