Perspectives on technology: urethral slings in a post-mesh world.

OBJECTIVES: To detail the history of synthetic mid-urethral slings (SMUSs) and fascial slings, their efficacy, associated complications, and changes to practice that have occurred after the issuing of the 2011 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Safety Communication statement on transvaginal mesh (TVM), and to highlight the need for surgical registries and high-quality randomised controlled data to guide recommendations for continence procedures, in view of current concerns regarding mesh. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews to identify articles published from 2011 onward, following the FDA Safety Communication regarding TVM. RESULTS: Prior to the formal FDA Safety Communication in 2011, TVM was considered a safe option for the treatment of both pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The 2011 FDA safety communications and ensuing widely publicised litigation against TVM manufacturers have shifted both surgeon and patient acceptance of mesh products. Several efforts by medical and government bodies have been made to establish ways to monitor the surgical outcomes and safety of mesh products. The Australasian Pelvic Floor Procedure Registry is one such example. Although SMUSs have a long and established safety profile, perceptions of mesh products for SUI have also been negatively affected. The extent of this, however, has yet to be adequately measured through qualitative and quantitative data. The available data suggest it has been difficult for patients and consumers to distinguish between TVM morbidity for POP vs SUI. Furthermore, there remains a lack of high-quality randomised or real-world registry data to definitively exclude the SMUS from the SUI treatment algorithm. Since SMUSs are a viable option for SUI treatment, the concept of a 'post-mesh world' remains contentious. CONCLUSION: Controversies surrounding SMUSs have changed the treatment landscape of SUI. Against the background of significant litigious action following the FDA warnings against mesh use, there has been significant reduction in the uptake of synthetic mesh products. Although there are ample data related to surgical outcomes and safety for both autologous fascial and retropubic SMUSs in carefully selected patients, informed consent and surgical training will be of paramount importance as newer synthetic materials reach clinical maturity.

Is detrusor overactivity with detrusor underactivity limited to the elderly?

OBJECTIVE: Detrusor overactivity with detrusor underactivity (DO-DU) is classically described in frail institutionalized elderly patients, but we have also observed this diagnosis in younger populations. This research aims to identify the differences between two age groups of DO-DU patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included DO-DU patients from a single center from 2012 to 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: the "Younger" group (aged less than 70 years) and the "Older" group (aged 70 years or older). We separately compared demographics, the number of risk factors considered to affect bladder function, clinical presentations, and urodynamic findings between these two groups in each gender. RESULTS: There were 210 patients included in the analysis, with 50.48% in the younger group and 49.52% in the older group. The median ages of males and females in the younger group were 57 and 62 years, whereas the median ages of males and females in the older group were 76.5 and 76 years. Multiple sclerosis exhibited statistically significant prevalence in the younger patients (7.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.03 in males and 19.9% vs. 4.6% in females). While diabetes mellitus (DM) was more prevalent in the older males (20.0% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.01), transabdominal hysterectomy was more common in the younger females (46.3% vs. 25%, p = 0.04). 69.8% of the younger group and 71.2% of the older group have at least one risk factor that impact their bladder function. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups across various risk factor categories. The older males reported a higher incidence of urgency (78.3% vs. 58.5%, p = 0.02) and urge incontinence (61.7% vs. 32.3%, p < 0.01), while the younger females reported a higher incidence of straining during voiding on history (46.3% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.01). The younger males exhibited a greater volume of strong desire to void (385 vs. 300 mL, p = 0.01), maximal cystometric capacity (410 vs. 300 mL, p < 0.01), and a lower highest detrusor overactivity (DO) pressure (37 vs. 50.5 cmH2O, p = 0.02). The younger group had a higher postvoid residual (170 vs. 85 mL in males, p < 0.01 and 180 vs. 120 mL in females, p = 0.02). The voiding efficiency was lower in younger females (40% vs. 60%, p = 0.02). In both ages, the ICS detrusor contraction index and projected isovolumetric pressure 1 were similar. However, without considering risk factors, the older males had the highest DO pressure (57 vs. 29 cmH2O, p < 0.01), and the younger males had a higher voiding pressure (PdetQmax) than the older males (28 vs. 20 cmH2O, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: DO-DU is not exclusive to elderly patients. It can also be diagnosed in individuals with risk factors regardless of age; therefore, clinicians need a high degree of suspicion, especially in patients who have risk factor(s) for DO and DU. A notable clinical differentiation is that older males diagnosed with DO-DU have a higher incidence of urgency and urge urinary incontinence, while younger females have a higher incidence of straining.

A systematic review of the surgical management of apical pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This systematic review (PROSPERO:CRD42022275789) is aimed at comparing qualitatively the success, recurrence, and complication rates of sacrocolpopexy with concomitant hysterectomy, hysteropexy, sacrospinous fixation (SSF) with and without vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and uterosacral fixation (USF) with and without VH. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for studies published from 2011, on women with apical pelvic organ prolapse requiring surgical interventions. Risk of bias was assessed via the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tool. The primary outcomes are the success and recurrence rate of each technique, for ≥12 months' follow-up. Findings were summarised qualitatively. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included. Overall significant findings for a high success and low recurrence rate are summarised as: minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) is superior to abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC); sacrospinous hysteropexy (SSHP) is superior to USF + VH, which is superior to uterosacral hysteropexy and mesh hysteropexy (MHP). Significant findings related to complications include: MISC recorded a lower overall complication rate than ASC except in mesh exposure; USF + VH tends to perform better than SSHP and SSF, with SSHP performing better than MHP in faecal incontinence and overactive bladder rates. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence to conclude that hysterectomy is superior to uterine-sparing approaches. MISC should be considered over ASC given similar efficacy and reduced complications. Superiority of MHP is unproven against native tissue hysteropexy. Further studies under standardised settings are required for direct comparisons between the surgical management methods.

Multicenter Study for the Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Patients With Sacral Neuromodulation Implants.

INTRODUCTION: The massive spread of COVID-19 affected many aspects of medical and surgical services. Many patients with sacral neuromodulation (SNM) devices needed integrated follow-up and close communication regarding the programming of the device. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on patients with SNM devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter study designed and conducted in four centers performing SNM (Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada; King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait; and Austin and Western Health, University of Melbourne, Australia). An online questionnaire was created through Google Forms and circulated among patients with SNM devices in all four mentioned centers. The questionnaire was sent to patients during the forced lockdown period in each country. RESULTS: A total of 162 responses were received by September 2020. Data showed that most patients had their device implanted before the lockdown period (92.5%, 150/162). Most patients did not experience any contact difficulties (91.9%, 149/162). When patients were requested for their preference of programming, 89.5% (145/162) preferred remote programming. Correlation analysis did not show any significant relation between patient diagnosis and COVID-19-related difficulties or preferences. CONCLUSION: The difficulties with access to care experienced during the pandemic and the patient's expressed willingness to participate in virtual care should provide impetus for manufacturers of SNM devices to move forward with developing remote programming capabilities.

Women doctors in female urology: current status and implications for future workforce.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively determine the percentage of female trainees and consultants who are interested in their career being focussed on female urology (FU) in order to facilitate the improved planning for the future of this sub-specialty. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was an international cross-sectional study spanning 1 year, from December 2018 to December 2019. An anonymous, voluntary survey was generated using the online survey generator Survey monkey® . The survey was sent to urology consultants and trainees who were female from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. RESULTS: The total response rate to the survey was 61%. Up to 50% of female consultants and trainees selected a career in FU due to their gender, but up to 75% of respondents were also interested in FU of their own accord. Common concerns held by a majority of respondents included both the medical community's and the public's lack of awareness of FU as a component of urological expertise. Despite these concerns, most of the trainees were not concerned regarding their future work opportunities in FU, and many had intentions to pursue a fellowship in FU. CONCLUSION: Female urology is an increasingly popular sub-specialisation of urology, given the steady increase in the intake of female trainees. Similar trends were identified internationally. Urology training in this area will need to continue to increase the community's and the primary health care referrer's awareness in order to ensure the continued success and growth of the sub-specialty.

Evaluation of pre-operative bladder contractility as a predictor of improved response rate to a staged trial of sacral neuromodulation in patients with detrusor underactivity.

PURPOSE: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is one of the few management options shown to improve outcomes in patients with detrusor underactivity (DU). This original research will investigate if preserved bladder contractility can predict a successful treatment with SNM. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients with DU, who had a staged SNM trial from January 2013 to December 2018, with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome was the success of stage 1 SNM trial. RESULTS: In total, 69 patients with DU were followed. The median age was 67 [interquartile range (IQR) 74-55], median baseline bladder contractility index (BCI) 18 (IQR 67-0), and median post-void residual 200 mL (IQR 300-130). There were 35 patients (51%) that responded to a SNM trial. At a median follow-up of 23 months (IQR 39-12), three were removed for poor efficacy. In patients with detrusor acontractility (DAC), six responded (33%), compared to 29 patients (57%) with BCI > 0. This was statistically significant, p value 0.03. Younger age was also a predictive factor for SNM response, p value 0.02. There were no differences noted in those with gender, neurogenic history, previous pelvic surgery, diabetes, or pre-operative voiding history. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that patients with preserved bladder contractility are more likely to respond to a trial of SNM compared with those that have DAC. Younger age was also predictive of SNM response. UDS is the only method to accurately identify DAC patients. This information will help in patient selection and pre-operative counselling.

What a mesh! An Australian experience using national female continence surgery trends over 20 years.

PURPOSE: To review the evolution of female continence surgical practice in Australia over the last 20 years and observe whether vaginal mesh controversies impacted these trends. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2019, medicare benefit schedule codes for female continence procedures were identified and extracted for: mesh sling, fascial sling, bulking agent, female urethral prosthesis, colposuspension, and removal of sling. Population-adjusted incidences per 100,000 persons were calculated using publicly available demographic data. Three discrete phases were defined over the study time frame for analysis: 2000-2006; 2006-2017, and 2017-2019. Interrupted time-series analyses were conducted to assess for impact on incidence at 2006 and 2017. RESULTS: There were 119,832 continence procedures performed in Australia from 2000 to 2019, with the mid-urethral sling (MUS) the most common (72%). The majority of mesh (n = 63,668, 73%) and fascial sling (n = 1864, 70%) procedures were in women aged < 65 years. Rates of mesh-related procedures steeply declined after 2017 (initial change: -21 cases per 100,000; subsequent rate change: -12 per 100,000, p < 0.001). Non-mesh related/bulking agents increased from + 0.34 during 2006-2017 to + 2.1 per 100,000 after 2017 (p < 0.001). No significant change in mesh extraction was observed over 2006-2017 (+ 0.06 per 100,000, p = 0.192). There was a significant increase in mesh extraction procedures after 2017 (0.83 per 100,000, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Worldwide, controversy surrounding vaginal mesh had a significant impact on Australian continence surgery trends. The most standout trends were observed after the 2017 Australian class-action lawsuit and Senate Inquiry.

Efficacy of sacral neuromodulation and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of chronic nonobstructive urinary retention: A systematic review.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review is to provide an updated report on the efficacy and complications of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the treatment of chronic nonobstructive urinary retention (CNOUR), with a focus on the contemporary technique of SNM utilizing the percutaneous placement of tined leads. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted with the use of PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020208052). A systematic literature search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria include English language and human participants. Exclusion criteria include SNM studies involving less than 10 CNOUR patients, studies containing data obtained using open, surgical implantation of nontined leads, and studies that only reported the test phase success rate with no long-term efficacy data. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tool. RESULTS: A total of 16 papers studies were included (11 SNM and 5 PTNS) in this review. The success rate for SNM ranges between 42.5% and 100% (median = 79.2%) for the test stimulation phase and 65.5%-100% (median = 89.1%) in the long term. Most SNM studies reported revision and explantation rates of lesser than 20%. The success rate was much lower for PTNS, in the 50%-60% range and complications were minimal. CONCLUSION: SNM using the contemporary percutaneous tined lead implantation technique appears to be an effective treatment for CNOUR and is durable in the long term. Compared to SNM, PTNS appears less efficacious with less evidence supporting its use in CNOUR. Further prospective studies are required to define the role of PTNS in the treatment of CNOUR.

The impact of catheter-based bladder drainage method on urinary tract infection risk in spinal cord injury and neurogenic bladder: A systematic review.

AIMS: To systematically compare the impact of catheter-based bladder drainage methods on the rate of urinary tract infections (UTIs) amongst patients with neurogenic bladder. METHODS: A search of Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and Grey literature to February 2019 was performed using methods prepublished on PROSPERO. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. Eligible studies were published in English and compared UTI incidence between neurogenic bladder patients utilizing bladder drainage methods of the indwelling urethral catheter (IUC), suprapubic catheter (SPC) or intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). The odds ratio of UTI was the sole outcome of interest. RESULTS: Eight nonrandomized observational cohort studies were identified, totaling 2321 patients who utilized either IUC, SPC, or ISC. Studies enrolled patients with neurogenic bladder due to spinal cord injury (seven studies) or from any cause (one study). UTI rates were compared between patients utilizing IUC vs SPC (four studies), IUC vs ISC (six studies), and SPC vs ISC (four studies). Compared with IUC, five of six studies suggested ISC use was associated with lower rates of UTI. Studies comparing IUC vs SPC and SPC vs ISC gave mixed results. Meta-analysis was not appropriate due to study methodology heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Low-level evidence suggests amongst patients with neurogenic bladder requiring catheter-based drainage, the use of ISC is associated with lower rates of UTI than IUC. Comparisons of IUC vs SPC and SPC vs ISC gave mixed results. Future randomized trials are required to confirm these findings.

Optimising the tension of an autologous fascia pubovaginal sling to minimize retentive complications.

AIM: To determine the optimal degree of pubovaginal slings (PVS) tension, measured by lax sling dimensions to minimize the risk of urinary retention. METHODS: This prospective study analyzed female patients undergoing PVS for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by two surgeons over 24 months from January 2016. Intra-operative measurements of lax sling dimensions tented over rectus fascia were recorded. Logistic regression was used to analyse the likelihood of urinary retention (more than 3 months of intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) or surgical revision) for given PVS dimensions. The secondary analysis assessed for an association between PVS measurements and persistent SUI. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were recruited with a median age of 53 (34-78) and follow-up of 11 (3-20) months. All but one patient reported improvement of SUI. Ten (19.6%) patients developed postoperative urinary retention. Five (9.8%) resolved after a temporary period of ISC. The other five (9.8%) required ongoing ISC or sling division. A strong association existed between short sling height and prolonged urinary retention (P = 0.00). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a sling height of 40 mm had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 51% for retentive complications (area under curve [AUC] = 0.90). Lax sling height up to 60 mm was not associated with persistent SUI. CONCLUSIONS: Stretching the sling suspension sutures at least 40 mm above the rectus fascia was associated with a lower risk of urinary retention than less than 40 mm. This simple technique would appear to be worth evaluating in a larger sample. A looser sling did not compromise the cure of SUI at a mean follow-up of 11 months.

Position statement: a clinical approach to the management of adult non-neurogenic overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent medical condition that has an adverse impact on various health-related quality-of-life domains, including a significant psychosocial and financial burden. This position statement, formulated by members of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand and the UroGynaecological Society of Australasia, summarises the current recommendations for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies in patients with non-neurogenic OAB, and guides clinicians in the decision-making process for managing the condition using evidence-based medicine. Main recommendations: Diagnosis and initial management should be based on thorough clinical history, examination and basic investigations to exclude underlying treatable causes such as urinary tract infection and urological malignancy. Initial treatment strategies for OAB involve conservative management with behavioural modification and bladder retraining. Second-line management involves medical therapy using anticholinergic or ß3 agonist drugs provided there is adequate assessment of bladder emptying. If medical therapy is unsuccessful, further investigations with urodynamic studies and cystourethroscopy are recommended to guide further treatment. Intravesical botulinum toxin and sacral neuromodulation should be considered in medical refractory OAB. Changes in management as a result of this statement: OAB is a constellation of urinary symptoms and is a chronic condition with a low likelihood of cure; managing patient expectations is essential because OAB is challenging to treat. At present, the exact pathogenesis of OAB remains unclear and it is likely that there are multiple factors involved in this disease complex. Current medical treatment remains far from ideal, although minimally invasive surgery can be effective. Further research into the pathophysiology of this common condition will hopefully guide future developments in disease management.

Sacral neuromodulation for detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility.

INTRODUCTION: Detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC) is a challenging condition to manage. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a proven treatment modality for both the individual aspects of DHIC. To date, data reporting the outcome of SNM for DHIC are lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing SNM for DHIC were followed prospectively, from April 2013 to October 2016. Patient demographics, bladder diaries, subjective response rates, ICIQ-OAB, and PGI-I scores were recorded. Success was defined as greater than 50% improvement in storage symptoms and a 50% improvement in voided volume or reduction of post-void residual volumes. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent stage 1 trial of SNM for DHIC. Median age was 68.5, IQR (54.25-76.25). Thirteen (65%) patients were female. A total of 14/20 (70%) of patients had a significant treatment response, 9/20 had a response to both elements of DHIC, 4/20 patients had a response to the detrusor overactivity (DO) alone, and 1/20 had a response to the voiding component alone. A total of 12/20 (60%) patients proceeded to insertion of an IPG. At mean follow-up of 17 months, IQR (1.5-35), 11/12 (91.7%) of patients are still using the SNM for DHIC. Median PGI score is 2, IQR (2-4). SNM for DHIC resulted in statistically significant improvements in voided volume (P = 0.016), PVR (P = 0.0296), ICIQ-OAB score (P < 0.0001), and ICIQ-OAB bother score (P = 0.016) CONCLUSION: This is the first study we know of to report the results of SNM for DHIC. SNM is associated with satisfactory success rates, treating both the detrusor hyperactivity, and impaired contractility components of this condition.

Sacral neuromodulation for refractory overactive bladder after prior intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.

AIMS: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a well-established treatment modality for refractory overactive bladder (OAB). There is a paucity of evidence examining the use of SNM in patients who have received prior intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (BTXA) treatment. We aim to review those patients who underwent SNM for refractory OAB following treatment with BTXA. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who had undergone prior intradetrusor BTXA for refractory OAB, then subsequent first-stage SNM. Patient demographics, number/dosage of BTXA, voiding diaries, and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) scores were recorded. Successful first-stage SNM was defined as subjective patient improvement of greater than 50%. Patient satisfaction and device use at last follow-up was noted. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were identified having undergone SNM for OAB, of which 36 had prior BTXA treatment and were included in the series. 23/36 (63.9%) of patients had successful first-stage SNM, and underwent insertion of implantable pulse generator, compared to 33/47 (70.2%) in those who had never been treated with BTXA (P = 0.5). Mean PGI-I score was 2.6 (range 1-4). With a mean follow up of 29.1 months (range 12-53), 17/23 (73.9%) were satisfied, and using the device at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: SNM is a suitable treatment option in those patients who have had prior BTXA treatment for refractory OAB, even in those for whom BTXA proved ineffective. Success rates were within the published range, and comparable to our own results, for SNM in OAB patients without prior BTXA treatment.

Active surveillance failure for prostate cancer: does the delay in treatment increase the risk of urinary incontinence?

INTRODUCTION: Active surveillance for low risk prostate cancer has become an acceptable management strategy. However, a percentage of these patients in active surveillance move on to active treatment. Our aim was to examine urinary incontinence (UI) rates in men who move on to treatment from active surveillance and compare it to quoted rates in the literature. We examined the question that a potential delay in the treatment of prostate cancer in those on active surveillance may result in an increase in incontinence rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1992 to June 2009, 443 men at our institution entered into active surveillance for newly diagnosed prostate cancer. We reviewed their medical records and data was abstracted from physician-reported medical records. The mean age of the entire group was 64.1 years old (range 40-80). Their mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 7.65 (range 0.21-36) and their mean Gleason score was 6.2 (range 4-8). Of these patients on active surveillance, 150/443 (33.3%) went on to active treatment. Median time to active treatment was 31.5 months (range 3-180 months). Only 5 patients went onto active treatment less than 1 year after starting active surveillance. Of these patients who went onto active treatment, 85 had radiation alone, 48 had a radical prostatectomy (RP), 7 had a RP and radiation, 7 had HIFU alone, 2 had focal ablation and 1 had HIFU followed by salvage RP. Of those undergoing radiation (92 patients), 66 had external beam and 26 had brachytherapy. RESULTS: Prior to active treatment 25/443 (5.6%) patients had UI documented in their history. Of those 25 patients only 3 went on to a RP and all had persistent UI after surgery. Two of the 25 patients went on to radiation therapy and their UI resolved. In the active treatment groups, after RP alone, 14/48 (29.2%) patients had new onset UI that persisted at a mean of 47.2 months (range 11-149 months) postoperatively. Of these 14 patients, 7 patients (14.6%) had significant leakage (> 1 pad/day). After radiation therapy alone 2/85(2.4%) had new onset persistent UI at 34 and 49 months post radiation. Only 1/7 (14.3%) patients that had high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) alone had persistent UI at 38 months after HIFU. Of the 7 patients that had both a RP and radiation, 2 had persistent significant UI at 49 and 153 months after surgery. One patient that had HIFU and a RP had persistent UI at 23 months post surgery. The 2 patients that had focal ablation were dry. CONCLUSIONS: The UI rates in our cohort of active surveillance patients who move on to active treatment are similar to patients who undergo treatment immediately after prostate cancer is diagnosed as quoted in the literature. This suggests that active surveillance, as an initial mode of therapy, does not increase the risk of UI if active treatment occurs at a later date.

Urodynamic findings in patients with nocturia and their associations with patient characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: This study identified associations between lower urinary tract pathology confirmed on urodynamic testing, baseline characteristics, and symptoms for adults with nocturia. Nocturia frequency was examined for predictors. METHODS: This retrospective study from 2012-2019 analyzed adult patients with nocturia (waking to void ≥2x/night) referred for urodynamic testing (UDS). Data on baseline characteristics, symptoms, UDS parameters, and lower urinary tract pathology were recorded. Males and females were analyzed separately, and univariable analyses were conducted, stratified by lower urinary tract pathology. Multivariable regression models were fit. Nocturia frequency was analyzed for associations with clinical parameters. RESULTS: Altogether, 372 patients were included (159 men and 213 women). More men had detrusor overactivity (DO) (p<0.001) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) (p<0.001). DO was associated with storage symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 5.19, p<0.001), in addition to older age (p=0.009) and being male (p<0.001). Detrusor under-activity (DU) was associated with voiding symptoms (OR 1.92, p=0.004), older age (p<0.001), and being female (p=0.018). BOO was associated voiding symptoms (OR 2.09, p=0.023), younger age (p=0.018), and being male (p<0.001). The quantity of lower urinary tract symptoms was associated with DU and DO. Nocturia frequency was not associated with baseline variables or underlying pathologies. A substantial number of patients were diagnosed with DU alone (n=69, 18.7%) or associated with other diagnoses (n=108, 29.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Careful assessment of risk factors and symptoms may help identify underlying lower urinary tract pathology for adults with nocturia. DU is found in a significant proportion of patients with nocturia, a previously under-reported result.

Alpha-Blocker Prescribing Trends for Ureteral Stones: A Single-Centre Study.

Purpose: Recommendations for alpha-blockers have shifted in the conservative management of ureteral stones. It is unknown whether real-life practices regarding alpha-blocker prescriptions reflect updates in evidence. This study aimed to characterise alpha-blocker prescriptions for conservatively managed ureteral stones and relate this to recent literature. Methods: This was a retrospective audit, 01/01/2014 to 01/01/2019, of emergency acute renal colic presentations. Patients were included if they had a confirmed ureteral stone and were conservatively managed. The rates of alpha-blocker prescriptions were analysed using interrupted time-series analyses. May 2015 was selected as the cut-point to analyse before and after trend lines. Results were stratified by stone size and location. Tamsulosin and prazosin prescriptions were also compared. Results: This study included 2163 presentations: 70.4% were stones ≤5 mm and 61.4% were proximal stones. Altogether, 24.7% of presentations were prescribed alpha-blockers. There was a fall in alpha-blocker prescription rates from before to after May 2015, regardless of stone size or location (p < 0.001). Since May 2015, however, there was a monthly rate increase of 0.5% for patients with stones >5mm. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant shift in rates of alpha-blocker prescriptions, possibly related to the influence of updates in available high-quality evidence.

Surgical mesh information on YouTubeTM: Evaluating the usage and reliability of videos for patient education.

INTRODUCTION: Patients in search of answers to health-related questions often seek out information on the internet. The current study aimed to evaluate the quality of videos on the topic of mesh pertaining to its use in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: A total of 100 videos on the topic of mesh on YouTubeTM were screened in this study. From that, a further 30 were selected for review. Five experts in the medical field reviewed each video anonymously, using two video assessment tools. Video characteristics were collected and evaluated. Videos were assessed based on a Global Assessment Score (GAS) and Patient Education Tool for Audiovisual Materials (PEMAT-A/V) scale for ease of patient access and comprehension. The overall correlation between raters and videos was also compared. RESULTS: The GAS and PEMAT-A/V ratings correlation across multiple raters demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability. We found that the overall GAS score and recommendation was substandard, and the median PEMAT-A/V understandability score was 70% (poorly understandable). Most videos contained some form of marketing, and a scarce number had reliable sources of information. Evidence of neutrality was low. CONCLUSIONS: Through the expert assessment of videos using quality assessment tools, this study demonstrated the overall variable quality of mesh videos on YouTubeTM and the need for further education regarding patient resources.

Clinician training level impacts prescribing practices for the conservative management of acute renal colic: a contemporary update.

PURPOSE: Given the current and increasing awareness of the opioid crisis, this study aimed to characterise the types of analgesic prescription for conservatively managed renal colic. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) in 2014-2019. Patients were included if they had radiographically confirmed obstructing calculus, managed conservatively without intervention, and were given a prescription for analgesia on discharge. Patient demographics were recorded and analysed. Opioid, non-opioid, and alpha-blocker medications were compared according to patient and disease parameters, and clinician training. Oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) were used to compare prescribed quantities. Subgroup analyses of stone size and location were performed. RESULTS: Our analysis included 1761 patients with confirmed renal colic: median age of 50 years (16-96). Altogether, 88% of included patients were prescribed opioids on discharge, while only 68% were prescribed non-opioids (p < 0.001). Oxycodone immediate release was the most frequently prescribed analgesic. Logistic regression modelling controlling for patient and disease characteristics significantly predicted more non-opioid (p < 0.001) and alpha-blocker (p = 0.037) prescription with clinician training < 3 years. Linear regression modelling demonstrated that clinicians training < 3 years predicted lower OMEs per prescription compared to clinicians with ≥ 3 years of training (p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses supported similar predictions with training. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing patterns are associated with different clinician experience levels. However, a substantial amount of opioids are still given overall on patient discharge regardless of the clinician experience. Educational interventions aimed at reducing the opioid prescription rate and quantities may be considered for clinicians of all training levels.

The underactive bladder: diagnosis and surgical treatment options.

The underactive bladder (UAB)/detrusor underactivity (DU) is a relatively common condition. It is difficult to diagnose and can be difficult to manage. The aim of this review is to provide a review of the diagnosis and different surgical treatment options for UAB/DU. A comprehensive literature review using medical search engines was performed. The search included a combination of the following terms, UAB, DU, TURP, reduction cystoplasty, bladder diverticulectomy and sacral neuromodulation (SNM). Search results were assessed for their overall relevance to this review. Definitions, general overview and management options were extracted from the relevant medical literature. DU affects up to 45% of men and women >70 years of age. The symptoms of DU overlap significantly with overactive bladder (OAB) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Urodynamic findings include low voiding pressure combined with slow intermittent flow and incomplete bladder emptying. Non-operative management for DU is acceptable; only 1 in 6 male patients may need a TURP and acute urinary retention (AUR) is rare. TURP for DU is feasible and is associated with good short and medium term outcomes, but over time, there is a return to baseline symptoms. Bladder diverticulectomy can also improve DU, but there is a paucity of guidelines on patient selection. SNM provides excellent outcomes for DU, but patient selection is important.