Unilateral J-cut division versus partial and subtotal removal techniques in female patients with mesh-related urethral obstruction: Multicentric comparative study.

Objective: To compare the functional (obstruction relieving) outcomes and complications of unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed for mesh-related urethral obstruction (MRUO) in females. Methods: Patient review included demographics, a medical history and proforma with details of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), physical and urodynamic findings, detailed surgical reports and follow-up data. Variables were compared between the three groups. Results: Out of 130 patients with sling revision surgery (SRS), 54 women underwent SRS for MRUO with a median follow-up of 48 (17-96) months. Unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed in 12, 31 and 11 patients with a median duration of surgery of 30 (25-34), 40 (35-56) and 60 (60-70) minutes, respectively (p = 0.001). Statistically significant increase in median maximum free urine flow rate and decrease in median post-void residual urine volume were found after SRS in the three groups, while de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) developed in 10%, 44% and 60% of the patients in the unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal removal groups, respectively (p = 0.007). Conclusions: The unilateral J-cut division technique was as effective as the partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques in relieving MRUO with a shorter duration of surgery time (p = 0.001) and lower risk of de novo SUI (p = 0.007). Comparative studies with a larger number of patients are needed.

Voiding dynamics of pelvic organ prolapse: Large scale comparative study.

PURPOSE: To determine the voiding dynamics of the patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective patient file review was performed of 877 female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. After exclusion criteria 373 female patients were eligible for the study. Two patient groups w/wo prolapse were identified. The symptoms, patient characteristics, patterns of free urine flow, and detrusor voiding pressure curves were compared between two groups. A comparison of the urodynamic findings between the subgroups (mild/moderate, severe, and w/o prolapse) was made and shown on a scatter plot graphics of Pdet Qmax versus Qmax as well. RESULTS: A total of 373 patients with median age 54 (18-92), 189 (51%) had varying degrees and forms of POP while 184 (49%) did not have any prolapse (p < 0.003). Logistic regression analysis results showed that older age [p = 0.023, odds ratio (OR) = 1.01, confidence interval (CI): (1.00-1.03)], weaker pelvic floor muscle strength [p = 0.032, OR = 1.67, CI: (1.04-2.69)], more frequent symptom of hesitancy [p = 0.003 OR = 2.15 CI: (1.29-3.58)], prolonged-tailed shaped curve pattern of free urine flow [p = 0.027 OR = 1.97 CI: (1.08-3.58)], and higher Pdet Qmax (22 cmH2 O) values [p = 0.002, OR = 1.02, CI: (1.00-1.03)] were the independent different features of the patients with prolapse. Subgroup urodynamic analysis showed significantly lower free flowmetry Qmax and higher Pdet Qmax values in patients with severe prolapse. Prolonged/tailed-shaped curve pattern of free urine flow was significantly more frequent in patients with prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Voiding dynamics of the patients with prolapse were significantly different from the patients' w/o prolapse. They had higher Pdet Qmax values, more frequent symptom of hesitancy, and prolonged shaped free flow curve pattern. Free flow Qmax values were lower in patients with severe prolapse.

A Rare Case of Female Bladder Outlet Obstruction: Severe Introital Stenosis.

Herein, we report a rare case of severe introital stenosis in a 22-year female who presented with obstructive voiding symptoms and inability to have sexual intercourse. Introital stenosis had been caused by the emergency primary closure after major vulvoperineal trauma 15 years ago. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature that describes a very long time from primary closure to dilation and reconstruction. A detailed systematic evaluation and pelvic examination were performed. The dilation procedure was performed and the patient was closely followed up. Reconstructive surgery, which involved the removal of the granulation tissue and approximation of healthy vaginal mucosal edges in several sessions, was performed after the initial dilation procedure. Follow-up was performed with the clinical assessment of the symptoms, physical examination, and uroflowmetry. Our technique was effective and did not lead to any complications. The sexual dysfunction and voiding complaints of the patient completely resolved within a post-operative period of 11 months. Key Words: Introital stenosis, Bladder outlet obstruction, Dilation, Female, Reconstruction.

Urodynamic Curve Patterns may Predict Female Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Detrusor Underactivity.

OBJECTIVE: To search for independent predictors for distinguishing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor underactivity (DU) in female patients with voiding difficulty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective patient file review was performed of 918 female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. After exclusion criteria, 148 patients with voiding difficulty were eligible for the study. Patients were classified as having BOO and DU based on urodynamic BOO and DU definitions. The symptoms, patient characteristics, the patterns of free urine flow, and detrusor voiding pressure curves were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: Of 148 patients with a median age of 53 (18-86), 42 (28,4%), 37 (25%), 69 (46,6%) patients had a urodynamic diagnosis of BOO, DU, and unclassified P/F study respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the symptom of weak urine stream [P = .015 OR = 7.07 CI(1,47-34,0)], the negative provocative stress test [P = .038 OR = 7.32 CI(1,12-47,83)], the continuous detrusor voiding pressure and the prolonged/tailed shaped free urine flow curve patterns [P < .001 OR = 2,99 CI(1,66-5,38)] were the independent predictors of BOO. Sensitivity and specifity values for prolonged/tailed to predict BOO were 82.5 and 60% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous detrusor voiding pressure and the prolonged/tailed shaped free urine flow curve patterns were found to be useful independent predictors for distinguishing BOO from DU in female patients with voiding difficulty. In addition, the symptom of weak urine stream, and the negative provocative stress test may be of beneficial use.

Multicentre International Study for the Prevention with iAluRil of Radio-induced Cystitis (MISTIC): A Randomised Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced cystitis is a common side effect of radiotherapy (RT) to the pelvic area. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are components of the urothelial mucosa and positive results have been obtained for intravesical HA/CS instillations for the treatment of urinary tract infections and bladder pain syndrome. HA/CS may also have a protective effect against RT bladder toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether HA and CS protect the urothelium during RT, alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms, and improve quality of life. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This multicentre randomised controlled trial was conducted across seven centres in four countries. Male patients aged ≥18 yr scheduled to undergo primary intensity-modulated radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomised to intravesical HA/CS plus an oral formulation of curcumin, quercetin, HA, and CS (group A) or no treatment (group B). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary endpoint was absolute changes from baseline to follow-up in urinary domain scores for the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-MLUTS), and the EuroQol Group EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Data analysis for efficacy and safety outcomes was performed using an intention-to-treat (ITT) approach; the ITT population was defined as all randomised patients. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 57 patients screened, 49 were enrolled and randomly assigned to either active treatment (group A, n = 25) or the control (group B, n = 24). Three patients in the control group withdrew after randomisation. Changes from baseline to 12 mo were worse in the control group for subtotal scores for urinary symptoms and impact of symptoms on quality of life and for the total score (p = 0.05, p = 0.003, and p = 0.008, respectively). There was a significant time × group interaction in favour of active treatment for the incontinence symptom score (p = 0.011) and bother score (p = 0.017). The absence of a sham procedure and/or placebo is the main limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that intravesical HA/CS in combination with an oral formulation may reduce urinary symptoms and improve QoL at short-term (1 yr) follow-up. PATIENT SUMMARY: We investigated whether hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) have a protective effect against the bladder toxicity of radiotherapy for prostate cancer. HA/CS used for weekly bladder irrigation for 6 wk and given orally with curcumin and quercetin for 12 wk reduced urinary incontinence symptoms and bother measured at 1-year follow-up. This may hold promise as a preventive treatment if the results are confirmed in further trials.

Risk factors predicting upper urinary tract deterioration in children with spinal cord injury.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors predicting upper urinary tract (UUT) deterioration in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: The medical records of 108 children with SCI who were referred to our unit between 1996 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The data included general patient demographics, SCI characteristics, bladder management methods, presence of urinary tract infection, radiological evaluation of the UUT and lower urinary tract (LUT), and videourodynamic findings. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the cutoff values of the maximum detrusor pressure during filling and the bladder volume ratio (BVR) for predicting UUT deterioration. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors predicting UUT deterioration. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 76 children. The median patient age was 15 years (2-17). The leading causes of SCI were motor vehicle accidents (44%) and fall (33%). UUT deterioration was identified in 33 patients (43%). Iatrogenic SCI etiology, abnormal radiological LUT findings, and detrusor pressures greater than 70 cmH2 O were found to be independent risk factors for UUT deterioration using regression analysis. In addition, ROC analysis revealed that a BVR less than 0.7 was the cutoff value for UUT deterioration in children with SCI. CONCLUSION: Abnormal radiological LUT findings, iatrogenic SCI etiology, detrusor pressure greater than 70 cmH2 O, and a BVR less than 0.7 were independent risk factors for UUT deterioration in children with SCI.

Which antimuscarinic agents used in the treatment of overactive bladder increase heart rate? a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the heart rate increase side effect of different antimuscarinic drugs used in overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: Overall 341 patients were consecutively randomized to take seven different antimuscarinic drugs between January 2014 and June 2016 at three institutions, and 250 patients who completed the follow-up visits were accepted into this study. Ninety-one patients who never came to visits were excluded. Drugs were classified into two groups as selective (darifenacin hydrobromide, solifenacin succinate and oxybutynin hydrochloride) and non-selective (fesoterodine fumarate, tolterodine tartrate, trospium chloride and propiverine hydrochloride) antimuscarinic drugs. The cardiac pulse rates and the blood pressures were recorded during the baseline, first visit (1 week) and second visit (1 month). Data were compared for drugs and two groups (selective versus non-selective) by using ANOVA test. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar among the patients using different antimuscarinic drugs. Statistically significant increase in heart rate occurred in patients treated with non-selective antimuscarinic drugs compared to those treated with selective drugs (p < 0.001), and this increase was especially evident in patients treated with trospium chloride, tolterodine tartrate, fesoterodine fumarate and propiverine hydrochloride (p < 0.001, 0.003, 0.011 and 0.37, respectively). There was no statistical difference for the other side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that heart rate significantly increased in OAB patients treated with non-selective antimuscarinic drugs. Trospium chloride, tolterodine tartrate, fesoterodine fumarate and propiverine hydrochloride seem to have the most unfavorable properties with regard to increased heart rate side effect when compared to the other antimuscarinic drugs (darifenacin hydrobromide, solifenacin succinate and oxybutynin hydrochloride).

Prevention of Urethral Retraction with Stay Sutures (PURS) During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Improves Early Urinary Control: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early continence rates with a novel modified vesicourethral anastomosis technique based on prevention of urethral retraction using anastomosis sutures as stay sutures (PURS) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients operated by a single surgeon were enrolled and data collected prospectively. This cohort was compared with another consecutive 60 patients operated with standard anastomosis. The new technique is based on preventing urethral retraction of the posterior urethra with two anastomosis sutures being used as stay sutures. The outcomes were prospectively followed and groups compared regarding early continence. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess incontinence and its impact on the quality of life. Pad use (yes or no pads) was evaluated as a more stringent criterion. RESULTS: Preoperative patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. Anastomosis was completed faster in PURS group (15.1 vs 18.5 min, p = 0.05). At postoperative week 1 and month 1, the severity and bother of incontinence were significantly less in the PURS group (12.7 vs 4.1 and 10.1 vs 2.6, p < 0.001). PURS cohort reported significantly superior pad-free rates at both postoperative month 1 (73% vs 35%, p < 0.0001) and month 3 (83% vs 53%, p = 0.0004). On multivariable analysis, younger age and the new anastomosis technique were two independent predictors to improve early continence. Four patients in modified anastomosis group (4/60) and 1 in standard anastomosis group (1/60) necessitated temporary urethral recatheterization because of urinary retention. CONCLUSION: We describe a simple and time-efficient modified urethrovesical anastomosis technique by using anastomosis sutures as stay sutures to prevent perineal retraction of the urethral stump. Our results demonstrated that the technique is an independent factor impacting early recovery of urinary continence. Future randomized controlled studies would be required to further test the reproducibility of this technique.

Risk factors predicting upper urinary tract deterioration in patients with spinal cord injury: A retrospective study.

AIMS: To determine the risk factors predicting upper urinary tract (UUT) deterioration in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Medical records of 303 SCI patients who referred to the urodynamic unit of a rehabilitation hospital between 1996 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. The data included general patient demographics, SCI characteristics, bladder management methods, serum creatinine level, presence of urinary tract infection, indwelling catheter time, radiological findings of upper and lower urinary tract, and video-urodynamic (VUD) findings. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors predicting UUT deterioration. ROC analysis was done to determine the cut-off values of detrusor pressure and cystometric bladder capacity volume predicting UUT deterioration. RESULTS: Complete data were available on 255 patients. Median patient age was 33 years (18-75). The leading causes of SCI were motor vehicle accidents (40%) and falls (29%). Upper urinary tract deterioration was determined in 63 patients (25%). Abnormal radiological LUT findings, the absence of antimuscarinic drug usage in the history, detrusor pressures greater than 75 cmH2 O and cystometric bladder capacity less than 200 ml were found to be independent risk factors in logistic regression analysis. ROC analysis revealed that values ≥75 cmH2 O for maximum detrusor pressure, <200 ml for bladder capacity, and >6 months for indwelling catheter time were cutoff values for UUT deterioration. CONCLUSION: Abnormal radiological LUT findings, the absence of antimuscarinic drug usage, detrusor pressures ≥75 cmH2 O, and cystometric bladder capacity <200 ml were independent risk factors predicting UUT deterioration SCI patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:653-658, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Augmentation cystoplasty in neurogenic bladder.

The aim of this review is to update the indications, contraindications, technique, complications, and the tissue engineering approaches of augmentation cystoplasty (AC) in patients with neurogenic bladder. PubMed/MEDLINE was searched for the keywords "augmentation cystoplasty," "neurogenic bladder," and "bladder augmentation." Additional relevant literature was determined by examining the reference lists of articles identified through the search. The update review of of the indications, contraindications, technique, outcome, complications, and tissue engineering approaches of AC in patients with neurogenic bladder is presented. Although some important progress has been made in tissue engineering AC, conventional AC still has an important role in the surgical treatment of refractory neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

The Prevalence of Nocturia and Nocturnal Polyuria: Can New Cutoff Values Be Suggested According to Age and Sex?

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria (NP) and to define new cutoff values according to age and sex for both conditions. METHODS: Data from a population-based prevalence survey conducted among a random sample of 2,128 adults were analyzed in this study. Participants were requested to fill out a questionnaire including the International Continence Society (ICS) definitions of lower urinary tract symptoms and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form. Additionally, a 1-day bladder diary was given to each individual. The participants were divided into 5 age groups. The prevalence of nocturia was calculated based on definitions of nocturia as ≥1 voiding episodes, ≥2 episodes, and ≥3 episodes. NP was evaluated according to the ICS definition. The mean±standard errors and 95th percentile values were calculated in each group as new cutoff values for NP. RESULTS: The prevalence of nocturia was estimated as 28.4%, 17.6%, and 8.9% for ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 voiding episodes each night, respectively. When nocturia was defined as 2 or more voiding episodes at night, the prevalence decreased significantly. The mean NP index was 29.4%±15.0% in men and 23.1%±11.8% in women. For the age groups of <50 years, 50-59 years, and ≥60 years, the new cutoff values for the diagnosis of NP were calculated as 48%, 69%, and 59% for men and 41%, 50%, and 42% for women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the definition of nocturia was still controversial and that waking up once for voiding might be within the normal spectrum of behavior. The definition of NP should be modified, and new cutoff values should be defined using the data presented in our study and in other forthcoming studies.

Risk Factors for Women to Have Urodynamic Stress Urinary Incontinence at A Turkish Tertiary Referral Center: A Multivariate Analysis Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors in women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USTIC) at a Turkish tertiary referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The urodynamic records of 3038 consecutive women were analyzed between 1990 and 2011. The patients who had etiological factor of neurologic disease were excluded. There were 1187 women who had USTIC after urodynamic investigation and 274 women who had no incontinence symptoms were included in the study. Multivariate analyses were done using logistic regression test to determine the risk factors for USTIC. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.1 years (range, 86-18). Increased age, vaginal delivery, cesarean section, anterior prolapse existence in physical examination, previous anti-incontinence surgery, and previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery was found to be significant risk factors for USTIC at multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: There are risk factors for women to have USTIC. Increased age, having vaginal delivery, having cesarean section, anterior prolapse, previous anti-incontinence surgery and previous prolapse surgery were found to be risk factors for women to have USTIC at this study.

Chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy-induced bladder injury.

An understanding of the basics of the anatomy of the bladder mucosa is essential to better understand the pathophysiology of chemo-and radiotherapy-induced cystitis. Following an overview of bladder anatomy and the definitions and causes of bladder injury, the mechanisms of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced bladder injury are discussed as a specific example.

Is it possible to predict urodynamic stress urinary incontinence in women with minimal diagnostic evaluation?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether it is possible to predict urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (uSUI) in women with minimal diagnostic evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 2,643 female incontinent patients were reviewed and 301 women were eligible for this study. The positive predictive values (PPV), sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values (NPV) for uSUI and uSUI with or without detrusor overactivity (DO), and DO patients of pure SUI symptom (group 1), combination of pure SUI symptom and positive provocative stress test (+PST; group 2) and combination of pure SUI symptom, +PST and absence of overactive bladder symptoms (group 3) were calculated for each group. RESULTS: Mean age was 51.03 years (22-88). PPV, sensitivity and specificity values for uSUI with or without DO of group 3 were 100, 7.4, and 100%, while these values for pure uSUI were 93.3, 9.3, and 99.3%, respectively. Interestingly, none of the patients in groups 2 and 3 had DO. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that it was possible to predict uSUI with high accuracy using minimal diagnostic evaluation in a group of female patients with pure stress incontinence symptoms +PST while it was also possible to eliminate DO accurately in this group of patients.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder and urinary incontinence in western Turkey: results of a population-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in western Turkey. METHOD: This cross-sectional, population-based survey was carried out between May and October 2012. A random sample of 2128 women and men aged ≥18 years was selected from the health registries. A questionnaire including sociodemographic data, comorbid conditions, lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder and urinary incontinence symptoms, body mass index, vital signs, and dipstick urinalysis was developed. The questions were answered by the participants, and remaining data were provided by the site staff. International Continence Society definitions were used. RESULTS: A total of 1571 (74%) individuals agreed to participate, and analysis were carried out on 1555 people (636 men [40.9%] and 919 women [59.1%]) after 16 individuals with a nitrite-positive dipstick test were excluded. Lower urinary tract symptoms were reported by 71.0% of the study population. The prevalence of storage, voiding and post-micturition symptoms were 56.1% (44.2% men, 64.1% women), 39.3% (40.9% men, 37.8% women) and 30.7% (38.6% men, 28.7% women), respectively. The most prevalent storage symptom was urgency, which was reported by 29.3% of the study population (20.1% men, 35.6% women). The prevalence of urge, stress and mixed urinary incontinence were: 6.5% (3.9% men, 8.2% women), 14.1% (3.9% men, 21.2% women) and 5.6% (0.8% men, 9.0% women), respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first and largest population-based survey evaluating the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in Turkey. Our findings show these symptoms are highly prevalent in western Turkey.

Transvaginal repair using acellular collagen biomesh for the treatment of anterior prolapse.

PURPOSE: To determine the results and satisfaction of the patients underwent transvaginal repair of cystocele in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to October 2010, 15 patients with a mean age of 64 years (ranged 47-85 years) underwent transvaginal cystocele repair using acellular collagen biomesh. The patients were presented with vaginal mass in 10, dyspareunia and urge incontinence in 5 while 4 of them had both stress and urge incontinence. Grade 4 cystocele was determined in 2 patients, grade 3 in 9 and grade 2 in 4. Concomitant transobturator tape (TOT) was performed in 4 patients. Patient satisfactions were determined after the operation. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 23.5 (12-60) months. There was no postoperative complication in early follow- up period. Cystocele was recurrent in 1 patient. The success rate was 93.4%. Urinary incontinence was continued in 1 patient after TOT. Nearly all of the patients (14/15) were satisfied from the operation. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal cystocele repair with using acellular collagen biomesh appears to be a safe and effective method. Further prospective and randomized controlled studies including large series of patients are needed.

Rationale for the use of anticholinergic agents in overactive bladder with regard to central nervous system and cardiovascular system side effects.

PURPOSE: Central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system (CVS) side effects of anticholinergic agents used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) are underreported. Hence, this review aimed to focus on the mechanisms of CNS and CVS side effects of anticholinergic drugs used in OAB treatment, which may help urologists in planning the rationale for OAB treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE was searched for the key words "OAB," "anticholinergics," "muscarinic receptor selectivity," "blood-brain barrier," "CNS," and "CVS side effects." Additional relevant literature was determined by examining the reference lists of articles identified through the search. RESULTS: CNS and CVS side effects, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, the metabolism of these drugs, and the clinical implications for their use in OAB are presented and discussed in this review. CONCLUSIONS: Trospium, 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine, darifenacin, and solifenacin seem to have favorable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties with regard to CNS side effects, whereas the pharmacodynamic features of darifenacin, solifenacin, and oxybutynin appear to have an advantage over the other anticholinergic agents (tolterodine, fesoterodine, propiverine, and trospium) with regard to CVS side effects. To determine the real-life situation, head-to-head studies focusing especially on CNS and CVS side effects of OAB anticholinergic agents are urgently needed.

Management of complications after tension-free midurethral slings.

Since their introduction in 1996, tension-free midurethral slings (MUS) have been proven to have long-term efficacy and safety. They are considered the gold standard treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, especially in cases that are associated with urethral hypermobility. However, they are not free of complications and, although rare, some of these complications can be challenging for both patients and physicians. Some complications occur intraoperatively, whereas others appear in the early or late postoperative period. There is less controversy in the diagnosis and treatment of complications such as vaginal extrusion or urinary system erosion, whereas de novo voiding problems are at best not completely understood. Voiding dysfunction after MUS placement may vary in a wide range from urinary frequency or urgency to retention and is usually attributed to the obstructive or irritative effect of the sling. However, present urodynamic criteria for the diagnosis of female infravesical obstruction are not satisfactory, and the best management policy for de novo voiding dysfunction remains controversial. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis of obstruction leading to a urethral release surgery depends on a combination of several clinical findings. The timing of urethral release surgery varies depending on the preferences of the surgeon, and the outcome of this surgery is not always predictable. The purpose of this review was to assess the diagnosis and management of the immediate, short-term, and long-term complications of MUS in light of the current literature in an attempt to determine the best management policy.

Management of lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and Turkish consensus report.

AIMS: Since lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) related to multiple sclerosis (MS) has a different behavior pattern than other types of neurogenic voiding dysfunction, we aimed to prepare a national consensus report for the management of LUTD due to multiple sclerosis in light of available literature. METHODS: A search of available databases yielded an evidence base of 125 articles after the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. When sufficient evidence existed, recommendations A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) were made according to the strength of evidence; recommendation D was provided when insufficient evidence existed. RESULTS: Available data did not support the use of invasive urodynamics in the initial evaluation of patients with MS and LUTD. Clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of antimuscarinics and alpha-blockers in these patients were scarce and low quality. Desmopressin could be used in MS-related overactive bladder symptoms owing to its short-term effects as an adjunctive treatment. Intravesical botulinum toxin type A treatment in patients with MS and detrusor overactivity was recommended in cases of medical treatment failure or severe side effects due to antimuscarinics. Pelvic floor rehabilitation together with neuromuscular electrical stimulation was also recommended as it increased symptomatic treatment success. This systematic review was not able to find any evidence-based cut off post-void residual value for the recommendation to start clean intermittent catheterization in MS-related LUTD. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MS and LUTD could be best managed through the use of this consensus report.