A consensus statement on when to start clean intermittent self-catheterization: An untapped resource?

BACKGROUND: Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC or ISC) is used by patients/carers to empty the bladder if needed. Sometimes the urethral lumen leading out of the bladder is blocked; sometimes, the bladder (detrusor) muscle itself or the autonomic motor nerves innervating the bladder are damaged, resulting in a failure of the detrusor muscle to work, leading to a failure of the bladder being able to empty adequately. Prior consensus as to the indications and timing of CISC has yet to be provided. This article aims to provide a multidisciplinary consensus view on this subject. CONCLUSION: It is evident that every patient needs to be considered individually, bearing in mind the symptoms and investigations to be considered. We emphasise the importance of considering the term Bladder Voiding Efficiency (BVE). One group of patients who might find CISC helpful are those with a neurological disorder; these include spinal injury patients, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and a condition called cauda equina. Sometimes bladder problems are treated with anticholinergics, and others may be treated with Botox. These may cause the bladder not to empty at all, which is good for leaks but needs self-catheterisation to empty the bladder. In the past, hospitals used a permanent catheter called an 'indwelling' or a 'suprapubic' catheter. These can have side effects, including infections, stones, and pain. For CISC, disposable catheters are the best option for patients as they come in different sizes and styles to provide individualised care. In conclusion, we would like hospitals to consider each patient separately and not use a general 'one-size-fits-all' bladder function for these patients.

Female Urethroplasty with a Buccal Mucosa Graft using a Supraurethral Approach.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In the setting of recurrent female urethral stricture, urethroplasty offer the best chance of cure. However, which approach (dorsal or ventral) and which tissue (buccal mucosa, vaginal graft, vaginal flap) remain areas of controversy. In this article and accompanying video, we describe female urethroplasty with a supraurethral approach using a buccal mucosa graft. METHODS: A stricture of 3 cm in length was observed in the mid urethra. A supraurethral semi-lunar incision was made and dissection was performed up to the stricture. A dorsal urethrotomy was performed and a 3 × 2 cm oral mucosal graft was harvested from the left cheek. The mucosal graft was anastomosed to both urethral edges with running sutures. The graft was fixed to the supraurethral tissue with quilting sutures. A urethral catheter and a suprapubic catheter were left in place for 3 weeks. RESULTS: Following removal of the catheters, the patient was able to void satisfactorily with no incontinence. No complications were observed in the urethral area or at the graft harvest site. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty with a supraurethral approach is a reliable method in the treatment of female urethral stricture.

A diagnostic conundrum: Is it a periurethral diverticulum/cyst or a bulking agent (Bulkamid)?

INTRODUCTION: Urethral bulking agents are commonly used to manage female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as they have been suggested to be safe, efficacious, and a minimally invasive surgical option. Bulkamid is a newer bulking agent that has been introduced and promoted in the market for use. It is non-particulate in nature with high tissue biocompatibility, and consequently, it is difficult to differentiate between Bulkamid and a periurethral cyst on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This, therefore, presents a diagnostic dilemma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Here we describe two cases with previous injections of Bulkamid referred to our Centre for management of a presumed periurethral diverticulum based on MRI findings. Both patients were reviewed and examined in outpatient clinics with MRI findings discussed at MDT, further imaging was required. RESULTS: We found that a limited noncontrast computed tomography (CT) pelvis, followed by a voiding cystometrogram (VCMG), and then a repeat limited noncontrast CT pelvis effectively differentiated between Bulkamid and these presumed periurethral diverticulae. The theory behind this was that during micturition, the contrast would pass through to the urethral diverticulum and appear as high-density (bright) material within the periurethral region (the pre-VCMG was required to prove that any high-density material was due to the contrast and not pre-existing high-contrast material). CONCLUSION: A CT scan done in conjunction with a VCMG is likely to be more effective in differentiating between Bulkamid and a true periurethral diverticulum than an MRI scan. Appropriate diagnostic evaluation of periurethral lesions can lead to time-saving and cost-effective patient management as this will bypass the need for unnecessary investigations and possible unwarranted surgical intervention.

The patient burden of nocturnal polyuria in the United States: Results from the epidemiology of nocturnal polyuria (EpiNP) study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of nocturnal polyuria (NP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, mental health, fatigue, bother, and daytime sleepiness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This large-scale, US population-representative epidemiologic study was conducted in two parts: a web-based survey and 3-day bladder diary. Consenting participants completed the baseline Epidemiology of NP (EpiNP) survey online (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms [LUTS] Tool, comorbidities, burden, and multiple HRQoL measures). Participants who reported ≥2 voids/night, and a random sample of 100 respondents each reporting 0 or 1 void/night, were sent urine measurement containers and asked to complete the 3-day bladder diary. NP was defined as Nocturnal Polyuria Index >0.33 (NPI33) or nocturnal urine production >90 ml/h (NUP90). Five subgroups were created: Idiopathic NP (NP with no underlying cause), NP associated with symptoms of overactive bladder (NPOAB) or bladder outlet obstruction (NPBOO; men only), NP associated with other comorbidities (NPCOM; e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea), and no NP (did not meet NP criteria). RESULTS: A total of 4893 men and 5297 women completed the EpiNP survey; mean age was 54.4 (SD = 14.7). Significantly greater patient burden (p < 0.0001) was evidenced in the nocturia group (≥2 voids/night) versus no nocturia group (0-1 void/night) on daily impact of nocturia, LUTS Bother, prostate symptoms (men only), work productivity, physical and mental health component scores, depression, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. NP subgroup analyses showed men in the NPBOO group and women in the NPOAB group reported the greatest impact on LUTS bother, fatigue, physical health, work productivity impairment, daytime sleepiness, and depression (women only). CONCLUSION: This was the first large-scale, epidemiologic study to explore the impact of different forms of NP on patients' HRQoL. Findings demonstrate that NP associated with other urologic or comorbid conditions appears to have greater patient burden than idiopathic NP, in particular for women.

Sleep Disorders, Comorbidities, Actions, Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction, and Medications ("Sleep C.A.L.M.") in the evaluation and management of nocturia: A simple approach to a complex diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturia arises from a fundamental mismatch between nocturnal urine production, storage capacity, and sleep architecture, which may be driven by abnormalities of the genitourinary tract, but also by sleep disorders, medical diseases, patient actions/lifestyle factors, or medications. This article introduces a novel system for organizing the complex differential diagnosis for nocturia, as proposed by an international collective of practicing urologists, physician specialists, and sleep experts: "Sleep CALM"-Sleep Disorders, Comorbidities, Actions, Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction, and Medications. METHODS: Narrative review of current evidence regarding the relevance of each "Sleep CALM" factor to nocturia pathogenesis, evaluation, and management. RESULTS: Nocturia and sleep disorders are highly intertwined and often bidirectional, such that nocturnal awakenings for reasons other than a sensation of bladder fullness should not be used as grounds for exclusion from nocturia treatment, but rather leveraged to broaden therapeutic options for nocturia. Nocturia is an important potential harbinger of several serious medical conditions beyond the genitourinary tract. Urologists should have a low threshold for primary care and medical specialty referral for medical optimization, which carries the potential to significantly improve nocturnal voiding frequency in addition to overall health status. Adverse patient actions/lifestyle factors, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and medication use commonly coexist with disordered sleep and comorbid medical conditions, and may be the primary mediators of nocturia severity and treatment response, or further exacerbate nocturia severity and complicate treatment. CONCLUSION: "Sleep CALM" provides a memorable and clinically relevant means by which to structure the initial patient history, physical exam, and clinical testing in accordance with current best-practice guidelines for nocturia. Although not intended as an all-encompassing diagnostic tool, the "Sleep CALM" schema may also be useful in guiding individualized ancillary testing, identifying the need for specialty referral and multidisciplinary care, and uncovering first-line treatment targets.

Nocturnal polyuria in women: results from the EpiNP study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Data from a large US population-based, cross-sectional, epidemiological study (the EpiNP Study) were used to assess the symptoms and bother experienced by women with nocturnal polyuria (NP). METHODS: Consenting participants recruited from an online panel completed the baseline EpiNP survey online (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Tool and urological comorbidities). All reporting ≥2 voids/night and a random sample of 100 respondents, each reporting 0 or 1 void/night were asked to complete a 3-day web-based bladder diary recording time, volume, and urgency rating of each void. NP was calculated by the proportion of urine production that occurred during nocturnal hours using a Nocturnal Polyuria Index (NPI33) threshold of >0.33 or nocturnal urine production of >90 ml/h (NUP90). The frequency of participants reporting LUTS and bother was determined by age and NP: idiopathic NP, NP associated with overactive bladder (NPOAB), NP associated with comorbidities (NPCom), and no NP (did not meet NP criteria). RESULTS: A total of 5,290 women completed the baseline survey. Mean age (range) was 54.9 (30-95) years; 1,841 (34.8%) reported ≥2 nocturnal voids. The prevalence of LUTS increased across the lifespan; however, bother associated with each LUTS decreased with increasing age. The percentage of women rating bother by nocturia episodes ≥2 "> somewhat" ranged from 40.3% to 68.3%, with bother ratings highest in the NPOAB and No NP groups. CONCLUSIONS: NP is prevalent in women with considerable bother and is often associated with other urinary symptoms. Multifactorial causes and potential treatments of NP should be considered, particularly at a later age.

Robotic ureteral reconstruction for benign ureteral strictures: a systematic review of surgical techniques, complications and outcomes : Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction for Ureteral Strictures.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) has been widely used to treat ureteral diseases. To summarize the surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes following RUR, as well as to compare data on RUR with open and laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction. METHODS: Our systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42022309364) database. The PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for publications in English on 06-Feb-2022. Randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised cohort studies with sample size ≥ 10 cases were included. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included involving 996 patients and 1004 ureters from 13 non-comparative, and 10 retrospective comparative studies. No RCT study of RUR was reported. The success rate was reported ≥ 90% in 15 studies. Four studies reported 85-90% success rate. Meta-analyses for comparative studies showed that RUR had significantly lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (P = 0.006) and shorter length of stay (LOS) (P < 0.001) than the open approach. RUR had shorter operative time than laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RUR is associated with lower EBL and shorter LOS than the open approach, and shorter operative time than the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of benign ureteral strictures. However, further studies and more evidence are needed to determine whether RUR is more superior.

Differences in the Prevalence of Nocturnal Polyuria in the U.S. by Definition: Results from the Epidemiology of Nocturnal Polyuria Study.

PURPOSE: Prevalence data on nocturnal polyuria (NP), nocturia caused by overproduction of urine during sleep, is primarily limited to men and varies by NP definition. This U.S.-representative epidemiological study of men and women ≥30 years old assessed the prevalence of NP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consenting participants completed the baseline EpiNP (Epidemiology of Nocturnal Polyuria) survey (eg Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Tool, comorbidities). All reporting ≥2 voids/night and a target of 100 random respondents reporting 0 or 1 void/night were asked to complete 3-day bladder diaries. NP was defined as nocturnal polyuria index (NPI) >0.33 (NPI33) and nocturnal urine production >90 ml/hour (NUP90). Extrapolated prevalence was stratified by sex and subgroups: idiopathic (without underlying causes), associated with overactive bladder (NPOAB), bladder outlet obstruction (NPBOO; men) and comorbidities. Voided volumes and timing, including first uninterrupted sleep period, were assessed by subgroup. RESULTS: A total of 10,190 individuals completed the baseline survey; mean age (range) was 54.4 (30-95). A total of 3,938 individuals were invited to complete the diary; 1,763 (49.3%) completed 3-day bladder diaries. Urine production (maximum nighttime volume, total volume, nocturnal urine production, nocturia index) was higher in both men and women with idiopathic NP and comorbidities. The median number of nighttime voids was greatest for NPBOO in men and NPOAB in women. Bother associated with nighttime voiding differed by NP subgroup but was highest in NPBOO for men (NPI33: 69.6%; NUP90: 71.1%) and NPOAB for women (NPI33: 67.5%; NUP90: 66.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This population-based NP prevalence study including men and women characterizes NP subgroups and provides insights into nocturia treatment by emphasizing factors influencing urine production versus factors influencing bladder capacity.

A physiologically relevant, estradiol-17ß [E2]-responsive in vitro tissue-engineered model of the vaginal epithelium for vaginal tissue research.

AIMS: There are many situations where preclinical models of the human vagina would be valuable for in vitro studies into the pathophysiology of vaginally transmitted diseases, microbicide efficacy, irritability testing, and particularly, for assessing materials to be inserted in the vagina for support of the pelvic floor. The aim of this study is to develop a physiologically relevant, low cost, and ethically suitable model of the vagina using sheep vaginal tissue (SVT) to reduce the need for animal testing in gynecological research. METHODS: Tissue-engineered (TE) vaginal models were developed by culturing primary vaginal epithelial cells and vaginal fibroblasts, isolated from the native SVTs on decellularized sheep vaginal matrices at an air-liquid interface. Morphological analyses of the models were conducted by performing hematoxylin and eosin staining and further characterization was done by immunohistofluorescence (IHF) of structural proteins and cytokeratins. RESULTS: Histological analysis of the models revealed a gradual formation of a stratified epithelium on our decellularized matrices and cell metabolic activity remained high for 21 days as measured by the resazurin assay. Our models showed a dose-dependent response to estradiol-17ß [E2 ] with an increase in the vaginal epithelium thickness and cellular proliferation under higher E2 concentrations (100-400 pg/ml). The physiological relevance of these results was confirmed by the IHF analysis of Ki67, and cytokeratins 10 and 19 expression. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have developed an estradiol-responsive TE vaginal model that closely mimics the structural and physiological properties of the native SVT.

Management strategies and outcome of ureterovaginal fistulae: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Genitourinary fistula is a distressful condition involving mental, social, marital, and financial repercussions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, the timing of repair, and perform a meta-analysis evaluating the success rate of various treatment modalities with respect to time taken to seek treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY: We performed a critical review of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in April 2020 according to the PRISMA statement. Seventeen studies were included in the final analysis and all were retrospective in design. SELECTION CRITERIA: Each article was rated by the evidence-based medicine levels of evidence scale and the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies scale for assessment of bias among nonrandomized studies. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 799 fistulae reported in 17 studies, endoscopic management was done in 35.6% (12 studies), whereas surgical management was preferred in 85.6% fistulae (15 studies). The pooled success of endoscopic stenting was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7-64) and 100% (95% CI: 98-100) in operated patients. Patients who underwent stenting within 2 weeks (20%), 2-6 weeks (21%), and >6 weeks (40%) had pooled success rates of 95% (95% CI: 87-100), 46% (95% CI: 0-100), and 20% (95% CI: 1-49), respectively. Patients who underwent surgical management <6 weeks (15.9%) and >6 weeks (22%) of diagnosis had pooled success rates of 100% (95% CI: 99-100) and 100% (95% CI: 99-100), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement as early as <6 weeks (preferably < 2 weeks) had better outcomes as compared to >6 weeks. Proceeding to surgery regardless of timing in cases of stent failure seems to be a feasible option.

Muscarinic-3-receptor positive allosteric modulator ASP8302 in patients with underactive bladder. A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of ASP8302, a novel positive allosteric modulator for the muscarinic M3 receptor (M3-PAM), in patients with underactive bladder (UAB). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study was performed in adult male/female subjects with UAB, defined as incomplete bladder emptying (postvoid residual volume [PVR] > 100 ml) without significant bladder outlet obstruction and/or overactive bladder. Subjects were randomized (1:1) to receive 4-week oral once-daily administration of 100 mg ASP8302 or matching placebo. Primary endpoint was a change from baseline in PVR measured by catheterization after standardized bladder filling (PVRC2 ). Other endpoints included PVR and bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) measured in various ways, uroflowmetry, bladder diary, and questionnaires. Pressure-flow studies were performed in a subgroup. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five patients were randomized (ASP8302 group: 65 patients, placebo group: 70 patients). The median change in PVRC2 was -40.0 ml (ASP8302) versus -35.0 ml (placebo) and the difference between groups was -5.0 ml (p = 0.960). In males, functional and symptomatic outcomes improved, for example, maximum urine flow rate (Qmax ) and detrusor pressure at Qmax (Pdet.Qmax ) increased (mean difference in change ASP8302 vs. placebo: 3.8 ml/s, p = 0.031 and 12.7 cm H2 O, p = 0.034, respectively). Urinary incontinence episodes/24 h decreased in males with preexisting incontinence (mean difference: -0.35; p = 0.028). The incidence of adverse events was similar between study groups (ASP8302: 33.3%, placebo: 31.4%). In the included subjects, both baseline urine flow and bladder voiding pressure was low. Compared with PVR, simultaneous BVE measurements were more consistent between various methods (spontaneous vs. standardized bladder filling, catheterization vs. ultrasound [US]). CONCLUSIONS: ASP8302 was safe and well tolerated in patients with UAB identified by nonurodynamic clinical criteria, but it did not show efficacy in the primary endpoint. However, in males it showed improvement of symptoms and functional parameters. BVE (using US) is a more optimal outcome measure than PVR in UAB.

Tissue engineering: recent advances and review of clinical outcome for urethral strictures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urethrotomy remains the first-line therapy in the treatment of a urethral stricture despite data showing no real chance of a cure after repeated urethrotomies. An anastomotic or an augmentation urethroplasty using oral mucosa can be offered to patients following failed urethrotomy. The potential for a tissue engineered solution as an alternative to native tissue has been explored in recent years and is reviewed in this article. RECENT FINDINGS: More than 80 preclinical studies have investigated a tissue-engineered approach for urethral reconstruction mostly using decellularized natural scaffolds derived from natural extracellular matrix with or without cell seeding. The animal models used in preclinical testing are not representative of disease processes seen with strictures in man. The available clinical studies are based on small noncontrolled series. SUMMARY: There is a potential role for tissue engineering to provide a material for substitution urethroplasty and work has demonstrated this. Further work will require a rigorous basic science programme and adequate evaluation of the material prior to its introduction into clinical practice. The research with tissue engineering applied to the urethra has not yet been resulted in a widely available material for clinical use that approaches the efficacy seen with the use of autologous grafts.

Treatment decision-making among men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A qualitative study of men's experiences with recommendations for patient-centred practice.

AIMS: To inform and guide patient-centred care for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), by providing in-depth qualitative evidence regarding men's perspectives on treatment decision-making for LUTS. METHODS: An interview study of men recruited from 26 English urology departments. Purposive sampling captured surgical/nonsurgical treatment decisions, and diversity in demographics and symptom burden, in men who had urodynamics and those who did not. After diagnostic assessments, men were interviewed either pre-treatment or after LUTS surgery. Thematic analysis was conducted. Participants' descriptions of how LUTS treatment decisions were made were categorised as patient-led, doctor-led, or shared. RESULTS: A total of 41 men participated (25 pre-treatment, 16 post-surgery), ages 52-89. Twenty out of 41 described the treatment decision as shared with their consultant, 14 as doctor-led, and seven as patient-led. There was no obvious association between treatment decision-making style and patients' satisfaction with either clinicians' role in their decision or their treatment decision. Incomplete or rushed discussions and misperceptions of LUTS and its treatment were reported, indicating a risk of suboptimal decision-making support by clinicians. As well as clinician opinion, men's treatment decision-making was influenced by the results of urological assessments, comparing current symptoms with possible side-effects of surgery, and others' experiences and opinions. CONCLUSIONS: Men with LUTS report and prefer different kinds of decision-making support from their clinicians, who must tailor their input to patients' preferences and needs. Patients' treatment decision-making involves multiple factors and can be challenging, and areas of inadequate clinician support were identified. Recommendations for patient-centred consultations about LUTS treatment are presented.

Which drugs are best for overactive bladder? From patients' expectations to physicians' decisions.

AIM: In order to help physicians determine which drugs are the best for treating overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, this review considered three questions: what are the patient's expectations? What information is generated by the Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model? What can physicians expect from medical treatments? METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken on these three topics in order to assist physicians regarding the optimum treatment modality for OAB. RESULTS: Patients' difficulties in reporting symptoms and their expectations of treatment outcomes interfere with the success of treatment. To assist physicians in meeting patients' expectations and to choose the most appropriate treatment, a new approach, recognised by the European Medicines Agency, the MCDA model was used to compare the benefits and safety of OAB treatments. CONCLUSION: The MCDA model is useful for comparing the benefit-safety profiles of OAB drugs in order to equip clinicians with information on the drug that might best meet their patient's needs. Flexibly dosed fesoterodine appeared to be most efficacious in resolving urgency and urgency incontinence compared with other drugs, and resolution of urinary urgency appears to be associated with a reduced number of reported adverse events.

Efficacy and Safety of Mirabegron versus Placebo Add-On Therapy in Men with Overactive Bladder Symptoms Receiving Tamsulosin for Underlying Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized, Phase 4 Study (PLUS).

PURPOSE: PLUS investigated the efficacy and safety of mirabegron add-on therapy in men with overactive bladder symptoms receiving tamsulosin for underlying lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase 4 study a 4-week 0.4 mg tamsulosin run-in period was followed by a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, treatment period in which patients initially received 25 mg mirabegron or placebo add-on therapy. At 4 weeks doses were titrated to 50 mg mirabegron or placebo equivalent. Efficacy end points were changes from baseline to end of treatment in mean number of micturitions per day (primary), mean volume voided per micturition, number of urgency episodes per day, total urgency and frequency score, and total International Prostate Symptom Score (secondary). Safety assessments included treatment emergent adverse events, and post-void residual volume, and maximum urinary flow measurements. RESULTS: Of the 676 men most were 65 years old or older (380, 56.2%). Tamsulosin plus mirabegron was statistically superior to tamsulosin plus placebo in reducing the mean number of micturitions per day (-2.00 vs -1.62; adjusted difference -0.39; 95% CI -0.76, -0.02). Statistically superior results were noted for tamsulosin plus mirabegron in mean volume voided per micturition, urgency episodes per day, and total urgency and frequency score (not International Prostate Symptom Score). Higher overall treatment emergent adverse event rates were observed with tamsulosin plus placebo, although higher rates of drug related treatment emergent adverse events were noted with tamsulosin plus mirabegron. Urinary retention rates were higher in the tamsulosin plus mirabegron group. Post-void residual volume and maximum urinary flow results were not clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS: The results of PLUS underscore the utility of mirabegron add-on therapy to treat men with overactive bladder symptoms receiving tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Correction to: Tissue engineering of the urethra: where are we in 2019?

It has been brought to our attention that the first sentence of the Conclusion in the original publication [1] is incorrect. We have removed this sentence and the correct version can be found in this Erratum.

Tissue engineering of the urethra: where are we in 2019?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to assess the potential role of tissue engineering for urethral reconstruction. It is well- recognised that urethrotomy remains the first-line therapy in the treatment of urethral stricture. Following on from the randomised study which recommended no difference between urethrotomy and urethral dilation, Steenkamp et al. reported long-term success rates of only 20%. Patients with longer strictures, penile or distal urethral strictures, and extensive periurethral spongiofibrosis typically do not respond well to repeated incisions. This report reviews the potential role of tissue engineering as applied to augmentation urethroplasty, which is the treatment of choice following failed urethrotomy. METHODS: A review of the literature was carried out. The principal emphasis was on tissue engineering as applied to augmentation urethroplasty, but an introductory section reviews the use of urethrotomy and the background to contemporary practise with augmentation urethroplasty using oral mucosa. RESULTS: It is evident that a cellular matrix which requires the ingrowth of cells is unlikely to be successful except for very short strictures. Other approaches such as injection of stem cells have not been adequately trialled in humans to date. Tissue-engineered substitute for autologous oral mucosa has been used and the results relating to this are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue engineering of autologous tissue for urethroplasty is expensive. It is unnecessary for the majority of cases, but could be potentially useful for very lengthy strictures, for instance, relating to lichen sclerosis. Whilst tissue-engineered oral mucosa has been successfully used, a great deal more work would be necessary to develop an appropriate matrix. Another study has looked at a larger series using an alternative tissue-engineered substitute, but the results have been very disappointing. At present, it has to be concluded that there is no effective and validated tissue engineering solution for the management of urethral stricture disease.

Complications related to use of mesh implants in surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: infection or inflammation?

The surgical mesh material used in the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women is associated with significant complications in some women. This has recently become a public health issue with involvement of national parliaments and regulatory bodies. The occurrence of mesh complications is thought to be a result of multifactorial processes involving problems related to the material design, the surgical techniques used and disease, and patient-related factors. However, the infectious complications and mesh-tissue interactions are least studied. The aim of this article is to review any previous clinical and basic scientific evidence about the contribution of infectious and inflammatory processes to the occurrence of mesh-related complications in SUI and POP. A literature search for the relevant publications without any time limits was performed on the Medline database. There is evidence to show that vaginal meshes are associated with an unfavourable host response at the site of implantation. The underlying mechanisms leading to this type of host response is not completely clear. Mesh contamination with vaginal flora during surgical implantation can be a factor modifying the host response if there is a subclinical infection that can trigger a sustained inflammation. More basic science research is required to identify the biological mechanisms causing a sustained inflammation at the mesh-tissue interface that can then lead to contraction, mesh erosion, and pain.

Night-time voids, level of bother and sleep characteristics in a non-patient population of wearable devices users.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturia is a highly prevalent and bothersome medical condition characterised mainly by the need to wake up to pass urine during the main sleep period. Using data from wearable devices, it is possible to examine the sleep of large cohorts in natural settings. This study seeks to use data from connected smartwatches combined with a one-time survey to explore the presence of nocturia and associated level of bother and sleep characteristics in a non-patient cohort of wearable device users representing a broad age range. METHODS: The data used come from a retrospective dataset containing sleep data from Withings watches of 250 000 users and a prospective dataset containing answers to a 10-item questionnaire completed by a subset of users in the retrospective dataset. RESULTS: The prospective dataset contained 6230 users. Overall, 6.0%, 15.3% and 38.9% of users in the age groups 18-44 years, 45-64 years and 65-90 years, respectively, reported 2 or more nocturnal voids as their customary voiding pattern, corresponding to levels of nocturia consistent with previous literature. The level of bother associated with nocturia was higher among younger users with 27.8% of users aged 18-44 years reporting that their daytime activity was highly affected versus just 14.1% among those aged 65-90 years. A higher number of reported voids per night was associated with watch-derived measures of a lower sleep efficiency, a longer awake duration at night and a shorter first uninterrupted sleep period. CONCLUSION: This study suggests not only that nocturia is present among the younger population but also that the younger are more bothered by this medical condition. Using data from wearables it was possible to establish that there is an association between the number of nocturnal voids and sleep characteristics.

The use of implanted materials for treating women with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current clinical management of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse following the adverse complications seen in the use of polypropylene mesh to treat both. RECENT FINDINGS: Materials developed for use in abdominal hernia repair have not proven risk-free when used to support pelvic organs particularly when inserted via the vagina. Following unacceptably high levels of severe complications when high-density polypropylene mesh is inserted via the vagina to treat pelvic organ prolapse, reported over the last decade, there is now an agreed consensus between surgeons about surgical approaches and materials, which should be recommended for use in stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. SUMMARY: There is a need for new biomaterials and tissue engineered/regenerative medicine approaches to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. New materials need to be evaluated critically in both preclinical and clinical studies before being adopted into routine clinical use.