Outcome and cost analysis of sacral nerve modulation for treating urinary and/or fecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve modulation (SNM) is an established treatment for urinary and fecal incontinence in patients for whom conservative management has failed. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the outcome and cost analysis of SNM compared to alternative medical and surgical treatments. METHODS: Clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness analyses were performed in parallel with a prospective, multicenter cohort study that included 369 consecutive patients with urge urinary and/or fecal incontinence. The duration of follow-up was 24 months, and costs were estimated from the national health perspective. Cost-effectiveness outcomes were expressed as incremental costs per 50% of improved severity scores (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio). RESULTS: The SNM significantly improved the continence status (P < 0.005) and quality of life (P < 0.05) of patients with urge urinary and/or fecal incontinence compared to alternative treatments. The average cost of SNM for urge urinary incontinence was ∈8525 (95% confidence interval, ∈6686-∈10,364; P = 0.001) more for the first 2 years compared to alternative treatments. The corresponding increase in cost for subjects with fecal incontinence was ∈6581 (95% confidence interval, ∈2077-∈11,084; P = 0.006). When an improvement of more than 50% in the continence severity score was used as the unit of effectiveness, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for SNM was ∈94,204 and ∈185,160 at 24 months of follow-up for urinary and fecal incontinence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The SNM is a cost-effective treatment for urge urinary and/or fecal incontinence.

Sacral neuromodulation for treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction: clinical and urodynamic study.

PURPOSE: The efficacy of sacral neuromodulation for treating refractory idiopathic lower urinary tract dysfunction is now well established. Nevertheless, results of this technique in neurological patients are still controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the results of sacral neuromodulation in neurogenic bladder dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1998 and 2008, a percutaneous nerve evaluation or a two-stage technique was performed in 62 patients (mean age 50.5 ± 14.8 years) with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Before and during the temporary stimulation, each patient had a urodynamic evaluation and performed a bladder diary. The test was considered positive if the clinical and urodynamic improvement was over 50% and if the symptoms reappeared after turning the stimulation off. RESULTS: Lower urinary tract dysfunction was detrusor overactivity in 34 cases and chronic urinary retention in 28 cases. A detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) was associated in nine cases. Out of the 62 patients, 41 patients (66.1%) had more than 50% improvement on urodynamic evaluation and bladder diary and 37 were implanted. With a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 3.7 years, results remained similar to the evaluation phase in 28 cases (75.7%), were partially altered in three cases (8.1%) and lost in six cases (16.2%). In these six cases, neuromodulation failed on average 12.0 ± 12.4 months after implantation. CONCLUSION: Sacral neuromodulation seems to constitute a serious therapeutic option for patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. However, its results depend on the type of the underlying neurologic disease and in particular, whether it may progress or not.

[Treatment of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to suburethral tape by section of the tape]. / Traitement de l'obstruction sous-vésicale compliquant la mise en place d'une bandelette sous-uréthrale par section de la bandelette.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the results of treatment of chronic urinary retention secondary to bladder outlet obstruction complicating retropubic suburethral insertion of Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) by section of this tape. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2000 and December 2004, 30 women with a mean age of 63.5 +/- 11.6 years underwent a single lateral urethral section of Tension-free Vaginal Tape to treat bladder outlet obstruction secondary to retropubic suburethral TVT insertion. Success was defined by resolution of the symptoms, a maximum urine flow rate greater than 15 ml/s and a post-voiding residual less than 50 ml and failure was defined by persistence of at least one of these three criteria. RESULTS: The mean interval between TVT placement and tape section was 12.7 +/- 14.7 months. The mean follow-up was 25.8 +/- 7.8 months. The cure rate was 70%. One complication (a bladder wound) was observed. Postoperatively, two patients (70%) developed recurrence of stress urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: The treatment of chronic bladder outlet obstruction after retropubic TVT placement to treat stress urinary incontinence by single lateral urethral section of this tape is a simple and effective technique with low morbidity, accompanied by a very low urinary incontinence recurrence rate.

[Comparison of cavernometry and duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of veno-occlusive erectile dysfunction]. / Comparaison cavernométrie et echographie-Doppler pour le diagnostic de dysfonction erectile veino-occlusive.

OBJECTIVES: To compare pulsed duplex ultrasound and cavernometry in the aetiological diagnosis of veno-occlusive erectile dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between September 1995 and January 2005, 81 patients with a mean age of 48.45 +/- 12.35 years consulting for erectile dysfunction were investigated by cavernometry and pulsed duplex ultrasound before and after sensitization by intracavernous injection of 10 microg/ml of prostaglandin. The results of these two examinations were compared by the kappa concordance test. RESULTS: According to pulsed duplex ultrasound, 54 patients presented veno-occlusive incompetence. According to cavernometry, 56 patients presented veno-occlusive incompetence. The concordance between the results of the two examinations was only moderate (kappa = 0.52, p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.5886-0.7967). CONCLUSION: Duplex ultrasound is a first-line examination in a case of suspected organic erectile dysfunction due to a vascular cause. However, due to the limited concordance for the aetiological diagnosis of veno-occlusive erectile dysfunction between duplex ultrasound and cavernometry, cavernometry is still indicated in highly selected cases such as preoperative work-up.

[Linguistic validation of the "Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women"]. / Validation linguistique du "Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women". Application a l'etude de la sexualité dans une population de 93 femmes franaaises.

UNLABELLED: Application to the study of sexuality in a population of 93 French women. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to linguistically validate the French version of the BISF-W (Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women) which provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of female sexuality according to 7 dimensions. This version was then used to study the impact of recognized factors of sexual dysfunction on a control population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The BISF-W a self-administered quality of life questionnaire developed by Rosen, was translated and linguistically validated. This questionnaire comprises 22 questions in 7 dimensions investigating all aspects of female sexuality: D1 (desire), D2 (arousal), D3 (frequency of sexual activity), D4 (receptiveness), 05 (pleasure, orgasm), D6 (relational satisfaction), D7 (problems affecting sexuality), Composite Score (CS) D1+D2+D3+D4+D5+D6+07. The French version was administered to a study population of 93 women: 49 derived from gynaecology or urology departments and 44 derived from the general population. We calculated and compared the scores of the various dimensions of the BISF-W according to factors able to modify sexuality, such as menopause, age or parity. RESULTS: The results of our study show an alteration of the various dimensions of sexuality in elderly patients (D2, D5, D6, CS; p<0.05) or postmenopausal patients (D2, D5, D6, CS, p<0.05) and in multiparous women. CONCLUSION: The French version of the BISF-W gives results in line with the literature and demonstrates changes of sexuality as a function of the above mentioned variables.

[Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: surgical technique and results]. / Preélèvement laparoscopique du rein de donneur vivant: résultats et aspects chirurgicaux.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) and to describe our technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 47 laparoscopic live donor nephrectomies performed between January 1999 and July 2005. Several parameters were studied: donor clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative complications, operating time and warm ischaemia time. This series comprised 26 women (55.31%) and 21 men (44.68%) with a mean age of 48 +/- 20 years. Donor nephrectomy was mainly performed on the left kidney (85.37%). It was performed by lumbar endoscopy in the first 20 cases and by laparoscopy in 27 cases. Kidney extraction was performed via an incision between two trocar orifices for the first cases and via an iliac incision for the last 18 cases. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 189 min with a mean blood loss of 127 ml. Warm ischemia time was 6 minutes. Open conversion was required in two cases: renal vein injury in one case and an obese donor with difficulties of dissection in the other case. Surgical revision was required in only one case (haemoperitoneum secondary to genital vein injury). A trocar orifice abscess was observed in one case and prolonged ileus was reported in 2 cases. In the recipient, a urinary anastomotic fistula was observed secondary to ischaemic necrosis of the distal segment of the ureter. Late complications were essentially vascular (19.14%). A right renal graft was lost due to an error of compatibility. Mean serum creatinine was 132 +/- 6.5 micromol/l at 3 months for the other recipients. CONCLUSION: Our experience confirms the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and the conversion rate were low. Renal function was rapidly restored in the recipient. The morbidity of this technique is low, but there is a high risk of vascular complications at the beginning of the operator's experience.

[Prospective study of iliac extraction of the kidney after laparoscopic nephrectomy]. / Extraction du rein par voie iliaque après néphrectomie laparoscopique.

INTRODUCTION: Various routes are used to extract the operative specimen during laparoscopic nephrectomy. The main points are compliance with rules of cancer surgery, when applicable, and minimum wall destruction. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the low iliac approach. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective follow-up of 23 laparoscopic nephrectomies (17 tumours and 6 living donor kidney harvestings) in which the kidney was extracted via a low iliac incision measuring 5 to 7 cm. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 188 +/- 50 min with a mean blood loss of 112 +/- 126 ml. The mean duration of the incision was 10 minutes. In the case of a tumour the mean weight of the operative specimen was 571 +/- 127 g in and the mean diameter of the mass was 5.7 +/- 1.9 cm. All grafted kidneys functioned normally. No surgical conversion was necessary. The mean follow-up was 9.6 +/- 1.2 months. No late postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Radical nephrectomy or living donor kidney harvesting can be performed via laparoscopy with extraction of the operative specimen via a low iliac incision. This incision ensures extraction of very large specimens while preserving the aesthetic and functional advantages of laparoscopy with no increased cancer risk. They are simple to perform and easily reproducible via a transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach. Absence of muscle section maintains the integrity of the abdominal wall. No postoperative incisional hernia has been observed.

[Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and 36-month follow-up of the retreatment rate]. / Traitement de l'hyperplasie bénigne de prostate (HBP) par thermocoagulation au moyen d'aiguilles par voie trans-urétrale (TUNA) et suivi a 36 mois du taux de retraitement.

OBJECTIVE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease affecting about 25% of men over the age of 40. One half of these men report symptoms that interfere with their daily activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicentre study, 102 patients with BPH were treated by transurethral needle ablation (TUNA). The efficacy of treatment was evaluated for 12 months after the operation by means of Madsen and IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) scores. The course of uroflowmetry and quality of life (International Score) and sexual function were also assessed for one year. The safety of treatment was evaluated according to the type and frequency of complications. The results show an immediate and significant improvement of symptoms (p < 0.0001 for Madsen and IPSS scores and maximum flow rate between M0 and M12) demonstrating the efficacy of the TUNA system. A very positive impact of TUNA was demonstrated on quality of life. No negative impact was reported on sexual function and the operation had very few repercussions with a low adverse event rate. The retreatment rate (surgical and/or drug) was evaluated 36 months after the operation by means of an optional follow-up questionnaire subsequently completed by the investigators. RESULTS: After 3 years, based on the 80 questionnaires returned, 43 patients (53.8%) were stable and did not need any other medical or surgical treatment for BPH. Thirty-seven (37) patients (46.3%) required retreatment: 21 were treated with drugs (26%), 17 were treated surgically (21.25%) including 1 patient who was also retreated with drugs. This study demonstrates the significant and lasting improvement of BPH symptoms by TUNA, which constitutes an alternative attractive to surgery in young patients and/or patients worried about their sexuality.

[Symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in kidney transplantation: results of endoscopic injections of teflon and predictive factors for success]. / Reflux vésico-urétéral symptomatique chez le transplanté rénal: résultats des injections endoscopiques de téflon et facteurs prédictifs de succès.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the results of endoscopic Teflon injections for the treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux in renal transplant recipients and identification of prognostic factors. POPULATION AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and January 2002, out of a series of 408 renal transplant recipients, 15 patients (8 males, 7 females) with a mean age of 41.9 years were treated for symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux on the transplanted kidney by endoscopic Teflon injection. This treatment was indicated due to the presence of febrile or afebrile infections, possibly associated with deterioration of renal function. Reflux was demonstrated by retrograde cystography. The results of endoscopic treatment were evaluated by cystography at 3 months, and by clinical and laboratory examinations thereafter. RESULTS: The mean interval between renal transplantation and endoscopic treatment was 64.2 +/- 64.7 months. With a mean follow-up of 25 +/- 16.7 months, we observed a 53.3% success rate (8 patients), 13.3% of patients (2 patients) were improved and 33.3% of procedures were considered to be failures (5 patients). A lower number of preoperative infections, reflux < or = grade III and the absence of impaired renal function are predictive factors for the success of endoscopic treatment. The only complication was one case of renal colic due to meatal stenosis at 3 months, which responded favourably to endoscopic treatment alone. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux on a transplanted kidney by Teflon injection is effective in two-thirds of cases. Due to the low morbidity of this minimally invasive procedure, this treatment should be proposed as first-line management for all cases of symptomatic vesicoureteric reflux on a transplanted kidney.

[Effect of bicalutamide 150 mg, after 3 years of median follow-up, in non-metastatic prostatic cancer]. / Effet du bicalutamide 150 mg, à trois ans de suivi médian, dans le cancer de la prostate non métastatique.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of bicalutamide, at the dose of 150 mg per day, as first-line monotherapy or as curative adjuvant therapy in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer, and to investigate the possibility of a greater benefit for certain patient subgroups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article recalls the preliminary results of an international endocrine therapy programme comprising three double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer (T1-T4. Nx/N0/N1, M0). Patients were randomized to receive either 150 mg/day of bicalutamide, or placebo, as an adjuvant to radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy or in the context of watchful waiting. The main endpoints were the time to objective clinical progression and overall survival. The combined data of the three trials were submitted to intent-to-treat analysis. The authors also report the results of exploratory studies performed as a function of the type of treatment and prognostic factors. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 3 years of a sample size of 8,113 patients, objective clinical progression was observed in 9% of patients of the bicalutamide group (4,052 patients) and in 13.8% of patients of the placebo group (4,061 patients), corresponding to a 42% relative risk reduction (RR: 0.58; p << 0.0001). Reduction of the risk of disease progression was observed for the entire study population regardless of primary treatment, stage of disease or usual prognostic factors. This reduction was more marked for patients presenting poor prognostic factors. Data concerning overall survival are not available due to insufficient follow-up. Treatment was well tolerated. The adverse effects most frequently reported in the bicalutamide group were gynaecomastia and breast pain. CONCLUSION: After a median follow-up of three years, bicalutamide, as first-line monotherapy or as curative adjuvant therapy, significantly reduced the risk of objective clinical disease progression in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer. Exploratory analyses demonstrate that the benefit of bicalutamide appeared to be greater for patient with poor prognostic factors. Survival data are not yet available.

[Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy fo polycystic kidney: preliminary results]. / La néphrectomie laparoscopique rétropéritonéale pour polykystose rénale: résultats préliminaires.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morbidity and mortality of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for polycystic kidney. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2000 and March 2002, seven retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies for polycystic kidney were performed in six patients (three men, three women) with a mean age of 52.8 years. All patients presented end-stage renal failure treated by haemodialysis in five cases and by renal transplantation in one case. The ASA score was 2 in four cases and 3 in two cases. The indication for surgery was preparation for renal transplantation, episodes of macroscopic haematuria and pain in three cases, hypertension poorly controlled by medical treatment in two cases, preparation for renal transplantation in one case and pain associated with restrictive respiratory syndrome due to compression in one case. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 4 hours 35 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 400 ml. There were no intraoperative or perioperative deaths. An early postoperative complication occurred in two cases. The mean hospital stay was 11 days, with a mean stay of 2.4 days in the postoperative intensive care unit. No late complications were observed with a mean follow-up of 14 months. Preoperative pain, episodes of haematuria, hypertension and signs of compression resolved in each case. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy for polycystic kidney is a technique that can be performed via a retroperitoneal approach without manual assistance and with low morbidity.

Uterus, fallopian tube, ovary and vagina-sparing laparoscopic cystectomy: technical description and results.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to demonstrate, describe, and assess the results of the technique of laparoscopic cystectomy sparing the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2004 and December 2005, 13 women with neurogenic vesical dysfunction (mean age: 53.3+/-13.0 yr) underwent laparoscopic cystectomy sparing the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina. A noncontinent transileal Bricker diversion was performed extracorporeally in each case. Parameters studied were the pre-, peri- and postoperative data. RESULTS: Mean duration of the operation was 325+/-36 min, and mean blood loss was 323.1+/-246.3 ml. No conversion was required. One perioperative complication was observed: a tear in a branch of the right hypogastric vein, which was sutured under laparoscopy. One patient was transfused during surgery (2 units of blood). No early or late postoperative complications were observed. One patient required transfusion of 2 units of red blood cell concentrate on the first day after surgery. None of the patients required opiate analgesia in the postoperative period. The analgesic regimen used was paracetamol and nefopam in all cases. The pain score on an analogic visual scale was less than 4 in all cases. Resumption of transit was not delayed in any of the patients. Mean hospital stay was 11.6+/-1.9 d. Over an average follow-up of 7.4+/-5.4 mo, none of the patients developed late complications. Before surgery, 77% of the women were sexually active; 80% of them were sexually active 4 mo after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cystectomy sparing the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina is feasible. This operation has low morbidity and requires only a limited stay in hospital.

Evaluation of sexual function in young men with spina bifida and myelomeningocele using the International Index of Erectile Function.

OBJECTIVES: To assess sexual function in young men with spina bifida and myelomeningocele. METHODS: Between November 2003 and February 2004, a cross-sectional study was performed in 55 men older than 18 years of age who had been regularly followed up for myelomeningocele since childhood, between 1961 and 1985, in the Pediatric Internal Surgery Department. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was mailed to each man. RESULTS: The response rate was 72.7%. Of the 40 men who replied, 16 (40%) had had sexual intercourse at least once during the previous month. These were the older men (age 31.9 +/- 5.7 years versus 27.7 +/- 5.5 years, P = 0.027). The IIEF scores for the whole group were erectile function 11.61 +/- 9.44, orgasmic function 3.53 +/- 3.86, sexual desire 6.94 +/- 2.4, intercourse satisfaction 3.7 +/- 4.81, and overall satisfaction 4.7 +/- 3.34. According to the classification of Cappelleri, of the 16 men who had had sexual intercourse during the previous month, 4 had no erectile dysfunction, 3 had mild, 4 mild to moderate, and 5 severe dysfunction. Erectile function was statistically related to the ability to maintain erections (mean IIEF score 4 and 5 for men with no erectile dysfunction versus a mean IIEF score of 4 and 5 for men with erectile dysfunction: 4.75 +/- 0.5 versus 2.00 +/- 1.32, P = 0.011 for IIEF score of 4 and 4.50 +/- 1.5 versus 3 +/- 2, P = 0.040 for IIEF score of 5). CONCLUSIONS: Young adult men with spina bifida and myelomeningocele begin sexual activity late. Moreover, 75% have erectile dysfunction that is related to difficulty in maintaining erections.

High prevalence of erectile dysfunction in young male patients after intramedullary femoral nailing.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, given the central role of the pudendal nerves in erection, the impact of potential infraclinical lesions on male sexual function. After intramedullary femoral fixation, countertraction on the fracture table has sporadically been involved in pudendal neurapraxia. Patients with tibial fractures served as controls. METHODS: A total of 168 patients treated for femoral or tibial shaft fractures by intramedullary nailing were mailed the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire, which addresses all aspects of male sexual function and permits grading of the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to test for factors associated with ED. RESULTS: Of the 168 patients, 101 (60.1%) returned the questionnaire. A greater proportion of ED was observed in sexually active patients after femoral fracture than after tibial fracture (40.5% versus 12.5%, P <0.01). The differential prevalence of ED in both groups subjected to comparable high-energy trauma suggested that post-traumatic stress disorder was of marginal importance in ED occurring after femoral nailing. Greater intraoperative doses of curare were associated with better sexual functioning in sexually active patients after femoral fracture (10.6 versus 7.5 mg in patients without and with ED, respectively, P = 0.02), suggesting that postoperative ED could be partially prevented by optimal muscle relaxation during fracture reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction was shown to be highly prevalent after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures. Greater intraoperative curare doses, resulting in optimal relaxation and reduced pressure on the pudendal nerves by the perineal post, were associated with better sexual functioning.

Ureteral stenosis as the sole manifestation of Wegener's granulomatosis.

In Wegener's granulomatosis, necrotizing lesions are typically located in the upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys, and ureteral involvement is uncommon. We report 2 cases in which intrinsic ureteral stenosis was the sole manifestation of this small-vessel vasculitis. Excisional surgery evidenced characteristic granulomatous inflammation that allowed adjuvant elective medical treatment. Urologists, nephrologists, and internists should be aware of this atypical presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis. Thorough clinical and biologic assessments are warranted in the initial workup of isolated intrinsic ureteral stenosis.