Prophylactic Ureteral Stenting in Laparoscopic Colectomy: Revisiting Traditional Practice.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic placement of ureteral stents is performed during open colectomy to aid in ureteral identification and to enhance detection of injury. The effects of this practice in laparoscopic colectomy are unknown. This study compares outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy with and without prophylactic ureteral stenting. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary academic medical center was performed. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of ureteral injury. Secondary outcomes evaluated included mortality, length of stay, procedural duration, and new-onset urinary complication (hematuria, dysuria, and urinary tract infection). RESULTS: In 702 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy from 2013 to 2016, prophylactic stents were placed in 261 (37%) patients. Two ureteral injuries occurred (0.3%), both in patients who underwent ureteral stent placement (P = 0.07) and were found and repaired intraoperatively. There was no in-hospital mortality. When accounting for age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score, procedural indication, gender, BMI, and extent of resection, no difference in hospital length of stay (P = 0.79) was noted comparing patients with and without stenting. However, stent placement prolonged operating time (P = 0.03) and increased the risk of new-onset urinary complications (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ureteral injuries only occurred in those with stent placement. Prophylactic ureteral stents in laparoscopic colectomy are associated with increased operative time and urologic morbidity. Owing to the low prevalence of ureteral injury in the elective setting and the increased risk of urinary complications, use of prophylactic ureteral stenting should be highly selective.

Preoperative assessment of the ureter with dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography for lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedures.

BACKGROUND: Performing the minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LIF), such as the extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) and oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), through a retroperitoneal approach has become increasingly popular. Although urological injury is a major complication of LIF, the anatomical location of the ureter and its risk of injury have not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography for assessing the location of the ureter and risk of its injury in consecutive LIF cases. METHODS: 27 cases (12 men and 15 women) were enrolled in the study. Dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT was performed preoperatively, and the risk of ureteral injury was assessed. The location of the ureter was classified using the psoas muscle and vertebral body as reference structures for OLIF and XLIF procedures, respectively. During the OLIF procedures, the location of the ureter was additionally assessed with direct vision and manual palpation in all cases. Simultaneously, potential vascular anomalies were assessed with both 3D and axial images of CT. RESULTS: A total of 125 among 162 ureters, excluding 13 with insufficient enhancement and 24 (44.4%) within the kidney at the L2-L3 level, were assessed preoperatively; 113 ureters (90.4%) were classified as anatomically close to the surgical corridor for OLIF, and 20 ureters (16.0%) as having a potential risk of injury during XLIF. In one case, OLIF was converted to a conventional posterior procedure because of a vascular anomaly. Intraoperative findings showed that ureters moved anteriorly with the peritoneum in all cases, as assessed by manual palpation under direct vision. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT is useful in assessing the location of the ureter, kidney, and vascular structures simultaneously. Both OLIF and XLIF have a potential risk of urological injury.

Prevention and management of urologic injury during gynecologic laparoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article provides an update on the best practices for the prevention, recognition, and management of urinary tract injuries that may occur during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Higher surgical volume is directly associated with improved surgical outcomes, denoted by consistently lower rates of complications for commonplace procedures such as hysterectomy. As a result, expert opinion on prevention of iatrogenic urologic injury suggests a real need for improved education and training of gynecologic surgeons. Discontinued manufacturing of indigo carmine has led to the utilization of alternative methods to assess ureteral patency during cystoscopy, such as phenazopyridine or sodium fluorescein. Intraoperative cystoscopy has been shown to detect approximately 50% of urinary tract injuries during hysterectomy, but has limited accuracy and does not necessarily decrease delayed postoperative complications. When identified, most urologic injuries can be managed in a minimally invasive fashion. SUMMARY: A thorough understanding of pelvic anatomy and early recognition of urinary tract injuries can significantly reduce surgical morbidity for women undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Nerve-guided laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for distal rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Urogenital dysfunctions are well-recognized problems after rectal cancer surgery and are often due to autonomic nerve damage. Although following holy planes during total mesorectal excision (TME) reduces the possibility of damage to the autonomic nerve fibers, these could still be affected in some critical areas.1 (,) 2 To improve the quality of surgery and prevent nerve damage, accurate intraoperative anatomical orientation of autonomic nerve is essential.3 Thanks to advancement of the high-definition laparoscopic technology, even the finest nerve fibers deep in the pelvic cavity can be identified through illumination and magnification.4 We aim to present a surgical technique of using the autonomic nerves as landmarks to guide laparoscopic TME for distal rectal cancer, with the purpose of preventing autonomic nerve damage to the largest extent. METHODS: The video describes the technique of performing nerve-guided laparoscopic TME in a 50-year-old man with a rectal cancer (7 cm from anal verge). Preoperative staging by endorectal ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging is stage I rectal cancer (cT2N0M0). Five trocars (two 12 mm and three 5 mm) are used. All procedures are performed with conventional laparoscopic instruments. The sigmoid colon is mobilized using a medial approach. The superior hypogastric plexus lies just posterior to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are clearly identified and protected. Then the root of the IMA is ligated and cut. The left Toldt space is dissected, followed by complete mobilization of the sigmoid colon. The superior hypogastric plexus nerve fibers combine to a strong pair of hypogastric nerves as they enter the pelvic cavity, and can be clearly identified when the mesorectum is lifted. Then the mesorectum is separated from the hypogastric nerves by sliding down along the nerves. Dissection of the mesorectum is continued in the loose areolar plane along the midline down to the sacrococcygeal junction. Then the mesorectum is dissected laterally from posterior midline up to 9 o'clock on the left and to 3 o'clock on the right side. The splanchnic nerves can be identified as they swing from the sacrum and straight into the pelvic plexus. The peritoneum is dissected in an arc line about 0.5 cm above the line of rectovesical pouch. After the anterior side of the rectum is mobilized, the mesorectum is dissected along the seminal vesicles downward and sideward to the lateral margin. The neurovascular bundle of Walsh at the anterolateral side of the rectum is clearly identified and protected. The mobilization of the mesorectum ceases at the tendinous arch of levator ani. Then the rectum is only fixed to the pelvic side wall by its lateral ligaments, which are consisted by rectal branch of the inferior pelvic plexus and vessels. Thus care should be taken to cut only those rectal nerve fibers, leaving the inferior pelvic plexus intact. The mesorectum is divided 5 cm distal to the lesion with one firing of an endoscopic stapler. The specimen is extracted through a 3 cm transumbilical laparotomy. End-to-end anastomosis using a circular stapler is performed intra-abdominally. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications. The operating time was 160 min. Blood loss was 20 mL. The patient underwent an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on postoperative day 6. Final pathology was pT2N0M0. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had no urogenital dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve-guided laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for distal rectal cancer is safe and feasible. This technique should be considered whenever possible as a means to prevent autonomic nerve damage and subsequent loss of urogenital function.

Acute nontraumatic general surgical conditions on a combat deployment.

BACKGROUND: Literature is lacking on acute surgical problems that may be encountered on military deployment; even less has been written on whether or not any of these surgical problems could have been avoided with more focused predeployment screening. We sought to determine the burden of illness attributable to acute nontraumatic general surgical problems while on deployment and to identify areas where more rigorous predeployment screening could be implemented to decrease surgical resource use for nontraumatic problems. METHODS: We studied all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed to Afghanistan between Feb. 7, 2006, and June 30, 2011, who required treatment for a nontraumatic general surgical condition. RESULTS: During the study period 28 990 CAF personnel deployed to Afghanistan; 373 (1.28%) were repatriated because of disease and 100 (0.34%) developed an acute general surgical condition. Among those who developed an acute surgical illness, 42 were combat personnel (42%) and 58 were support personnel (58%). Urologic diagnoses (n = 34) were the most frequent acute surgical conditions, followed by acute appendicitis (n = 18) and hernias (n = 12). We identified 5 areas where intensified predeployment screening could have potentially decreased the incidence of in-theatre acute surgical illness. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is a significant acute care surgery element encountered on combat deployment, and surgeons tasked with caring for this population should be prepared to treat these patients.

CONTEXTE: Il y a un manque de données sur les problèmes chirurgicaux aigus qui peuvent survenir lors de déploiements militaires, et encore moins sur la question de savoir si on aurait pu éviter ces problèmes en faisant un dépistage plus ciblé avant le déploiement. Nous avons tenté de déterminer le fardeau de la maladie attribuable à des problèmes non traumatiques aigus de chirurgie générale pendant le déploiement, puis d'identifier les domaines où un dépistage préalable plus rigoureux pourrait être mis en oeuvre pour réduire l'utilisation des ressources chirurgicales pour les problèmes non traumatiques. MÉTHODES: Notre étude a porté sur tous les membres des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) déployés en Afghanistan entre le 7 février 2006 et le 30 juin 2011 et qui ont eu besoin de traitement pour un état chirurgical général non traumatique. RÉSULTANTS: Pendant la période de l'étude, 28 990 membres des FAC ont été déployés en Afghanistan; 373 (1,28 %) ont été rapatriés en raison de maladie et 100 (0,34 %) ont développé un état chirurgical général aigu. Parmi ces derniers, 42 faisaient partie du personnel de combat (42 %) et 58 faisaient partie du personnel de soutien (58 %). Les diagnostics urologiques (n = 34) constituaient les états chirurgicaux aigus les plus fréquents, suivis de l'appendicite aiguë (n = 18) et des hernies (n = 12). Nous avons identifié 5 domaines où un dépistage intensifié, préalable au déploiement, aurait possiblement réduit l'incidence des états chirurgicaux aigus en théâtre d'opérations. CONCLUSION: Il ressort de nos conclusions que les missions de combat comportent un important élément de soins chirurgicaux aigus et que les chirurgiens chargés de soigner cette population devraient être préparés à traiter ces patients.

Should we routinely stent after ureteropyeloscopy?

Arguments 'for' and 'against' ureteric stenting after ureteropyeloscopy are discussed. An individualised approach balancing renal function preservation, irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and emergent return to theatre needs to be adopted while being mindful of healthcare spending.

The role of prophylactic versus selective ureteric stenting in kidney transplant patients: a retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of prophylactic versus selective ureteric stenting in the development of postoperative ureterovesical complications in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: Records of 614 transplant patients seen from January 2006 to May 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was the rate of ureterovesical complications, defined as the development of ureteric obstruction or a ureterovesical anastomotic leak. The secondary outcomes were the rate of urinary tract infections and forgotten stents. Using a χ2 test, we compared the primary and secondary outcomes across the selective and prophylactic cohorts. Logistic regression was used to compare the 2 cohorts while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The selective and prophylactic cohorts consisted of 258 and 330 patients, respectively. Unadjusted analysis showed that the prophylactic group had a significantly lower rate of ureterovesical complications than did the selective group (2.12% vs 6.20%; odds ratio, 0.33; P= .01). After adjustment for differences in sex and donor type, the prophylactic group still had a lower risk for ureterovesical complications (odds ratio, 0.30; P= .009). Rates of urinary tract infections and forgotten stents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic stenting is associated with a significantly lower rate of ureterovesical complications than is selective stenting.

Impact of fluid intake in the prevention of urinary system diseases: a brief review.

We are often told that we should be drinking more water, but the rationale for this remains unclear and no recommendations currently exist for a healthy fluid intake supported by rigorous scientific evidence. Crucially, the same lack of evidence precludes the claim that a high fluid intake has no clinical benefit. The aim of this study is to describe the mechanisms by which chronic low fluid intake may play a crucial role in the pathologies of four key diseases of the urinary system: urolithiasis, urinary tract infection, chronic kidney disease and bladder cancer. Although primary and secondary intervention studies evaluating the impact of fluid intake are lacking, published data from observational studies appears to suggest that chronic low fluid intake may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Ureteral stent placement and BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: BK virus (BKV) infection is an important cause of kidney transplant dysfunction. A possible association of double-J ureteral stent placement and BK viremia has been suggested in previous studies; however, risk factors for BK are incompletely understood. We aimed to determine if stent placement is an independent risk factor for BK viremia. METHODS: Data were collected on consecutive kidney-only transplant recipients between December 1, 2006 and June 30, 2010. All patients had at least 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Of 600 consecutive kidney transplants, BK viremia within the first post-transplant year was detected in 93 patients (15.5%); in 70 of these cases, the peak BKV polymerase chain reaction was ≥10,000 copies/mL. By multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for BK viremia were recipient age (P = 0.02) and stent placement (P = 0.03). Stents were placed in 49.2% and removed at a median of 46 days (range: 11-284) post transplantation; removals occurred within 0-30, 30-60, 60-90, 90-120, 120-150, and >150 days post transplantation in 18.4%, 67.2%, 10.5%, 2.4%, 1.0%, and 0.3% of cases, respectively. No association was found of BK viremia with stent duration >46 days (P = 0.70) or by the 6-level groupings (P = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Although we observed a significant association of BK viremia with stent placement, no dose-dependent effect was seen.

[Urological comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis : literature review]. / Urologische Begleiterkrankungen bei Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis : Literaturübersicht.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of urolithiasis which is further negatively impacted by a reduced bone density. Interstitial cystitis also tends to occur more often in patients with rheumatic diseases. The high incidence of bacterial urogenital infections is influenced by the use of immunomodulating drugs. Many RA patients have to undergo numerous tests until a diagnosis is reached and are then treated as outpatients on a tightly controlled schedule. Despite a closely controlled rheumatological follow-up, urological screening and determination of a baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value (in men over 45 years old) should not be neglected. In patients with an increased risk of renal and bladder neoplasms or when such a diagnosis is known, the benefit of long-term use of high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID, aspirin type) should be carefully weighed up with a risk profile and after specialist urological assessment. Patients who suffer from sexual dysfunction due to physical limitations and prolonged medical therapy should undergo urological and gynecological assessment to exclude contributing causes. The use of aphrodisiacs and erection-enhancing drugs (e.g. PDE5 inhibitors, local injection with prostaglandins and vacuum therapy) require prior approval by a medical specialist and also cardiovascular stability. Acute urinary retention is more common in chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases.

Individualized radical hysterectomy procedure using intraoperative electrical stimulation for patients with cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, by monitoring the varied distributions of nerve fascicles using intraoperative electrical stimulation (IES), we sought to establish an individualized operation based on the patient's unique nerve distribution pattern, and to determine whether this technique would result in a higher preservation rate. MATERIALS/METHODS: Radical hysterectomy was performed from 2002 to 2010. Patients in group A are the 48 cases from 2002 to 2007 in which nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy using IES as our previous report was performed. Patients in group B are the 38 cases from 2008 to 2010 in which we used our new method, which was individualized to each patient. Urodynamic study (UDS) was used to confirm nerve preservation. Nerve preservation was defined as confirming distinct detrusor contraction during urinary voiding. RESULTS: In group B, nerve preservation rate was higher than in group A (75% vs 9 0%, P = 0.067). We classified the case-by-case nerve anatomy as whether the nerve fascicle was mainly on the medial side or on the lateral side of the deep uterine vein. The lateral type anatomy was observed unilaterally in 6 cases and bilaterally in 1 case. In summary, the lateral type anatomy was observed in 8 (29%) of 28 sides. In the cases evaluated by UDS, the positive predictive value of IES was 95% in group A and 100% in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Our method of IES showed a high positive predictive value of nerve preservation as confirmed by UDS. By delineating the nerve tract in detail using IES, it is possible to individualize the operation based on each patient's anatomy, with an improved nerve preservation rate.

A comparative study of 3-week and 6-week duration of double-J stent placement in renal transplant recipients.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficiency and safety of 3-week and 6-week duration of double-J stent placement in patients who received a kidney transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Post-transplant recipients were divided into two groups. The duration of double-J stent placement was 6 weeks in group 1 (n = 186) and 3 weeks in group 2 (n = 179). Both groups received similar antibiotics and immunosuppressants. The double-J stents were removed cystoscopically under local anesthesia. The patients were followed up for at least 3 months. Urological complications were recorded, including urinary leakage, obstruction, and urinary tract infections. RESULTS: There were no severe urological complications in both groups. Duration of 3 weeks was as effective as 6 weeks in preventing urological complications such as urinary leak and stenoses. There was no significant difference between the two groups in average duration of macroscopic hematuria, incidents of malposition of double-J stent and calculus formation in or around the stent. Compared with group 1, patients in group 2 had a lower incidence of urinary irritation and fewer urinary tract infection episodes. CONCLUSIONS: A shorter duration of double-J stent placement in renal transplantation recipients does not increase urological complications. In addition, it may decrease urinary tract infection and urinary irritation.

Lifestyle factors, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although age, genetics, and sex steroid hormones play prominent roles in the cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), recent epidemiological studies suggest that modifiable lifestyle factors also contribute substantially to the pathogenesis of these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Lifestyle and metabolic factors associated with significantly increased risks of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms include obesity, diabetes, and meat and fat consumption. Factors associated with decreased risks include physical activity, moderate alcohol intake, and vegetable consumption. Factors for which no clear risk patterns have emerged include lipids and smoking. Randomized clinical trials of lifestyle alterations - such as weight loss, exercise, and diet - for the prevention or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms have yet to be performed. SUMMARY: Lifestyle factors present a novel opportunity for the prevention and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms. Although clinical trials of lifestyle modifications have not yet been undertaken, promotion of healthy lifestyle alternatives within the context of standard benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms treatment algorithms is potentially beneficial.

Posterior urethral valves: long-term outcome.

Posterior urethral valves represent the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in infancy that impairs renal and bladder function. Long-term outcome of patients with previous PUV is evaluated. Patients over 18 years of age, treated from 1982 to 1995 before the age of 3 years were considered. Previous surgery, renal function, bladder activity, urinary incontinence, and fertility/sexual activity were evaluated. Clinical interview, creatinine clearance, uroflowmetry with ultrasound post-void urine residue, and self-administered questionnaire were recorded. Out of 45 identified records, 24 patients (53.3%) accepted to be enrolled (age 18-34 years, mean 23 years). The mean follow-up was 19.5 years (16-30 years). Out of the 21 excluded patients, 20 did not reply to the clinical interview and 1 died at age of 6 years. All the 24 patients had early endoscopic section of PUV; nine also received transient ureterocutaneostomy or vesicostomy. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in five patients and ureterocystoplasty with unilateral nephrectomy in two. At follow-up chronic renal failure was detected in 13 patients (54.1%) and 9 (37.5%) had arterial hypertension. End-stage renal disease developed in five patients (20.8%): three had successful renal transplantation and two were in dialysis. Lower urinary tract symptoms were present in seven patients (29.1%). No significant fertility deficit and sexual dysfunction were observed in 23 patients, while 1 patient was azoospermic. No paternity was reported so far. Long-term outcome of patients with previously treated PUV is mandatory. Kidney, bladder, and sexual functions should be monitored till adulthood to verify any modified behaviour.

Urological anomalies in anorectal malformations in The Netherlands: effects of screening all patients on long-term outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Urological anomalies are frequently seen in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and can result in upper urinary tract deterioration. Whether the current method of screening is valid, adequate and needed for all patients is not clear. We, therefore, evaluated the urological screening methods in our ARM patients for changes in urological treatment, outcome and follow-up. METHODS: The medical records of 331 children born with an ARM in the period 1983-2003 were retrospectively studied. Documentation of diagnosis, screening method, urological anomalies, treatment, complications, follow-up and outcome were measured. RESULTS: The overall incidence of urological anomalies was 52%. The incidence of urological anomalies and urological follow-up time decreased with diminishing complexity of the ARM. Hydronephrosis, vesico-urethral reflux, lower urinary tract dysfunction and urinary incontinence were encountered most. Treatment invasiveness increased with the increase of complexity of an ARM. Lower urinary tract dysfunction needing urological care occurred in 43% in combination with lumbosacral or spinal cord anomalies and in 8% with no abnormalities in the lumbosacral-/spinal region. CONCLUSIONS: Urological anomalies in patients with complex ARM are more severe than in patients with less complex ARM. Ultrasonography of the urinary tract should be performed in all patients. Voiding cysto-urethrography can be reserved for patients with dilated upper urinary tracts, urinary tract infections or lumbosacral and spinal abnormalities. All patients with complex ARM need urodynamic investigations. When using these indications, the screening for urological anomalies in ARM patients can be optimized with long-term follow-up in selected patients.

Results of a previously unreported extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique without ureteral stenting in 500 consecutive kidney transplant recipients.

Urologic complications can still occur following kidney transplantation, sometimes requiring multiple radiological and/or surgical procedures to fully correct the problem. Previously proposed extravesical ureteral reimplantation techniques still carry non-negligible risks of the patient developing urologic complications. About 10 years ago, a new set of modifications to the Lich-Gregoir technique was developed at our center, with the goal of further minimizing the occurrence of urologic complications, and without the need for initial ureteral stent placement. It was believed that an improvement in the surgical technique to minimize the risk of developing urologic complications was possible without the need for stent placement at the time of transplant. In this report, we describe the advantages of this technique (i.e., mobilized bladder, longer spatulation of the ureter, inclusion of bladder mucosa with detrusor muscle layer in the ureteral anastomosis, and use of a right angle clamp in the ureteral orifice to ensure that it does not become stenosed). We also retrospectively report our experience in using this technique among 500 consecutive (prospectively followed) kidney transplant recipients transplanted at our center since 2014. During the first 12mo post-transplant, only 1.4%(7/500) of patients developed a urologic complication; additionally, only 1.0%(5/500) required surgical repair of their original ureteroneocystostomy. Five patients(1.0%) developed a urinary leak, with 3/5 having distal ureteral necrosis, and 1/5 subsequently developing a ureteral stricture. Two other patients developed ureteral stenosis, one due to stricture and one due to ureteral stones. These overall results are excellent when compared with other reports in the literature, especially those in which routine stenting was performed. In summary, we believe that the advantages in using this modified extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique clearly help in lowering the early post-transplant risk of developing urologic complications. Importantly, these results were achieved without the need for ureteral stent placement at the time of transplant.

Effects of anterior trocar guided transvaginal mesh surgery on lower urinary tract symptoms.

AIMS: To assess the effects of trocar guided transvaginal mesh on lower urinary tract symptoms after anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one patients undergoing anterior transvaginal mesh surgery was prospectively evaluated at baseline and 1 year after surgery using the urogenital distress inventory (UDI). RESULTS: Overall UDI scores declined from 91 before surgery to 31 one year after surgery (P < 0.001). UDI subscales for obstructive and irritative symptoms improved 1 year after surgery (P < 0.001 for both) while stress symptoms did not (P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: Trocar guided transvaginal mesh surgery for anterior vaginal wall prolapse was associated with an overall resolution of most symptoms associated with overactive bladder syndrome and bladder outlet obstruction. These beneficial effects should be weighed against an increased risk for stress urinary incontinence related to the procedure.

Supracervical hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline reviews the evidence relating to the potential benefits of the vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and supracervical hysterectomy (SCH) versus total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with respect to postoperative sexual function, urinary function, and peri- and postoperative complications. Laparoscopic options are not included in this guideline. OPTIONS: Women considering hysterectomy for benign disease can be given the option of retaining the cervix or proceeding with a total hysterectomy. OUTCOMES: The outcomes measured are postoperative sexual function and urinary function, and peri- and postoperative complications. EVIDENCE: The Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase were searched for articles published in English from January 1950 to March 2008 specifically comparing VH and SCH with TAH in the prevention of sexual dysfunction, urinary dysfunction, and peri- and postoperative complications. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. Randomized controlled trials were considered evidence of the highest quality, followed by cohort studies. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table). RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Vaginal hysterectomy is generally considered the first choice of surgical approach for most benign indications for hysterectomy, as it is associated with lower rates of morbidity, fewer postoperative complications, and a faster recovery time than abdominal hysterectomy. (I-A). 2. Women contemplating a vaginal, laparoscopic, or abdominal hysterectomy for the management of benign uterine disease should be reassured that hysterectomy is usually associated with improved quality of life, including improved sexual function, whether or not the cervix is removed. (I-B). 3. Supracervical hysterectomy should not be recommended as a superior technique to total abdominal hysterectomy for the prevention of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms. (I-B). 4. Although supracervical hysterectomy may be associated with less blood loss and a shorter surgical time, these parameters have not been found to be clinically significant, and supracervical hysterectomy should not be recommended as a superior technique to total abdominal hysterectomy for the prevention of peri- and postoperative complications. (I-B). 5. Women considering a supracervical hysterectomy should be counselled that they may continue experiencing cyclic vaginal bleeding following the surgery. (I-B). 6. Women must be advised that they require routine cytological screening following a supracervical hysterectomy. (II-B). 7. Women who require a hysterectomy and who have a current or significant history of abnormal cervical cytological results should be counselled on the advantages of vaginal hysterectomy or total abdominal hysterectomy over supracervical hysterectomy. (I-B).

[Total mesorectal excision with preservation of Denonvilliers' fascia (iTME) based on membrane anatomy].

Total mesorectal excision (TME) has been advocated as the golden standard of mid-low rectal cancer surgery for nearly 30 years. However, the complication of postoperative urinary and sexual dysfunctions due to intraoperative nerve injury has yet to be improved. Based on the concept of membrane anatomy, we carried out a systematic study on the important membrane anatomical structure anterior to the rectum--Denonvilliers' fascia. From multiple aspects including anatomy, physiology, histochemistry and surgical practice, we verified the importance of Denonvilliers' fascia for TME surgery in prevention of intraoperative nerve injury and postoperative urogenital dysfunction. Moreover, based on anatomical study of the surgical marker line of Denonvilliers' fascia (Wei's line) and surgical plane, we proved that total mesorectal excision with preservation of Denonvilliers' fascia (iTME) was feasible and practical. Therefore, we conducted a large multicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT). The mid-term result demonstrated that compared with traditional TME surgery, iTME was more effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative urinary and sexual dysfunctions in male patients with mid-low rectal cancer, without sacrifice of short-term tumor radical outcome. We believe that the final RCT result of iTME, based on membrane anatomy, will provide solid evidence for the update of concepts of rectal cancer surgery.