Recurrent urinary tract infection management and prevention techniques among a population-based cohort of women.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI), defined as three or more UTIs in 12 months, has psychological, physical, and financial burden. Many women with rUTI are not satisfied with care and report only starting preventative measures after several infections. The goal of this study is to elucidate current UTI management trends and the implementation of UTI prevention strategies. METHODS: A web-based study was sent to a national sample of adult women enrolled in ResearchMatch.org. Women were recruited to participate if they had a self-reported UTI in the past 12 months. RESULTS: Of the 755 subjects, nearly 30% reported rUTI. Among women with rUTI, more than 50% reported being peri- or postmenopausal, and two-thirds reported vaginal symptoms. 15.8% of women with rUTI reported dissatisfaction with care versus 7.9% of women without rUTI. Most women see their primary care physician for UTI management and only 26% of women with rUTI follow with a urologist. More than 65% of women increase their fluid intake, wipe from front to back, and urinate after sexual activity to prevent UTIs. Significantly more women with rUTI use transvaginal estrogen, cranberry extract, and low-dose prophylactic antibiotics. These interventions appear to be driven by urologists. CONCLUSION: Most women who have had a UTI in the last 12 months implement lifestyle changes to prevent future infections. Most women see their PCP for UTI management and women with rUTI are twice as likely to report dissatisfaction with care. Despite urologists optimizing medical rUTI prevention, they appear to be underutilized.

Compensatory coping and depression in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Women with genitourinary pain, a hallmark symptom of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), are at a two- to four-fold risk for depression as compared to women without genitourinary pain. Despite the pervasive impact of IC/BPS on psychological health, there is a paucity of empirical research on understanding the relation between IC/BPS and psychological distress. It has been previously reported that women with overactive bladder use increased compensatory coping and these behaviors are associated with heightened anxiety and stress. However, it is unknown whether a similar pattern emerges in IC/BPS populations, as ICBPS and OAB share many similar urinary symptoms. The current study examined the relationship between compensatory coping behaviors and symptoms of psychological distress in a sample of women with IC/BPS to inform understanding of risk and potential mechanisms for intervention. METHOD: This was a secondary analysis of an observational cohort of women with bladder symptoms. Fifty-five adult women with IC/BPS completed validated assessments of genitourinary symptoms, emotional distress, and bladder coping behaviors. Five compensatory coping behaviors were summed to create a total Bladder Coping Score. Linear regression examined associations between individual coping behaviors, total compensatory coping scores, and other risk variables. RESULTS: Most (93%) participants reported use of at least one compensatory coping behavior. Age, education level, history of vaginal birth, and symptom severity were all associated with greater compensatory coping scores, and anxiety was not. Beyond the influence of symptom severity, higher levels of depression were significantly associated with higher compensatory coping scores. DISCUSSION: Greater compensatory coping was associated with increased depression but not anxiety, suggesting different profiles of coping and psychological distress may exist among different types of bladder dysfunction.

Urgency and urgency incontinence following stress urinary incontinence surgery: A review of evaluation and management.

The presence of urgency urinary incontinence (U/UUI) after sling surgery is a common reason for dissatisfaction and imposition on quality of life. We aimed to evaluate and analyze the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of U/UUI after sling surgery. A MEDLINE review was performed for relevant, English-language articles relating to storage and emptying symptoms after sling surgery. U/UUI may persist, be improved, or worsen in women with preoperative mixed urinary incontinence and may appear de novo in those women originally presenting with pure stress urinary incontinence (SUI). While the exact mechanism is not clear, partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) should always be suspected, especially in those women with worsened or de novo symptoms soon after sling surgery. Initial workup should elucidate the temporality, quality, and bother associated with symptoms and to evaluate the woman for urinary tract infection (UTI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), or perforation of the lower urinary tract. The utility of urodynamics in attaining a definitive diagnosis of BOO is inconclusive. Treatment options include reevaluation of the patient after sling incision or after addressing UTI, POP, and perforation of the bladder or urethra. Women also typically undergo a multitiered approach to storage lower urinary tract symptoms outlined in the American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction Overactive Bladder Guidelines. While improvement is typically seen with multimodality treatment, all women should be counseled regarding need for additional treatment for U/UUI, BOO, and SUI in the future.

The cumulative effect of unmet social needs on noncancerous genitourinary conditions and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE: There is growing awareness on how social determinants of health may significantly influence health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between unmet social needs and the incidence and severity of multiple noncancerous genitourinary conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based sample of United States adults was recruited electronically to complete questionnaires on clinical and demographic information, urinary symptoms, and social needs. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect between the number of unmet social needs and various noncancerous genitourinary conditions and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms. Model was adjusted for age, gender, race, insurance, and type of living community. RESULTS: A total of 4,224 participants were included for final analysis. The incidence of all genitourinary conditions assessed was associated with an increasing number of unmet social needs. Additionally, having three or more unmet social needs, as compared to no needs, was associated with an increased risk of all conditions and worse symptoms-including a 23.7% increased risk of interstitial cystitis (95% confidence interval [CI] 18.8%-28.7%, p < 0.001), 21.9% risk of urge urinary incontinence (95% CI 16.8%-27.0%, p < 0.001), and 20.6% risk of overactive bladder (95% CI 15.6-25.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Unmet social needs are associated with an increased incidence of noncancerous genitourinary conditions as well as worse symptom severity, with multiple unmet social needs displaying a cumulative effect. These findings suggest that there is utility in screening patients for unmet social needs, and that the healthcare system should develop a more integrated approach to manage  patients with urinary conditions.

Gender differences in the experience of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Aims: This study assessed gender differences in a debilitating urologic pain condition, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). We aimed to (1) evaluate how pain, symptom, and distress profiles of IC/BPS may differ between genders and (2) obtain in-depth firsthand accounts from patients to provide additional insight into their experiences that may explain potential gender differences. Methods: A mixed methods approach combined validated patient-reported outcome measures with a single timepoint 90-min focus group. Tests of summary score group differences between men and women were assessed across questionnaires measuring urologic symptoms, pain, emotional functioning, and diagnostic timeline. Qualitative analysis applied an inductive-deductive approach to evaluate and compare experiences of living with IC/BPS Group narratives were coded and evaluated thematically by gender using the biopsychosocial model, providing insight into the different context of biopsychosocial domains characterizing the male and female experience of IC/BPS. Results: Thirty-seven participants [women (n = 27) and men (n = 10)] completed measures and structured focus group interviews across eight group cohorts conducted from 8/2017 to 3/2019. Women reported greater pain intensity (p = 0.043) and extent (p = 0.018), but not significantly greater impairment from pain (p = 0.160). Levels of psychological distress were significantly elevated across both genders. Further, the duration between time of pain symptom onset and time to diagnosis was significantly greater for women than men (p = 0.012). Qualitative findings demonstrated key distinctions in experiences between genders. Men appeared not to recognize or to deter emotional distress while women felt overwhelmed by it. Men emphasized needing more physiological treatment options whilst women emphasized needing more social and emotional support. Interactions with medical providers and the healthcare system differed substantially between genders. While men reported feeling supported and involved in treatment decisions, women reported feeling dismissed and disbelieved. Conclusion: The findings indicate different pain experiences and treatment needs between genders in persons experiencing urologic pain and urinary symptoms, with potential intervention implications. Results suggest gender health inequality in medical interactions in this urologic population needing further investigation.

Risk Factor of De Novo Urgency and Urge Incontinence After Autologous Fascia Pubovaginal Sling.

INTRODUCTION: Pubovaginal sling is an efficient and safe procedure for stress urinary incontinence without the complications of synthetic sling. Urine retention and de novo urgency are bothersome aftermath of this procedure. We aim to identify potential risk factors for de novo urgency after autologous pubovaginal sling. METHODS: From 2013 to 2016, 347 patients underwent autologous pubovaginal sling. Age, BMI, pelvic irradiation, use of anticholinergic medication, previous vaginal related surgical histories, "over-tight" technique, and concomitant surgeries were examined for potential risk factors. De novo urgency/urge incontinence was defined as treatment (medication, botulinum toxin injection, sacral neuromodulation) for urge postoperatively and was not noted before surgery. Chi-square and fisher's exact tests were used as statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients underwent autologous rectus fascia pubovaginal sling, after excluding status post urethral diverticulectomy, concomitant diverticulectomy, and concomitant abdominal surgery. Twenty-three (21.1%) patients were treated for de novo urge/urge incontinence, 18 (78.2%) with anticholinergic, 4 (17.3%) with botox injection and 2 (8.69%) with sacral neuromodulation. None but prior pelvic organ prolapse surgery was associated with developing de novo urge/urge incontinence (p=0.026). DISCUSSION: Patients with prior pelvic organ prolapse surgery were more likely to be at risk of de novo urgency after autologous pubovaginal sling. This study provided more information for preoperative consultation for patients undergoing incontinence surgery.

Association of Knowledge and Presence of Pelvic Floor Disorders and Participation in Pelvic Floor Exercises: A Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Women's baseline knowledge of pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) and pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) is not well established, as is their knowledge regarding PFE and participation in such exercise. The aim of our study was to assess baseline PFD and PFE knowledge and to determine if knowledge in any way influenced participation in PFEs. METHODS: This was an institutional review board-approved, cross-sectional survey administered to women 18 years or older. We included all women who completed the survey, of which 3733 met the criteria. A survey-based questionnaire was used to query lower urinary tract symptoms, PFD, knowledge, and frequency of participation in PFEs. RESULTS: Of those who responded, the mean incontinence knowledge score was 9.2 ± 2.6, whereas the mean score for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) knowledge was 6.8 ± 3.6. Of the respondents, 92.5% reported being familiar with Kegel exercises. The majority of respondents reported that they did not participate in PFEs (57.4%). Those with POP were more likely to do daily PFEs than those without POP, 34.8% versus 16.4% (P < 0.001). Stress urinary incontinence did not influence frequency of performing PFEs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that while baseline knowledge of POP and incontinence knowledge were high in this patient population, the majority of participants did not participate in PFE. Participants with POP were more likely to partake in daily PFE. A gap exists between knowledge and willingness to participate in PFE. Bridging this gap may be significantly impactful for women's health.

Qualitative Analysis of Treatment Needs in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: Implications for Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a debilitating condition carrying substantial psychosocial burden. Psychological treatment for IC/BPS is little studied, and there are barriers to its use in clinical management. Whether psychological treatments benefit patients with IC/BPS is unclear and we do not know if such treatments would meet patient needs. AIMS: Incorporating patient-reported needs and acknowledging diversity in pain experiences can inform patient-centered interventions for IC/BPS. This project characterized the experience of living with IC/BPS and patient perceptions of needs in its treatment, with the goal of informing patient-centered treatment for IC/BPS. METHODS: Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, 27 females with IC/BPS participated in a focus group and completed validated self-report assessments evaluating urinary symptoms, pain, and emotional functioning. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed, then coded and analyzed using an iterative inductive/deductive approach. Linear regression models evaluated the relationship between psychological functioning and symptom severity. RESULTS: We conducted six focus groups between 8/2017-12/2017. Five major themes emerged from qualitative analysis: managing physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, impact on daily life and socio-contextual factors, responding to illness, and addressing needs in treatment. The physiological and emotional consequences of IC/BPS were reported, highlighting their impact on interpersonal relationships and challenges obtaining appropriate treatment for IC/BPS. Quantitative analysis showed depression levels were significantly associated with worsened IC/BPS symptomology, after controlling for known confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Individuals with IC/BPS could benefit from tailored psychological interventions focusing on pain management, emotion regulation, communications skills, along with sexual dysfunction and intimacy fears.

Factors associated with urinary incontinence in a community sample of young nulligravid women.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with urinary incontinence (UI) in a community sample of young nulligravid women. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis from a cross-sectional survey-based study of cisgender women aged 18 to 25 years recruited through a national registry of research volunteers. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing toileting behaviors, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and bowel symptoms. Women were excluded from analysis if currently pregnant, any prior pregnancy, cystectomy, or any neurologic disease including spinal cord injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Analyses determined the prevalence of symptoms and evaluated candidate risk factors for UI. RESULTS: Final analyses included 964 women (mean age, 22.6 ± 2.0). Monthly UI was identified in 295 (30.6%) subjects, with mixed UI being the most common (56.9%; n = 168). Seventy-two women (7.4%) reported fecal incontinence (FI) and 24 (3.5%) women reported both UI and FI. After multivariable regression modeling, UI was associated with an intermittent urine stream and the delayed voiding toileting behavior subscale. CONCLUSIONS: UI in this cohort of young nulliparous women was highly prevalent and warrants further study as to the cause. Therapeutic guidelines to prevent UI and LUTS may need to be adjusted by targeting populations earlier than traditionally considered.

Minimal Inpatient Narcotic Requirement and Immediate Complication Profile Supports Same Day Discharge Following Artificial Urinary Sphincter Insertion.

INTRODUCTION: With more than 3,500 artificial urinary sphincters placed annually in the United States a significant cost burden is associated with overnight observation following surgery. We sought to determine whether inpatient management after artificial urinary sphincter insertion, our current local standard of care, is necessary with regards to inpatient narcotic requirements and immediate postoperative complications. METHODS: This was an institutional review board approved, retrospective review of artificial urinary sphincter insertions identified by CPT code 53445 between June 2013 and September 2017. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, postoperative narcotic use and immediate postoperative complications. RESULTS: We identified 163 men who underwent artificial urinary sphincter insertion for analysis. The cohort had a mean age of 69.8 ± 8.5 years, body mass index of 28.9 ± 5.1 kg/m2 and preoperative pad per day use of 5.8 ± 3.5. Of all patients identified 25 (15%) were using chronic narcotic pain medication preoperatively and 51 (31%) had a diagnosis of diabetes (mean A1c 7.0 ± 1.5%). All but 1 (99%) patients were discharged on the first postoperative day and 1 left on the second postoperative day. Two (1.2%) patients experienced immediate postoperative complication, and 8 (6%) patients failed a voiding trial on postoperative day 1. The 154 (94%) patients who required orally administrated narcotic pain medication after leaving the postanesthesia care unit used a median of 31.0 ± 22.9 morphine milligram equivalents. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate postoperative and peridischarge complication rates are around 1% after artificial urinary sphincter insertion, and narcotic requirements following postanesthesia care unit stay are minimal. Outpatient artificial urinary sphincter insertion is likely to be safe, effective and beneficial with regards to patient experience and total costs.

One-year results with selective bladder denervation in women with refractory overactive bladder.

AIMS: To report 1-year results with selective bladder denervation (SBD) of the trigone in women with refractory overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: In this prospective, international, multicenter case series, women with refractory OAB underwent a single SBD treatment of the bladder subtrigone region using temperature-controlled radiofrequency. Patients were followed for 1 year and evaluated for changes in OAB symptoms and adverse events. RESULTS: Among 35 women, 29 (83%) returned for 1-year follow up. Median symptom reductions based on 3-day bladder diaries were 68% for urgency urinary incontinence ( P < .001), 67% for urinary incontinence ( P < .001), 43% for urgency episodes ( P < .001), 5% for urinary frequency ( P = .19), and 33% for the total urgency and frequency score ( P < .001), with the majority of treatment benefit realized in the first month. Treatment benefit was reported in 72% of patients, the clinical success rate (≥50% reduction in urgency urinary incontinence) was 69%, and the dry rate was 10%. Statistically significant improvements occurred on Symptom Bother and Health-related Quality of Life scales on the Overactive Bladder questionnaire, and on 6 of 9 King's Health Questionnaire domains. Patients with less severe baseline symptoms had similar quality of life improvements as those with more severe baseline symptoms. Device- or procedure-related adverse events were reported in 6 (17%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: A single treatment with selective bladder denervation is durable for 1-year in a significant proportion of women with refractory overactive bladder.

Association of Coworker Reports About Unprofessional Behavior by Surgeons With Surgical Complications in Their Patients.

Importance: For surgical teams, high reliability and optimal performance depend on effective communication, mutual respect, and continuous situational awareness. Surgeons who model unprofessional behaviors may undermine a culture of safety, threaten teamwork, and thereby increase the risk for medical errors and surgical complications. Objective: To test the hypothesis that patients of surgeons with higher numbers of reports from coworkers about unprofessional behaviors are at greater risk for postoperative complications than patients whose surgeons generate fewer coworker reports. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study assessed data from 2 geographically diverse academic medical centers that participated in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and recorded and acted on electronic reports of safety events from coworkers describing unprofessional behavior by surgeons. Patients included in the NSQIP database who underwent inpatient or outpatient operations at 1 of the 2 participating sites from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2016, were eligible. Patients were excluded if they were younger than 18 years on the date of the operation or if the attending surgeon had less than 36 months of monitoring for coworker reports preceding the date of the operation. Data were analyzed from August 8, 2018, through April 9, 2019. Exposures: Coworker reports about unprofessional behavior by the surgeon in the 36 months preceding the date of the operation. Main Outcomes and Measures: Postoperative surgical or medical complications, as defined by the NSQIP, within 30 days of the operation. Results: Among 13 653 patients in the cohort (54.0% [7368 ] female; mean [SD] age, 57 [16] years) who underwent operations performed by 202 surgeons (70.8% [143] male), 1583 (11.6%) experienced a complication, including 825 surgical (6.0%) and 1070 medical (7.8%) complications. Patients whose surgeons had more coworker reports were significantly more likely to experience any complication (0 reports, 954 of 8916 [10.7%]; ≥4 reports, 294 of 2087 [14.1%]; P < .001), any surgical complication (0 reports, 516 of 8916 [5.8%]; ≥4 reports, 159 of 2087 [7.6%]; P < .01), or any medical complication (0 reports, 634 of 8916 [7.1%]; ≥4 reports, 196 of 2087 [9.4%]; P < .001). The adjusted complication rate was 14.3% higher for patients whose surgeons had 1 to 3 reports and 11.9% higher for patients whose surgeons had 4 or more reports compared with patients whose surgeons had no coworker reports (P = .05). Conclusions and Relevance: Patients whose surgeons had higher numbers of coworker reports about unprofessional behavior in the 36 months before the patient's operation appeared to be at increased risk of surgical and medical complications. These findings suggest that organizations interested in ensuring optimal patient outcomes should focus on addressing surgeons whose behavior toward other medical professionals may increase patients' risk for adverse outcomes.

Surgery for female SUI: The ICI algorithm.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common in women and can significantly impact quality of life. METHODS: This is a review of the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) chapter analyzing level of evidence on surgical treatment of SUI as well as the consensus algorithm that resulted from the detailed work in the committee report as of April 2017. Included studies in this review were selected to highlight the algorithm for management. RESULTS: Non-operative and surgical treatment options exist; conservative therapies comprise first line management, but if SUI remains bothersome, surgical treatment should be considered. Bulking agents offer a minimally invasive option with moderate short-term success rates. The most commonly performed surgical treatments for SUI are mid-urethral and pubovaginal slings, with high cure rates and patient satisfaction. Retropubic suspension is a more traditional but widely accepted procedure. Single incision sling, adjustable sling, or artificial urinary sphincter may be appropriate in carefully selected patients. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of surgical procedure should be made only after a thorough discussion and shared decision between the patient and surgeon regarding risks, benefits, and alternatives. A trial of conservative therapy should be conducted where relevant. Referral to a specialist should be considered in women with a more complex presentation.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: Relationship to patient phenotype and clinical practice implications.

PURPOSE: The relationship between exposure to abuse and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is well-documented. However, studies have yet to examine posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which develops following exposure to trauma and worsens health outcomes in chronic pain. We aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of PTSD in patients with IC/BPS, including their relation to genitourinary symptom presentation and widespread pain phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 202 participants with chronic pain from an academic medical center and classified 64 individuals as IC/BPS based on validated epidemiological criteria. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, emotional distress, pain, and urinary symptoms. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests assessed study aims comparing IC/BPS to other chronic pain. RESULTS: Although elevated, IC/BPS trauma exposure rates were equivalent to that of other chronic pain conditions in the sample. Despite this equivalence, in comparison, IC/BPS patients had significantly higher rates of PTSD symptoms, with 42% meeting provisional diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Among IC/BPS, those meeting provisional criteria for PTSD had significantly higher incidence of lifetime sexual abuse, childhood trauma, and presentations consistent with the widespread pain phenotype. In IC/BPS, there was no association between PTSD and genitourinary symptoms, but provisional PTSD was associated with more pain, emotional distress, and poorer quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that patients with IC/BPS and widespread pain have ongoing screening and monitoring of PTSD. We recommend using trauma-informed care practices with these patients to increase trust and safety, which could improve treatment compliance and follow-up.

An enhanced recovery program in colorectal surgery is associated with decreased organ level rates of complications: a difference-in-differences analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative care has lacked coordination and standardization. Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) have been shown to decrease aggregate complications across surgical specialties. We hypothesize that the sustained implementation of an ERP will be associated with a decrease in a broad range of complications at the organ system level. STUDY DESIGN: Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal procedures between 1/2011 and 10/2016 were included. Patients were stratified based on exposure to a sustained ERP (7/2014-10/2016) after an 18-month wash-in period in a pre-post analysis. The primary outcome was 30-day complication rate by organ category as collected by National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) abstractors. Demographic and other patient level data were collected. Complication rates were compared using multivariable regression employing a differences-in-differences (DiD) approach using the national NSQIP PUF file to account for secular trends. RESULTS: A total of 1182 patients were included in this study, with 47% treated in an ERP. The two groups were similar in age, gender, race, BMI, comorbidity index, and procedure type. In a multivariable DiD analysis, significant reductions were seen in surgical site infection (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.20-0.43), postoperative pulmonary complications (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24-0.90), transfusion (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.15-0.51), urinary tract infections (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.18-0.66), sepsis (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.20-0.61), and cardiac complications (OR 0.10; 95% CI 0.01-0.84). A reduction in return to the operating room and 30-day readmission was also observed. Median length of stay (LOS) decreased from 5.2 to 3.5 days (p < 0.001). No significant changes occurred for acute kidney injury and hematologic complications. CONCLUSION: An ERP was associated with reduced complication rates across a wide range of organ categories and > 1.5-day reduction in LOS in a colorectal surgery population.

Surgery for urinary incontinence in women: Report from the 6th international consultation on incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition worldwide and causes a tremendous impact on a woman's quality of life. While conservative and non-surgical therapies are options for treatment, surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common. Options include colposuspension, slings (pubovaginal and midurethral), and periurethral bulking. While evidence supports each of these options in the treatment of SUI, each is associated with various rates of success and unique adverse event profiles. Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) is initially treated with behavioral modification and pharmacologic means, with surgery reserved for those with refractory symptoms or significant complications from medication use. At present, intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injections, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral neurostimulation are all viable options for refractory UUI/overactive bladder. As with surgical interventions for SUI, each of these is, likewise, associated with unique outcomes and adverse event profiles. Herein, we summarize the findings and conclusions from the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) regarding surgical treatment of urinary incontinence in women.

Nonclinical Barriers to Care for Neurogenic Patients Undergoing Complex Urologic Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To identify nonclinical factors affecting postoperative complication rates in patients with neurogenic bladder undergoing benign genitourinary (GU) reconstruction. METHODS: Adult patients with neurogenic bladder undergoing benign GU reconstruction between October 2010 and November 2015 were included. Patients were excluded if a diversion was performed for malignancy, if patients had a history of radiation or if a new bowel segment was not utilized at the time of the operation. Clinical and nonclinical factors were abstracted from the patients' electronic medical records. Health literacy was assessed via the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS), a validated 3-question assessment. Education, marital status, and distance from the medical center were also queried. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients with a neurogenic bladder undergoing complex GU reconstruction met inclusion and exclusion criteria. On average, patients lived 111 miles (standard deviation 89) from the hospital. Overall, mean BHLS score was 10.4 (standard deviation 4.6) with 35% of patients scoring a BHLS of ≤9. Mean years of educational attainment was 9.7, and only 31% of patients completed high school education. In the first month after surgery, 37 patients (76%) experienced a complication, and 22% were readmitted; however, analysis of complication data did not identify an association between any nonclinical variables and complication rates. CONCLUSION: Nonclinical factors including unmarried status, poor health literacy, and marked distance from quaternary care are prevalent in patients with neurogenic bladder undergoing complex GU reconstruction. To mitigate these potential risk factors, the authors recommend acknowledgment of these factors and multidisciplinary support perioperatively to counteract them.

Assessment of practices in screening and treating women with bacteriuria.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based screening and treatment for bacteriuria is crucial to prevent increasing antibiotic resistance. The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) previously released guidelines on the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. The study's objective was to assess physicians' practices in managing women with bacteriuria relative to these guideline recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data from physicians were collected using an anonymous questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of adherence to guidelines. RESULTS: Data were collected from 260 physicians. Over half of physicians surveyed were unfamiliar with IDSA guidelines and overtreat ASB. Variables independently associated with overtreatment of ASB included a non-academic practice and practicing as an OBGYN. Nearly one third (30.1%) of physicians reported prescribing an antibiotic other than a recommended first-line agent for uncomplicated cystitis. Relative to internists, OBGYNs and urologists were more likely to prescribe a recommended first-line agent to women with uncomplicated cystitis. Of those who correctly selected a first-line agent, 29.8% prescribed a longer than recommended duration of therapy. IDSA guideline awareness was not associated with physicians' practices in managing women with bacteriuria. CONCLUSIONS: Most physicians surveyed were unfamiliar with guidelines related to managing ASB and uncomplicated UTIs in women, likely contributing to overscreening and overtreatment of ASB and the use of inappropriate antibiotic regimens in treating uncomplicated cystitis. However, optimal antibiotic prescribing was not associated with knowledge of IDSA guidelines, suggesting that guideline dissemination alone may not alter practice patterns among physicians managing women with bacteriuria.