Current advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) have moved away from targeting a specific organ to multifactorial and multidisciplinary individualized approach to treatment strategies. The purpose of this article is to review the current advancements in diagnosis and treatment of CPP. RECENT FINDINGS: Recognition that response to current treatment approach to CPP syndrome is variable; organizations such as the European Association of Urology, American Urologic Association, International Continence Society, International Association for the Study of Pain, and others have integrated the most current evidence and management strategies from multiple specialties (urology, gynecology, pain medicine, gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, neurology, physiotherapy, and psychology). The 1 World Congress on Pelvic Pain met in 2013 to further collaborate on diagnosis and management of CPP. A multimodal clinical phenotype system has also been implemented to help understand cause and guide therapy. SUMMARY: New classification systems allow for overlap of mechanisms between conditions and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Investigation of intradetrusor onabotulinum toxin A efficacy and safety in older adults with urge urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: Intradetrusor onabotulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment option for overactive bladder (OAB). However, concerns about frailty and frequent injections may deter its use in the elderly. This study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and treatment duration of BTX-A in managing OAB in elderly women. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed female patients aged 70 and above who were diagnosed with OAB with predominant urge urinary incontinence and underwent intravesical BTX-A treatment. We collected demographic and clinical data, with repeat BTX-A injections re-administered upon patient-reported symptom recurrence. RESULTS: Twenty-one female patients, median age 77 (range 71-92), were included. The median time between the first and second injection was 185 (84-448) days, 186 (105-959) days between the second and third injection, and increased to 206.5 (84-256) days between the third and fourth injection. However, the median interval trended downward after the fourth injection (Fig. 1). Patients with four or more injections had a shorter median interval between injections, 154 days, compared to those with fewer injections, 210 days. Two patients (6.9%) experienced urinary retention after the initial treatment, with 1 (2.2%) among a total of 46 subsequent treatments (Table 3). There were ten (13.3%) episodes of UTIs within 2 weeks of treatment. Patients reported improvement in symptoms following 93.3% of the injections. CONCLUSION: This real-world study demonstrates that BTX-A effectively controls OAB symptoms in elderly women, with just two injections annually. BTX-A appears safe and efficacious for treating OAB in elderly females.

Prevalence of Nocturia in United States Women: Results From National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturia can be one of the most bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life. In both sexes, nocturia has been associated with decreased overall health. We aim to assess the prevalence of nocturia in US females and identify factors associated with significant nocturia. METHODS: A cross-sectional, US population-based database (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) was queried for females surveyed during the years 2009 to 2014. Nocturia information was obtained from the question, "how many times do you urinate at night?" Significant nocturia was defined as those women who urinated 2 or more times per night. Demographic characteristics, information on urinary incontinence, and gynecologic/obstetrical history were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with significant nocturia. RESULTS: A total of 7620 adult women were available for analysis. Of all women, 28.8% (95% confidence interval, 27.3-30.3) reported significant nocturia. Nocturia rates increased with increasing age (P < 0.0001). For those women who underwent childbirth, delivery type had no association with nocturia (P = 0.23). On multivariable analysis, only increasing age, black race, body mass index of 30 or greater, urge incontinence, and poor overall health were associated with increased rates of nocturia. Higher levels of education and increased household income were associated with lower rates of nocturia. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia is prevalent in the United States with almost 30% of all women reporting significant nocturia. Importantly, nocturia does not affect only older individuals, as 1 in 6 women under the age of 40 years report waking 2 or more times per night to urinate.

Association Between Stress Urinary Incontinence and the Components of Metabolic Syndrome Among Females 20-59 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and metabolic syndrome among a population-based cohort of women 20-59 years. METHODS: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database was used between the years of 2013 and 2016 and included women aged 20-59 years. SUI was defined as "Urinary leakage with physical activity." Metabolic syndrome was defined as >2 risk factors: fasting blood glucose (FBG) >99 mg/dL, triglyceride >149 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein <50 mg/dL, waistline >88 cm, and blood pressure >130/85. We generated weighted estimated prevalence and ran multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 3430 female subjects, the estimated prevalence of SUI was 38.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 36.7-40.7%) and metabolic syndrome was 10.2% (95% CI 8.9-11.6). Higher rates of SUI were seen with large waistlines, elevated FBG, and elevated triglycerides. Among women with metabolic syndrome, 56.1% (95% CI 39.7-49.0%) had SUI. Among all women, metabolic syndrome and elevated FBG significantly increase the risk of SUI (odds ratio [OR] 1.53 [95% CI 1.02-2.28] and OR 1.86 [95% CI 1.14-3.03], respectively). In women 20-39 years, a large waistline significantly increased the risk of SUI (OR 1.72 [95% CI 1.00-2.99]). CONCLUSION: Among females 20-59 years in the United States, 38.7% report SUI and 10% have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome and an elevated FBG significantly increase the risk of SUI among all women. A large waistline increases the risk of SUI in women aged 20-39 years. Weight loss and adequate control of metabolic syndrome should be considered key strategies in the management of SUI.

Transgender Surgery and Outcomes: Focused for the FPMRS Provider.

OVERVIEW: As visibility of the transgender population increases, understanding of the social, psychological, medical, and surgical aspects of these patients care is vital for the practicing female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery urologist. The aim of this review is to describe proper terminology, psychosocial considerations specific to transgender patients, in addition to outlining contemporary surgical techniques and complications.

Narrative Comments about Urologists on Physician Rating Websites Provide Insight into What Drives Patient Satisfaction Surveys.

INTRODUCTION: We examined publicly available narrative comments on physician rating websites and how they may provide valuable insight on what motivates patients to provide positive or negative feedback. METHODS: Searches of all American urologists who are members of the Northeastern Section of the American Urological Association were performed across 5 major physician rating websites. Narrative comments were classified by reviewers as positive or negative, and assessed for mention of 7 factors including punctuality/ease of appointment, bedside manner, time spent with the patient, communication/education skills, quality of staff, technical aspects of care and followup care. Providers without narrative comments were excluded from analysis, as were neutral comments. RESULTS: Bedside manner, technical aspects of care and communication/education skills were the more frequently citied aspects of care throughout all narrative comments. However, negative comments were more likely to mention staff quality than communication/education skills. In addition, female urologists received more comments and higher ratings than male urologists, and urban urologists received more comments and higher ratings than rural urologists. CONCLUSIONS: Bedside manner, technical aspects of care and communication/education skills are key elements that influence the satisfaction of urological patients. Furthermore, staff quality and punctuality are patient care areas in which urologists may benefit from improving. Further research is warranted to better understand the effects of practitioner gender and geography on patient reported satisfaction with care.

In vivo molecular engineering of the urethra for treatment of stress incontinence using novel biomimetic proteoglycans.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a serious condition which affects ~56% of postmenopausal women, is the involuntary leakage of urine through urethra during physical activity that causes an increase in abdominal pressure. SUI is associated with a decrease in compliance and volume of urethral tissue, likely due to a reduced proteoglycan: collagen ratio in the extracellular matrix and collagen disorganization. Here, we investigated the use of biomimetic proteoglycans (BPGs) to molecularly engineer urethral tissue of New Zealand White rabbits to examine biocompatibility in vivo. BPG concentrations of 50 mg/mL (n = 6, 1 week) and 200 mg/mL (n = 6, 1 week and n = 6, 6 weeks) dissolved in 1× phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were injected transurethrally using a 9 French cystoscope, and were compared to PBS-injected controls (n = 3, 1 week) and non-injected controls (n = 2, 1 week). Urethral compression pressure measurements confirm BPG injections did not modify normal urethral pressure, as intended. Histological assessment demonstrated biological tolerance of BPGs in urethra and no inflammatory response was detected after 1 and 6 weeks compared to non-injected controls. Confocal imaging of fluorescently-labeled BPG injected urethral specimens demonstrated the integration of BPGs into the interstitial connective tissue and confirmed they were still present after 6 weeks. A general decrease of collagen density was exhibited near injection sites which may be due to increased hydration induced by BPGs. Injection of BPGs is a novel approach that demonstrates potential as molecular treatment for SUI and may be able to reverse some of the degenerative tissue changes of individuals affected by this condition. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: 00B: 000-000, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2409-2418, 2019.

A case of pelvic organ prolapse in the setting of cirrhotic ascites.

Ascites is commonly found in patients with liver cirrhosis. Although conservative therapy is often the ideal choice of care with these patients who also have symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, this may fail and surgical methods may be needed. Literature is limited regarding surgical repair of prolapse in the setting of ascites. The authors present the surgical evaluation and management of a 63-year-old woman with recurrent ascites from liver cirrhosis who failed conservative therapy. With adequate multidisciplinary care and medical optimization, this patient underwent surgical therapy with resolution of her symptomatic prolapse and improved quality of life.

Botulinum Toxin A Injections Into Pelvic Floor Muscles Under Electromyographic Guidance for Women With Refractory High-Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A 6-Month Prospective Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: High-tone pelvic floor dysfunction (HTPFD) is a debilitating chronic pain disorder for many women with significant impact on their quality of life (QoL). Our objective was to determine the efficacy of electromyography-guided onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox; Allergan, Irvine, Calif) injections in treating patient's perception of pelvic pain and improving QoL measurement scores. METHODS: This is a prospective pilot open-label study of women with chronic pelvic pain and HTPFD who have failed conventional therapy between January 2011 and August 2013. Botox injections (up to 300 U) were done using needle electromyography guidance, from a transperineal approach, to localize spastic pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). Data were collected at baseline, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after injections. This included demographics; Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain and dyspareunia; validated questionnaires for symptoms, QoL, and sexual function; Global Response Assessment scale for pelvic pain; digital examination of PFM for tone and tenderness; and vaginal manometry. Side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: Out of 28 women who enrolled in the study, 21 completed the 6-month follow-up and qualified for analysis. The mean (SD) age was 35.1 (9.4) years (range, 22-50 years), and the mean (SD) body mass index was 25 (4.4). Comorbidities included interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (42.9%) and vulvodynia (66.7%). Overall, 61.9% of subjects reported improvement on Global Response Assessment at 4 weeks and 80.9% at 8, 12, and 24 weeks post injection, compared with baseline. Of the subjects who were sexually active at baseline, 58.8% (10/17), 68.8% (11/16), 80% (12/15), and 83.3% (15/18) reported less dyspareunia at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively. Dyspareunia Visual Analog Scale score significantly improved at weeks 12 (5.6, P = 0.011) and 24 (5.4, P = 0.004) compared with baseline (7.8). Two of the 4 patients who avoided sexual activity at baseline secondary to dyspareunia resumed and tolerated intercourse after Botox. Sexual dysfunction as measured by the Female Sexual Distress Scale significantly improved at 8 weeks (27.6, P = 0.005), 12 weeks (27.9, P = 0.006), and 24 weeks (22.6, P < 0.001) compared with baseline (34.5). The Short-Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) showed improved QoL in the physical composite score at all post injections visits (42.9, 44, 43.1, and 45.5 vs 40 at baseline; P < 0.05), and in the mental composite score at both 12 and 24 weeks (44.3 and 47.8 vs 38.5, P = 0.012). Vaginal manometry demonstrated significant decrease in resting pressures and in maximum contraction pressures at all follow-up visits (P < 0.05). Digital assessment of PFM (on a scale from 0 to 4) showed decreased tenderness on all visits (mean of 1.9, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9; P < 0.001) compared with baseline (2.8). Reported postinjection adverse effects included worsening of the following preexisting conditions: constipation (28.6%), stress urinary incontinence (4.8%), fecal incontinence (4.8%), and new onset stress urinary incontinence (4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Electromyography-guided Botox injection into PFM could be beneficial for women with refractory HTPFD who have failed conservative therapy.

Effect of visceral obesity on minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between visceral obesity and perioperative parameters in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 118 patients who underwent minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. On preoperative imaging, perinephric, visceral, and subcutaneous fat were measured. Higher estimated blood loss, complications, and warm ischemia time were used as surrogates of increased operation difficulty. We examined the association between the 3 groups of patients (ie low, medium, and high fat) with demographic and clinical characteristics. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether various measurements of obesity adversely affected surgical outcomes and complexity. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between perioperative parameters and either perinephric, visceral, or subcutaneous fat. There was no association between changes in renal function and different fat groups. Multivariate analysis for estimated blood loss, complication rates, and warm ischemia time adjusted for age, race, sex, nephrometry score, Charlson comorbidities score, and other fat types, failed to demonstrate any significant differences. Increasing perinephric fat content was associated with higher visceral (P <.0005), but not subcutaneous fat (P = .55). Hypertension was associated with perinephric (P = .02) and visceral (P = .04), but not subcutaneous obesity (P = .08). Neither Charlson comorbidity nor American Society of Anesthesiologists scores showed any significant association with different fat types. CONCLUSION: Individual patterns of obesity, namely subcutaneous, visceral, and perinephric, do not increase surgical complexity for minimally invasive partial nephrectomy by experienced surgeons. Furthermore, this operation can be performed safely with comparable complications and outcomes in moderately obese patients without compromising renal function.

Factors that affect proportional glomerular filtration rate after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several factors have been shown to impact the overall glomerular filtration (GFR) rate after partial nephrectomy. Change in overall GFR, however, does not necessarily reflect the impact of these factors on the operated kidney. Using preoperative and postoperative renal scintigraphy, we sought to assess the impact of patient, tumor, and operative factors on GFR of the affected kidney (proportional GFR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 73 patients who underwent minimally invasive partial nephrectomy with preoperative and postoperative renal scans from two institutions. Patient, tumor, and operative characteristics were recorded. We used multiple linear regression to determine the patient and clinical factors predictive of postoperative proportional GFR in the operated kidney. We tested for an interaction between preoperative proportional GFR and nephrometry score and ischemia. We further fitted two separate linear models to compare the proportion of variance (R(2)) explained by ischemia time in change in renal function in the operated kidney with the change in renal function in both kidneys. RESULTS: Surgical parameters (procedure approach, ischemia time, and estimated blood loss) and preoperative proportional GFR were significantly associated with postoperative proportional GFR. Preoperative proportional GFR (ß=5.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.88, 7.97, P<0.0005) and procedure approach (ß=8.67, 95% CI: 4.50, 12.80, P<0.0005) were strongly associated with outcome while ischemia time (ß=-1.80, 95% CI: -3.48, -0.11, P=0.04) and estimated blood loss (ß=-1.15, 95% CI: -0.29, -0.01, P=0.04) just reached statistical significance. The interaction term between preoperative proportional GFR and nephrometry score or ischemia time was not statistically significant (nephrometry, P=0.2 continuous or P=0.6 categorical, and ischemia, P=0.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Lower preoperative proportional GFR, longer ischemia times, and higher blood loss all negatively impact postoperative proportional GFR while tumor complexity as gauged by morphometry scoring does not. Larger studies are needed to determine whether renal scintigraphy is a more accurate method of measuring the impact of the ischemia time on postoperative proportional GFR.