Accuracy and Clinical Utility of a Tumor Grade- and Stage-based Predictive Model in Localized Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Among various clinicopathologic factors used to identify low-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), tumor grade and stage are of utmost importance. The clinical value added by inclusion of other risk factors remains unproven. OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of a tumor grade- and stage-based (GS) model to identify patients with UTUC for whom kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) could be attempted. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this international study, we reviewed the medical records of 1240 patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy. Complete data needed for risk stratification according to the European Association of Urology (EAU) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines were available for 560 patients. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine if risk factors were associated with the presence of localized UTUC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the GS, EAU, and NCCN models in predicting pathologic stage were calculated. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 198 patients (35%) had clinically low-grade, noninvasive tumors, and 283 (51%) had ≤pT1disease. On multivariable analyses, none of the EAU and NCCN risk factors were associated with the presence of non-muscle-invasive UTUC among patients with low-grade and low-stage UTUC. The GS model exhibited the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and negative predictive value among all three models. According to the GS, EAU, and NCCN models, the proportion of patients eligible for KSS was 35%, 6%, and 4%, respectively. Decision curve analysis revealed that the net benefit of the three models was similar within the clinically reasonable range of probability thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: The GS model showed favorable predictive accuracy and identified a greater number of KSS-eligible patients than the EAU and NCCN models. A decision-making algorithm that weighs the benefits of avoiding unnecessary kidney loss against the risk of undertreatment in case of advanced carcinoma is necessary for individualized treatment for UTUC patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: We assessed the ability of three models to predict low-grade, low-stage disease in patients with cancer of the upper urinary tract. No risk factors other than grade assessed on biopsy and stage assessed from scans were associated with better prediction of localized cancer. A model based on grade and stage may help to identify patients who could benefit from kidney-sparing treatment of their cancer.

Propensity-score analysis comparing perioperative and functional outcomes between XPS 180 W-photovaporization and GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate: reasons to discard vaporization and move to enucleation.

PURPOSE: To compare the perioperative and functional outcomes between 180_W XPS GreenLight photoselective vaporization (PVP) and 532-nm GreenLight laser enucleation of the prostate (GreenLEP) in the surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained international database of patients managed with GreenLight laser surgery (PVP or GreenLEP) was performed. To adjust for potential baseline confounders, propensity-score matching (PSM) was applied at a ratio of 1:1 to compare the perioperative and functional outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 2,420 patients were included. 1,491 (61.6%) underwent PVP and 929 (38.4%) underwent GreenLEP. Before PSM analysis, patients in the vaporization group were older (p < 0.001), had a lower PSA and prostate volume at baseline (p < 0.001). Using estimated propensity scores, 78 patients in the PVP group were matched 1:1 to the patients in the GreenLEP group. The incidence of overall postoperative complications was comparable between the two groups (19 vs. 16%, p = 0.06). However, after PSM, PVP was found to be associated with a higher rate of overall complications (33 vs. 11%, p = 0.001). At 3 months and at last follow-up the I-PSS, Qmax and PSA had similarly decreased in the two groups with a greater improvement in the GreenLEP group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PVP and GreenLEP are two efficient and safe techniques for treating BPO. However, PVP was associated with longer operative time and higher risk of reoperation on a midterm follow-up compared to GreenLEP.

Role of Checkpoint Inhibition in Localized Bladder Cancer.

CONTEXT: Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are established as a standard therapy option for metastatic bladder cancer; however, their role in earlier-stage disease remains undefined. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the preclinical and clinical evidence forming the rationale for multiple ongoing investigations of CPIs in patients with localized bladder cancer defined by non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive stages. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature in the MEDLINE database was performed. The central search strategy used the terms bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma, transitional cell, localized, muscle-invasive, non-muscle-invasive, superficial, PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, and checkpoint inhibitor, both alone and in combination. The search was limited to publications between January 2000 and December 2017. Publicly available relevant abstracts from recent meetings were also included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Preclinical immunocompetent murine, rodent, and canine models have each demonstrated proof-of-concept support for CPI therapy approaches in localized urothelial carcinoma (UC). Retrospective analysis of localized UC tumor samples confirms the presence of PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4 in a proportion of patients. Prospective pilot trials of CPI therapy in localized UC demonstrated enhanced adaptive immune response measures. Improved whole-transcriptome platforms may further refine patient selection for CPI therapy. Multiple clinical trials of CPI therapy in localized UC are under way with significant practice-changing potential. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from preclinical models and retrospective data for patients with localized UC and metastatic UC sufficiently justifies the investigation of CPI approaches in the context of prospective clinical trials. PATIENT SUMMARY: Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy has provided durable tumor control in a small portion of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). Investigating the potential for similar sustained tumor control in localized UC is logical. Ongoing prospective clinical trials will define whether or not CPI therapy should be extended to patients with curable localized UC in whom standards for successful clinical outcomes are higher and acceptance rates of severe treatment-related toxicity are lower.

Impact of Primary Tumor Location on Survival from the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Advanced Urothelial Cancer Studies.

PURPOSE: The prognostic relevance of primary location of urothelial carcinoma on survival has been poorly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used prospectively collected data from 3 European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer advanced urothelial carcinoma studies, including 30924 (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin vs high dose methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin), 30986 (methotrexate, carboplatin and vinblastine vs gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients who were not candidates for cisplatin) and 30987 (gemcitabine and cisplatin-paclitaxel vs gemcitabine and cisplatin in candidates for cisplatin). Patients were grouped by primary tumor location as those with bladder cancer or upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Progression-free and overall survival was tested by tumor location using Cox proportional hazard regression stratified by study and treatment using 2-sided α = 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 1,039 patients 878 (85.3%) and 161 (14.7%) had bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma, respectively. Patients with bladder cancer had better performance status and were more likely to be male (p = 0.008 and <0.074, respectively). By a median followup of 4.8 years (IQR 4.0-6.7) 733 patients had died and 925 had experienced disease progression. Overall and progression-free survival did not differ significantly between bladder and upper tract urothelial carcinoma cases (p = 0.3 and 0.7, respectively), even after adjusting for the effects of Bajorin risk group by each tumor location. When upper tract urothelial carcinoma was considered separately, patients with primary ureteral tumors had better overall survival than patients with primary bladder cancer (OR = 0.74, p = 0.047). However, this association did not remain significant after adjusting for Bajorin risk group (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Primary tumor location had no impact on progression-free or overall survival in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with platinum based combination chemotherapy.

Learning curves and perioperative outcomes after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: a comparison between GreenLight 532-nm and holmium lasers.

PURPOSE: To compare the learning curves, perioperative and early functional outcomes after HoLEP and GreenLEP. METHODS: Data from the first 100 consecutive cases treated by GreenLEP and HoLEP by two surgeons were prospectively collected from dedicated databases and analysed retrospectively. En-bloc GreenLEP and two-lobar HoLEP enucleations were conducted using the GreenLight HPS™ 2090 laser and Lumenis™ holmium laser. Patients' characteristics, perioperative outcomes and functional outcomes after 1, 3 and 6 months were compared between groups. RESULTS: Total energy delivered and operative times were significantly shorter for GreenLEP (58 vs. 110 kJ, p < 0.0001; 60 vs. 90 min, p < 0.0001). Operative time reached a plateau after 30 procedures in each group. Length of catheterization and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the HoLEP group (2 vs. 1 day, p < 0.0001; 2 vs. 1 day, p < 0.0001). Postoperative complications were comparable between GreenLEP and HoLEP (19 vs. 25 %; p = 0.13). There was a greater increase of Q max at 3 months and a greater IPSS decrease at 1 month for GreenLEP, whereas decreases in IPSS and IPSS-Q8 at 6 months were greater for HoLEP. Transient stress urinary incontinence was comparable between both groups (6 vs. 9 % at 3 months; p = 0.42). Pentafecta was achieved in four consecutive patients after the 18th and the 40th procedure in the GreenLEP and HoLEP group, respectively. Learning curves ranged from 14 to 30 cases for GreenLEP and 22 to 40 cases for HoLEP. CONCLUSION: Learning curves of GreenLEP and HoLEP provided roughly similar peri-operative and short-term functional outcomes.

Lynch syndrome and exposure to aristolochic acid in upper-tract urothelial carcinoma: its clinical impact?

The purpose of the current review was to describe the clinical risk for Lynch syndrome (LS) after exposure to aristolochic acid (AA) in cases of upper urinary-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). A systematic review of the scientific literature was performed using the Medline database (National Library of Medicine, PubMed) using the following keywords: epidemiology, risk factor, AA, Balkan nephropathy (BNe), LS, hereditary cancer, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), mismatch repair genes, urothelial carcinomas, upper urinary tract, renal pelvis, ureter, Amsterdam criteria, genetic counselling, mismatch repair genes, genetic instability, microsatellite, and Bethesda guidelines. LS is a specific risk for UTUC, which is the third most frequent cancer (in its tumor spectrum) after colon and uterine lesions. Mutation of the MSH2 gene is the most commonly described cause of UTUC in LS. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and is guided by Bethesda and Amsterdam criteria. It is secondarily confirmed by immunohistochemical analyses of the tumor and a search for gene mutations. The presence of LS in patients with UTUC is a favorable prognosis factor for survival during follow-ups. AA is a specific environmental risk factor for UTUC and tubulo-interstitial nephropathy. It has been involved in the development of nephropathies in link with the Balkan disease and intake of Chinese herbal medicine. More broadly, the use of traditional plant medicines from the genus Aristolochia has created worldwide public-health concerns. UTUCs share common risk factors with other urothelial carcinomas such as tobacco or occupational exposure. However, these tumors have also specific risk factors such as AA exposure and LS that clinicians should be aware of because of their clinical implication in further management and follow-up.

The role of cystectomy in elderly patients - a multicentre analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy in developed countries is continuously increasing. Hence elderly patients are becoming more common in our clinical practice. Currently, one of the greatest challenges of medicine is balancing the life expectancy of elderly patients against aggressive treatments that carry significant risks. OBJECTIVE: To outline the complications and survival in surgical patients 80 years and over undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of a radical cystectomy in elderly recorded in four different institutional prospective databases during the period between 1991 and 2014. Clinical and pathologic features, complications and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were available. Median (range) age 82.2 (80-89) years. Seventeen women and 94 men. Regarding the ASA score, 6 patients were ASA I, 47 patients were ASA II, 49 patients ASA III and 9 ASA IV. Prior to surgery, 48 patients had hydronephrosis. The median (range) creatinine series was 1.1 (0.71-11.1) ng/dL. In 88 cases an ileal conduit was performed, 17 a cutaneous ureterostomy diversion, 5 neobladders and 1 ureterosigmoidostomy case. The median (range) operative time was 230 (120-420) min and a total of 97 patients required blood transfusion. The median (range) hospital stay was 14 (7-126) days. The early and late complication rates were 50.4% and 32%, respectively. A total of 14 patients (12.6%) required surgical reintervention. Eight patients (7.2%) died in the immediate postoperative period. The readmission rate of the series was 27.2%. The mean follow-up of the series was 18 (0.27-134.73) months. During this period 66 patients died, 52 of them due to the tumor. Twelve month tumour progression free survival was 83.9% for ≤pT1, 70.2% for pT2 and 36% for ≥pT3, respectively. Twelve month cancer specific survival was 85.6% for ≤pT1, 75.1% for pT2 and 42.5% for ≥pT3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Radical cystectomy in elderly population is an aggressive surgical treatment with a significant complication rate, hospital readmission and perioperative mortality rate. Careful selection of patients is essential in order to minimize the complications of this surgery and balance benefits against risks in the elderly population. Tumour progression and cancer specific survival are poor for patients with ≥pT3 disease. Alternatives such as tri-modality therapy need to be considered within a multi-disciplinary approach. More data is required to determine which sub-groups of elderly patients would benefit from a complication, survival and quality of life perspective.

Impact of peri-operative blood transfusion on the outcomes of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between peri-operative blood transfusion (PBT) and oncological outcomes in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 2895 patients treated with RC for UCB. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to analyse the effect of PBT administration on disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, and any-cause mortality. RESULTS: Patients' median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 67 (60, 73) years and the median (IQR) follow-up was 36.1 (15, 84) months. Patients who received PBT were more likely to have advanced disease (P < 0.001), high grade tumours (P = 0.047) and nodal metastasis (P = 0.004). PBT was associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence (P = 0.003), cancer-specific mortality (P = 0.017), and any-cause mortality (P = 0.010) in univariable, but not multivariable, analyses (P > 0.05). In multivariable analyses, pathological tumour stage, pathological nodal stage, soft tissue surgical margin, lymphovascular invasion and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy were independent predictors of disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality and any-cause mortality (all P values <0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with UCB who underwent RC and received PBT had a greater risk of disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality and any-cause mortality in univariable, but not multivariable, analysis. Although the greater need for PBT with more advanced disease is probably caused by a number of factors, including surgical and cancer-related factors, the present analysis showed that the disease characteristics rather than need for PBT led to worse outcomes.

Neoadjuvant targeted molecular therapies in patients undergoing nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy: is it useful?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of neoadjuvant targeted molecular therapies (TMTs) on size and level of inferior vena cava tumor thrombi and to evaluate their impact on surgical management. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 14 patients treated for a clear cell renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombi by neoadjuvant TMT before nephrectomy. Clinical, pathological and perioperative data were gathered retrospectively at each institution. The primitive tumor size and the thrombus size were defined by computed tomography before TMT. The tumor thrombus level was defined according to the Novick's classification. RESULTS: Before TMT, thrombus level was staged I for 1 (7%), II for 10 (72%) and III (21%) for 3 patients. First-line therapy was sunitinib in 11 cases and sorafenib in 3 cases. Median therapy duration was two cycles (1-5). Three patients experienced major adverse effects (grade III) during TMT. Following TMT, 6 (43%) patients had a measurable decrease, 6 (43%) had no change, and 2 (14%) had an increase in the thrombus. One patient (7%) had a downstage of thrombus level, 12 (85%) had stable thrombi, and 1 (7%) had an upstage. Regarding primary tumor, 7 (50%), 5 (36%) and 2 (14%) patients had a decrease, stabilization and an increase in tumor size, respectively. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant TMT appears to have limited effects on renal tumor thrombi. This retrospective study failed to demonstrate a significant impact of neoadjuvant TMT on surgical management of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombi.

Hepatitis C transmission after prostate biopsy.

Prostate biopsy is a current and well-codified procedure; antibiotic prophylaxis and rectal enema limit the risk of infection. To date, there has been no reported viral transmission between patients due to a contaminated ultrasound probe. In this study, we report the case of a patient who contracted the hepatitis C virus after transrectal prostate biopsy as part of an individual screening for prostate cancer.

Transurethral resection biopsy as part of a saturation biopsy protocol: a cohort study and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prostate cancer (CaP) detection rate and morbidity of performing a transurethral resection biopsy of the prostate (TURBP) at the same time as a saturation biopsy (SBx). PATIENTS: A total of 102 men with previous negative transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsies underwent a SBx under formal anaesthesia. Fifty-four [54 (52.9%)] had a combined SBx and TURBP (Group 1) and 48 (47.1%) had a SBx only (Group 2). RESULTS: The CaP detection rate in Group 1 was 38.9% (21/54), which was significantly higher than the detection rate of 27.1% (13/48) in Group 2 (P = 0.005). CaP was detected via TURBP in 12 patients (22.2%) from Group 1, including 8 (14.8%) patients who had CaP solely in their TURBP chips. According to the D'Amico classification, 66.6% (14/21) of the cancers in Group 1 were intermediate (n = 4) or high risk (n = 10). Of the 8 'TURBP only' cancers, 75% (6/8) were intermediate (n = 2) or high risk (n = 4). Seven of these eight patients went on to have a radical prostatectomy (RP) but only 2 (28.6%) were found to have a pure anterior/transition zone (TZ) tumor. The postoperative urinary retention and emergency admission rates for Groups 1 and 2 were 29.6% (16/54) vs. 16.6% (8/48) (P = 0.095) and 11.1% (6/54) vs. 5.5% (2/48) (n = 0.17). There was no difference in terms of hematuria (P = 0.54), urinary tract infection (UTI) (P = 0.22), or sepsis (P = 0.21), and patients in Group 1 spent an average of 0.5 days longer in hospital (1.9 vs. 1.4; P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: TURBP in association with SBx increases the detection of clinically important CaP. However, this does have to be balanced against the small increased incidence of urinary retention, emergency re-admission, and longer hospital stay.

Outcomes and general health-related quality of life among patients medically treated in general daily practice for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: This study's aim was to describe and evaluate outcomes of medical strategies used for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) treatment in general practice and to assess impact of LUTS on patients' general health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted by French general practitioners. Eligible patients were males aged ≥50 years, diagnosed for at least one year and currently treated for LUTS due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Several validated questionnaires were documented by patients to assess severity of LUTS (IPSS), specific quality of life (IPSS-Q8), impact of LUTS (BII), LUTS evolution (VNS) and general HRQoL (EQ-5D). RESULTS: Among 1,098 patients included, 82.7% were treated with monotherapies and 17.3% with combinations. Mean treatment duration was 5.2 ± 3.2 years, and 47.2% of patients had at least one treatment modification since initiation. Patients reported diminished quality of life (IPSS-Q8 ≥3) (42.3%), persisting symptoms (IPSS-score ≥12) (35.5%), symptoms worsening (VNS-score ≤-1) (18.8%) and high bother (BII-score ≥9) (2.6%). Globally, 52.8% had at least one of these unsatisfactory outcomes. Regarding general HRQoL, mean EQ-5D utility significantly decreased with LUTS severity (mild: 0.90 ± 0.12; moderate: 0.81 ± 0.21; and severe symptoms: 0.73 ± 0.25; P < 0.001). As well, all five-dimensions of EQ-5D were significantly altered in patients with moderate-to-severe LUTS (<0.001), especially 'Pain/Discomfort' and 'Anxiety/Depression'. In multivariate analyses including age and comorbidities, EQ-5D utility index remained negatively associated with each additional unit in the IPSS-score. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that around half of BPH patients medically treated report unsatisfactory outcomes, suggesting consequential unmet medical needs in general practice. Also, moderate-to-severe LUTS significantly impact on general HRQoL.

[Recent progress in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia]. / Innovations thérapeutiques récentes dans le traitement médical de l'hypertrophie bénigne de prostate.

The objectives of medical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are multiple: improvement of quality of life, reduction of symptoms, improvement of urine output, and reduction of the risk of acute urinary retention. In addition to validated treatments (alpha1-blockers, 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, plant extracts), new molecules have been added to the therapeutic armamentarium, and combinations of the various available treatments have been tested. The combination of alpha1-blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors has been evaluated, with a significant benefit on symptoms and urodynamic parameters, especially when the prostatic volume exceeds 25 mL. The adverse effects of the combination appear to be comparable to those of monotherapy. The combination of alpha1-blockers and anti-muscarinics appears to be effective in patients with BPH with marked irritative symptoms poorly controlled by alpha1-blockers alone. Finally, a new LH-RH antagonist, improving symptoms and maximum urine flow rate in patients with BPH, could rapidly be made available to urologists.

Molecular detection of localized prostate cancer using quantitative methylation-specific PCR on urinary cells obtained following prostate massage.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of localized prostate cancer is difficult due to a lack of cancer-specific biomarkers. Many patients require repeat prostate biopsies to diagnose the disease. We investigated whether aberrant promoter hypermethylation in prostatic fluid could reliably detect prostate cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Urine samples were collected after prostate massage from 95 patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy (63 pT(1), 31 pT(2), and 1 pT(3)) and from 38 control patients. Ten genes (GSTP1, RASSF1a, ECDH1, APC, DAPK, MGMT, p14, p16, RARbeta2, and TIMP3) were investigated using quantitative real-time methylation-specific PCR. Receiver operator curves were generated. RESULTS: The frequency of gene methylation ranged from 6.3% (p14) to 83.2% (GSTP1) in prostate cancer patients. At least one gene was hypermethylated in 93% of cancer patients. The specificity of methylation was 0.74. Methylation was significantly more frequent (P < 0.05) in cancer than control patients for all genes except p14 and p16. According to receiver operator curve analysis, the four-gene combination of GSTP1 (0.86), RASSF1a (0.85), RARbeta2 (0.80), and APC (0.74) best discriminated malignant from nonmalignant cases. The sensitivity and accuracy of this four-gene set were 86% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of aberrant methylation in urinary cells obtained after prostate massage is significantly associated with prostate cancer. A panel of four genes could stratify patients into low and high risk of having prostate cancer and optimize the need for repeat prostatic biopsies.

Sacral neuromodulation for refractory detrusor overactivity in women with an artificial urinary sphincter.

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation as an alternative therapeutic option in women with an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) who had de novo irritative urinary symptoms (urgency/frequency) refractory to conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 2002 we implanted an AUS in 350 women and detrusor overactivity developed in 14. Six of the 14 patients responding positively to a percutaneous nerve evaluation test (greater than 50% subjective/objective improvement) were implanted with an S3 neuromodulator within 42.8 weeks (range 21 to 106) of AUS implantation. Followup included analysis of the voiding diary, a pad test and urodynamic assessment. RESULTS: After 30.5 months followup (range 14 to 40) 1 patient was dry, 4 were improved and treatment failed in 1. At 12 months mean voiding frequency daily had decreased from 17 (range 12 to 23) to 8 (range 4 to 12) and the mean number of leakages episodes daily had decreased from 14.7 (range 8.5 to 17) to 6 (range 4 to 10). Mean voided volume had increased from 121.7 (range 90 to 170) to 180 ml (range 120 to 225), mean first desire to void volume had increased from 117 (range 88 to 190) to 183 ml (range 130 to 275) and mean functional bladder capacity had increased from 325 (range 200 to 530) to 372 ml (range 250 to 580). Uninhibited bladder contractions had resolved in 4 of 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In women who already have an AUS with urge incontinence sacral neuromodulation can help resolve symptoms. Because this therapy does not compromise the potential for future treatment, it appears to be an alternative option in these patients. It can postpone or avoid more mutilating surgery and self-catheterization.

[Treatment of urge incontinence by sacral neuromodulation in two patients with artificial sphincters]. / Traitement de l'incontinence urinaire par impériosité par neuromodulation sacrée chez deux patientes porteuses de sphincters artificiels.

Patients with stress urinary incontinence due to major sphincter incompetence are sometimes treated by artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Some patients with AUS subsequently develop urge incontinence that is refractory, to pharmacological treatments. Sacral neuromodulation could constitute an alternative treatment in these cases. The authors report two patients treated by the combined use of these two implants with a follow-up of 24 months. The efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in this indication appears to be satisfactory. The presence of the AUS does not appear to modify the action of the neuromodulator.