Comparison Study between Artificial Urinary Sphincter and Adjustable Male Sling: A Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis.

AIMS: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the AUS and an adjustable male sling (ATOMSTM). METHODS: It was a retrospective observational cohort study with two arms. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in order to limit selection bias and, consequently, a comparison between groups in terms of functional outcomes (24 h pad test and perception of improvement questionnaires), complications (overall complications, high-grade complications, reinterventions and explantations) and device survival was performed. RESULTS: 49 patients in both arms were included. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The mean follow up was 43 ± 35 months. Dryness was achieved in 22 patients (44.9%) in the AUS group and 11 (22.5%) in the sling group (p = 0.03). A total of 40 patients declared themselves well improved in the sling group (81%), while 35 (71%) declared the same in the AUS group (p = 0.78). The AUS was associated with more high-grade complications, reinterventions and explantations than the ATOMSTM. Survival at 60 months was 82 ± 9% in the sling group and 67 ± 7% in the AUS group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: While the AUS may be characterized by a higher dry rate, it has an increased risk of high-grade complications and reinterventions. It is proposed that the ATOMS prosthesis can be successfully used for patients who require a less invasive procedure that maintains good functional outcomes.

The outcomes of penile prosthesis in neurologic patients: a multicentric retrospective series.

Introduction: Neurological disease is a known entity for causing erectile dysfunction (ED). Pharmacological therapies are not always effective these patients - penile prosthesis implant (PPI) is an established surgical treatment option. For a variety of reasons, neurological patients may experience differing outcomes of PPI compared to those whose ED arises from other causes. We investigated outcomes of PPI in neurological patients using the Italian multi-institutional national registry of penile prostheses [Italian Nationwide Systematic Inventarization of Surgical Treatment for ED (INSIST-ED)]. Methods: Patients undergoing PPI were investigated via the INSIST-ED registry, from 2014 to 2021. Data were prospectively recorded by 45 surgeons on a dedicated website (www.registro.andrologiaitaliana.it) and reviewed by a data manager. We subselected patients with neurological disease undergoing PPI for ED, and these patients were reviewed at 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Postoperative complications and functional outcomes were evaluated through validated questionnaires [International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Sexual Encounter Profile 2-3, and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS)]. A nonvalidated questionnaire was administered to assess patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 33 patients were included with a median age of 49 [interquartile range (IQR) 41-55]. Median follow-up was 83 months (IQR 67-99.5). A penoscrotal approach for PPI was performed in most cases (90.9%), while infrapubic was used in three cases (9.1%). Inflatable and malleable devices were implanted in 30 (90.9%) and 3 cases (9.1%), respectively. Intraoperative complications occurred in one case (3%). Early postoperative complications (<90 days) were observed in three cases (9.1%): two wound dehiscence (Clavien-Dindo G1 and G3a respectively) and one device infection requiring prosthesis explant (Clavien-Dindo G3a). Mechanical failures of inflatable devices were not observed during the follow-up period. Median IIEF-5 before surgery was 8 (IQR 7-9). At the latest follow-up, IIEF-5 was 22 (IQR 19-23.5), and median EDITS was 79 (IQR 64-88). A total of 28 patients (84.8%) self-reported to be fully satisfied with the PPI. Conclusion: Although PPI in the neurological population has been historically considered to be at increased risk, in our study, PPI complications and infections rates in this cohort did not differ from general population.

Management of complex ischial-urethral fistula in neurogenic patients performing clean intermittent self-catheterization.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic patients performing clean-intermittent self-catheterization (CIC) may develop an urethral erosion, resulting in ischial-urethral fistulas (I-UF). In this work we present our single-center experience in dealing with this peculiar complication. METHODS: In this work we included all neurogenic patients performing CIC treated at out Institution for I-UF. All patients had a spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele. We extracted from the patients' medical records the surgical management and postoperative clinical data. We defined failure the persistence of the fistula at X-ray contrast fistulography, retrograde urethrography, or uretrocystoscopy. RESULTS: We treated 11 patients (8 spinal cord injury, 3 myelomeningocele). Four patients have been treated with the placement of a new generation urethral stent (Uventa) after surgical toilette of the skin ulcer and placement of a temporary suprapubic catheter. All patients demonstrated a complete healing of the urethral lesion at stent removal and continued CIC without any difficulty. Four patients have been treated with perineal urethroplasty, requiring a buccal mucosal graft in two cases. In two patients a suprapubic permanent catheter was placed for a simpler bladder management due to the patients' comorbidities. In one case the incidental finding of an high grade muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer, made it mandatory to perform an uretheroileocutaneostomy. CONCLUSIONS: This work represent a unique series of I-UF in neurogenic patients performing CIC. Surgical urethral reconstruction, often with the use of buccal mucosa in large lesions, may be a difficult solution in neurogenic patients, new generation stents (Uventa) represent a minimally invasive, effective, and safe alternative.

Urethral Bulking in the Treatment of Stress and Mixed Female Urinary Incontinence: Results from a Multicenter Cohort and Predictors of Clinical Outcomes.

The aim of the present study is to analyze the outcomes of urethral bulking in the treatment of non-neurogenic female stress and mixed urinary incontinence and to assess predictors of clinical outcomes. We retrospectively included all consecutive patients affected by stress or mixed urinary incontinence and treated with urethral bulking. Outcomes were evaluated via the PGI-I questionnaire and the 24-h pad test. Between January 2010 and January 2020, we treated 216 patients (Bulkamid n = 206; Macro-plastique n = 10). The median age at surgery was 66 years (IQR 55−73.75). The median follow-up was 12 months (IQR 12−24). In total, 23.8% of patients were subjected to prior incontinence surgery, 63.8% of patients were affected by genuine stress urinary incontinence, 36.2% reported mixed urinary incontinence, whereas detrusor overactivity was confirmed in only 24.9%. The dry rate was 32.9%; nevertheless, 69.9% of patients declared themselves "very improved" or "improved" (PGI-I1-2). Low complications were observed, mostly classified as Clavien I. After univariate and multivariate analyses, the only statistically significant independent predictor of "dry" outcome was the 24 h pad test, p < 0.001. Urethral bulking could be proposed with more expectations of success in patients with mild urinary incontinence. Patients affected by moderate−severe incontinence are less likely to obtain clinical success; therefore, they should be carefully counselled about clinical expectations before the procedure.

Can urethral re-bulking improve the outcomes of a prior urethral bulking?

AIMS: To analyze the outcomes of urethral re-bulking in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter observational retrospective study, which included all consecutive patients treated with urethral re-bulking for the treatment of persistent stress or mixed urinary incontinence after a previous urethral bulking. Objective outcomes were evaluated with the 24 h pad-test, while PGI-I questionnaires were administered to evaluate subjective outcomes. Clinical outcomes were assessed before re-bulking procedure and at last follow-up. Mann-Whitney's U test was used for subgroup analysis. Shapiro-Wilk's tests were used as normality tests. RESULTS: In total, 62 patients who underwent urethral re-bulking between 2013 and 2020 in a multicenter setting were included. Most patients did not reach complete continence after the first procedure (n = 56) while the remainder reported recurrence of urinary incontinence after initial benefit. Median age at surgery was 66 (IQR: 55-73). Median overall follow-up was 30 months (IQR: 24-41). Median time occurred between the first procedure and reintervention was 12 months (IQR: 7-27). Bulking agents for the re-bulking procedures were bulkamid(n = 56), macroplastique(n = 4), and Prolastic(n = 2). A statistically significant reduction of median 24 h pad test from 100 g(IQR: 40-200) to 35 g(IQR: 0-120) was observed (p = 0.003). Dry rate after rebulking was 36.6%, while 85.4% patients declared themselves 'very much improved' or 'much improved' (PGI-I 1-2). Very few low-grade complications were observed (n = 4). A single case of major complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral re-bulking can be an effective technique for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence refractory to a previous urethral bulking and can determine a cumulative benefit after the first procedure.

UVENTA urethral stents: Are we taking a step forward? The first clinical series. / Stent uretral UVENTA: ¿Un paso para adelante? La primera serie clínica.

OBJECTIVES: To describe first clinical results in term of safety, complications and short term efficacy of temporary placement of UVENTA urethral stent in the treatment of urethral and bladder neck strictures. METHODS: UVENTA urethral stent (Taewoong Medical) is a temporary self expandable covered metallic stent. Anti-migration system and different radial force distribution are the two main innovations. This is a retrospective evaluation of UVENTA stent temporary placements for urethral diseases in two urological Centers. RESULTS: 15 patients underwent UVENTA stent placement between 2016 and 2018. Stent placement was easy and quick in all cases. Considering indwelling period: one patient reported urethral pain related to the stent in the first month, three patients had urinary infection treated with antibiotics; temporary stress incontinence was noted in 21% of bulbar-membranous stents; stent migrations was noted in 3 out of 4 bladder neck cases whereas no bulbar-membranous stents migrated. At removal no significant incrustation, stone or tissue ingrowth were noted, as well as new proximal or distal strictures. Stent removal was uncomplicated in all cases. Median follow up is 9.5 months (6-24). Considering strictures overall success rate is 73% (11/15): 82% for bulbar urethra (9/11) and 50% for bladder neck (2/4). CONCLUSIONS: UVENTA urethral stent showed a satisfying safety profile with few and low grade complications. Absence of migration and damage on healthy mucosa are main achievements. Further cases are needed to confirm these results and to really explore its efficacy.

OBJETIVOS: Describir los primeros resultados clínicos en términos de seguridad, complicaciones y eficacia a corto plazo de la colocación temporal de stent uretral UVENTA en el tratamiento de estenosis de uretra y de cuello vesical.MÉTODOS: El stent uretral UVENTA (Taewoong Medical) es un stent metálico temporal autoexpandible. Las dos principales innovaciones son el sistema antimigración y la distribución de la fuerza radial. Esta es una evaluación retrospectiva de la colocación de UVENTA en enfermedades uretrales en dos centros urológicos. RESULTADOS: 15 pacientes recibieron UVENTA entre 2016 y 2018. La colocación del stent fue fácil y rápida en todos los casos. Teniendo en cuenta el periodo de catéter: un paciente describió dolor uretral relacionado con el stent en el primer mes, 3 pacientes tuvieron infección urinaria tratada con antibióticos; incontinencia urinaria de estrés en el 21% de pacientes con stent en uretra bulbomembranosa; la migración de stents se demostró en 3 de 4 casos con estenosis de cuello vesical, mientras, ningún caso de uretra bulbomembranosa migro. Al quitar el stent, no se observó incrustación significativa, litiasis o tejido en crecimiento, así como nuevas estenosis distales o proximales. La retirada del stent no fue complicada en la mayoría de casos. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 9,5 meses (6-24). Considerando la tasa de éxito en global fue de 73% (11/15): 82% para uretra bulbar (9/11) y 50% para cuello vesical (2/4). CONCLUSIONES: El stent uretral UVENTA demostró un perfil de seguridad satisfactorio con mínimas complicaciones. La ausencia de migración o daño de la mucosa sana son las principales virtudes. Son necesarios más casos para confirmar estos resultados y explorar su eficacia.

Uventa urethral stents: are we taking a step forward? The first clinical series / Stents uretrales de Uventa: ¿estamos dando un paso adelante? La primera serie clínica

Objetives: To describe first clinical results in term of safety, complications and short term efficacy of temporary placement of UVENTA urethral stent in the treatment of urethral and bladder neck strictures. Methods: UVENTA urethral stent (Taewoong Medical) is a temporary self expandable covered metallic stent. Anti-migration system and different radial force distribution are the two main innovations. This is a retrospective evaluation of UVENTA stent temporary placements for urethral diseases in two urological Centers. Results: 15 patients underwent UVENTA stent placement between 2016 and 2018. Stent placement was easy and quick in all cases. Considering indwelling period: one patient reported urethral pain related to the stent in the first month, three patients had urinary infection treated with antibiotics; temporary stress incontinence was noted in 21% of bulbar-membranous stents; stent migrations was noted in 3 out of 4 bladder neck cases whereas no bulbar-membranous stents migrated. At removal no significant incrustation, stone or tissue ingrowth were noted, as well as new proximal or distal strictures. Stent removal was uncomplicated in all cases. Median follow up is 9.5 months (6-24). Considering strictures overall success rate is 73% (11/15): 82% for bulbar urethra (9/11) and 50% for bladder neck (2/4). Conclusions: UVENTA urethral stent showed a satisfying safety profile with few and low grade complications. Absence of migration and damage on healthy mucosa are main achievements. Further cases are neededto confirm these results and to really explore its efficacy.(AU)

Objetivos: Describir los primeros resultados clínicos en términos de seguridad, complicacionesy eficacia a corto plazo de la colocación temporal de stent uretral UVENTA en el tratamiento de estenosis de uretra y de cuello vesical. Métodos: El stent uretral UVENTA (Taewoong Medical) es un stent metálico temporal autoexpandible. Lasdos principales innovaciones son el sistema antimigración y la distribución de la fuerza radial. Esta es unaevaluación retrospectiva de la colocación de UVENTA en enfermedades uretrales en dos centros urológicos. Resultados: 15 pacientes recibieron UVENTA entre 2016 y 2018. La colocación del stent fue fácil y rápida en todos los casos. Teniendo en cuenta el periodo de catéter: un paciente describió dolor uretral relacionado con el stent en el primer mes, 3 pacientes tuvieron infección urinaria tratada con antibióticos; incontinenciaurinaria de estrés en el 21% de pacientes con stent en uretra bulbomembranosa; la migración de stents se demostró en 3 de 4 casos con estenosis de cuello vesical, mientras, ningún caso de uretra bulbomembranosa migro. Al quitar el stent, no se observó incrustación significativa, litiasis o tejido en crecimiento, así como nuevas estenosis distales o proximales. La retirada del stent no fue complicada en la mayoría de casos. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 9,5 meses (6-24). Considerando la tasa de éxito en global fue de 73% (11/15): 82% para uretra bulbar (9/11) y 50% para cuello vesical (2/4). Conclusiones: El stent uretral UVENTA demostró un perfil de seguridad satisfactorio con mínimas complicaciones. La ausencia de migración o daño de la mucosasana son las principales virtudes. Son necesarios más casos para confirmar estos resultados y explorar su eficacia.(AU)

A Novel Artificial Urinary Sphincter (VICTO®) for the Management of Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: Description of the Surgical Technique and Preliminary Results from a Multicenter Series.

AIMS: The objective of the study was to analyze short-term outcomes and safety profile of the newly designed artificial urinary sphincters (AUSs) VICTO® and VICTOplus®. METHODS: Data from the implant of VICTO® or VICTOplus® AUSs on a series of consecutive male patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following radical prostatectomy (RP) were retrospectively collected in 3 tertiary referral centers between May 2017 and December 2019. Patients were affected by moderate-severe genuine SUI (200-400 or >400 g urine leakage in 24-h pad test) refractory to conservative treatment. Outcomes were evaluated through the 24-h pad test and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). Follow-up was scheduled after 3, 6, and 12 months and then when clinically needed. Nonparametric tests were applied in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were enrolled: 8 were implanted with the VICTO® device and 9 with VICTOplus®. The median age at surgery was 69 (interquartile range (IQR) 60-75) years. The median follow-up was 15 (IQR 12-18) months. At 12 months, the dry rate was 76.4% and the social continence rate was 94%. The postoperative complication rate was 17.6%. All complications were classified as Clavien-Dindo I. No difference in terms of outcomes was observed between the VICTO® and the VICTOplus® subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary outcomes of the VICTO® and VICTOplus® implantation are satisfactory. These devices may represent a safe and realistic solution for patients with moderate-severe SUI following RP.

Postoperative Thoracic Epidural Analgesia: Adverse Events from a Single-Center Series of 3126 Patients.

PURPOSE: Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) has been shown to reduce postsurgical morbidity and mortality; nevertheless, major and minor complications can occur. We report our 10-year experience with TEA and incidence of complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients received continuous infusion TEA (0.2% ropivacaine and 2 µg ml-1 fentanyl) to control postoperative pain. Every 8 hours, the acute pain service recorded the analgesia regimen and occurrence of side effects. The initial infusion rate was tapered daily in response to improvement in pain symptoms or occurrence of side effects. RESULTS: A total of 3126 patients received TEA. The median age was 65 years (range, 18-94) and the duration of catheter placement was 3.5 days (range, 2-8). Three major complications were identified (1:1042): two subarachnoid blocks and one epidural abscess which led to permanent sequela (1:3126). Minor complications were hypotension (4.8%), pruritus (4.4%), accidental catheter removal (3.7%), insertion site inflammation (2.5%), motor weakness (2.0%), postoperative nausea and vomiting (1.8%), catheter disconnection (1.9%), catheter occlusion (0.3%), post-dural puncture headache (0.5%), and catheter fragment retention (0.06%), which were the reasons for a 7.4% rate of early discontinuation of epidural analgesia. No occurrence of epidural hematoma, local anesthetic systemic toxicity, and cardiovascular/respiratory depression was recorded. CONCLUSION: Postoperative TEA is an advanced technique that poses certain difficulties that can subvert its great potential. While serious complications were rare, minor complications occurred more often and affected the postoperative course negatively. A risk/benefit evaluation of each patient should be done before employing the technique.

Treatments in neurogenic bowel dysfunctions: evidence reviews and clinical recommendations in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is an impairment of defecation control due to any nervous system lesion negatively affecting physical health status and quality of life. We aimed at systematically assessing all available evidence on NBD treatment in adults and providing clinical management guidance and recommendations. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PICOs and questions (N.=7) were identified by an expert panel. We searched for and retrieved evidence from the PUBMED and EMBASE databases, limited to the English language and the Western countries context, related to any type of setting and published from 2009 to 2019. Health effects, patient values, preferences and resource use were assessed. Of all, only RCTs, observational studies and systematic reviews on adult population (≥18 years) were analyzed. The study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations. The effect size, if possible, was calculated for the interpretation of the outcomes, and evidence was assessed through the GRADE method. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Thirty-one studies were included in our qualitative synthesis. Evidence is generally scarce. Most of the outcomes are narratively described and therefore defined by imprecision. Besides, most of the included studies are affected by risk of bias. Digital stimulation was found to be effective in short term follow-up. The pharmacological treatment choice, combined or alone, needs to be balanced case by case considering clinical history, setting of use and bowel management protocol. According to only one RCT supporting evidence mainly in persons affected by spinal cord injury (SCI), trans-anal irrigation (TAI) improves QoL and patient independency with a significant reduction of time spent for defecation and daily bowel program. History of urinary infections predicts the choice of using TAI. Patient-reported efficacy of colostomy alone or in combination with other surgeries appears evident in terms of patient's satisfaction and QoL over time. Nonetheless, perioperative and late complications can occur and may result in reduced acceptability over time. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence is somehow weak and mainly reported in SCI. The systematic use of assistive interventions does not reduce the need of conservative or invasive approaches. Studies are needed on the role of bowel management in protecting patients from complications secondary to NBD in long term follow-ups.

First experience with ATOMS system implant in neurogenic stress urinary incontinence.

AIM: To evaluate efficacy and safety of ATOMS implant in neurogenic patients with stress incontinence performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). METHODS: We included all patients with neurogenic sacral/subsacral lesion and stress urinary incontinence, treated with ATOMS implant between January 2018 and March 2019. All patients received anamnesis, 24-hour pad test and pad count, physical examination, video urodynamic evaluation, Qualiveen questionnaire. All patients were followed up at 12 months after implantation. Patients were considered "continent" when dry or when wearing a security pad (social continence). RESULTS: We treated eight male patients with a median age of 25 years, four affected by myelomeningocele, and four by cauda equine syndrome. The median preoperative 24-hour pad test was 225 g (interquartile range [IQR]: 180-275). During the surgical procedure, we did not fill the cushion to prevent postoperative urethral injuries when performing CIC in the early postoperative time. At a 12-month follow-up, we had a significant reduction in postoperative 24-hour pad test (median value: 7.5 g; IQR: 0-16.25; P < .05). All patients reached continence. We had a significant reduction in the Qualiveen scores (P < .05). Patients demonstrated to be satisfied with the results of the intervention at the PGI-I questionnaire. The only complications were four cases of temporary scrotal edema (Clavien-Dindo 1) treated with conservative therapy. All patients resumed CIC without urethral traumatism nor catheter insertion difficulties. We had no cases of device infection nor device removal. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of ATOMS device seems to be an effective and safe minimally invasive procedure also in neurological patients with a low rate of postoperative complications.

Urethral bulking with Bulkamid: An analysis of efficacy, safety profile, and predictors of functional outcomes in a single-center cohort.

AIMS: The aim of the present work is to analyze the safety profile, effectiveness, and favorable and unfavorable predictors of clinical outcome in urethral bulking with Bulkamid, and to better identify the ideal candidate for the procedure. METHODS: We included all consecutive female patients treated with urethral bulking with Bulkamid at our institution within 2 years. Patients were affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or mixed incontinence. Incontinence severity was classified as "mild" (urinary leakage <50 g/die), "moderate" (50-200 g/die), or "severe" (>200 g/die) at 24-hours pad test. Clinical success was defined as "dry" (no pads); clinical failure included "partial improvement" (>50% 24-hours pad test reduction) and "no benefit" (<50% 24-hours pad test reduction). The χ2 and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to assess the predictors of clinical outcome. RESULTS: The success rate was 36.1% (n = 35). Forty-three patients (44.3%) reported continence improvement. Complications included eight urinary retention cases (8.2%). Statistically significant correlation was observed between incontinence severity and clinical outcome in thee χ2 test (P = .008). No significant correlation was found between functional outcome and urodynamic incontinence features, postoperative urinary retention, previous pelvic surgery, age, and other physiological, pathological, and urodynamics characteristics. Urinary retention following the surgical procedure appeared to be related to clinical success with nonsignificant P value (P = .10). CONCLUSIONS: Bulkamid procedure could be proposed with good results in elderly patients or in patients requiring a low-invasive procedure with low risk of complications, affected either by SUI or mixed incontinence and with mild to moderate incontinence. Previous training to clean intermittent self-catheterization maneuver should be performed.

Neuromodulation in urology, state of the art.

Sacral neuromodulation is an approved and validated treatment for overactive bladder syndrome, chronic non-obstructive retention, and chronic pelvic pain. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a less invasive approach of neuromodulation. We performed a literature research to assess the current evidence available about neuromodulation. Both techniques appear to be effective and safe third-line treatments. The overall success rate ranges from 43% to 85% for sacral neuromodulation and from 40% to 79.5% for percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. Sacral neuromodulation has a higher incidence of complications in comparison to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, due to the more invasive surgical technique and the presence of a permanent implant. The incidence of surgical revision ranges between 9% and 33%. The most frequent complication with sacral neuromodulation is pain at implant site (15%-42%), followed by lead migration (4%-21%), pain at lead site (5.4%-19.1%), leg pain (18%), and infection (5.7%-6.1%). The quality of the studies on sacral neuromodulation and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in literature is quite modest, because of the shortage of good randomized clinical trial; most of the studies are prospective observational studies with mid-term follow-up.

Implant of ATOMS® system for the treatment of postoperative male stress urinary incontinence: results of a single centre

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATOMS® system for the treatment of postoperative male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated all patients treated at our institution for postoperative male SUI with ATOMS® implant. We excluded patients with low bladder compliance (< 20 mL / cmH2O), uncontrolled detrusor overactivity, detrusor underactivity (BCI < 100), urethral or bladder neck stricture and low cystometric capacity (< 200 mL). Results: From October 2014 to July 2017 we treated 52 patients, mean age 73.6 years. Most of them (92.3%) had undergone radical prostatectomy, 3.85% simple open prostatectomy, 3.85% TURP; 28.8% of patients had undergone urethral surgery, 11.5% adjuvant radiotherapy; 57.7% had already undergone surgical treatment for urinary incontinence. The average24 hours pad test was 411.6 g (180 - 1100). The mean follow-up was 20.1 months (8.1 - 41.5) 30.8% of patients were dry, 59.6% improved ≥ 50%, 7.7% improved < 50% and 1.9% unchanged. In total 73.1% reached social continence. There was a significant reduction of the 24 hours pad test and ICIQ - UI SF scores (p < 0.01). In the postoperative follow-up we detected complications in 8 patients (19%): 5 cases of displacement of the scrotal port, in 2 cases catheterization difficulties, one case of epididimitis and concomitant superficial wound infection; no prosthesis infection, nor explants. Radiotherapy, previous urethral surgery,previous incontinence surgery were not statistically related to social continence rates (p 0.65;p 0.11;p 0.11). Conclusions: The ATOMS® system is an effective and safe surgical treatment of mild and moderate male postoperative SUI with durable results in the short term.

Bladder management during pregnancy in women with spinal-cord injury: an observational, multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pregnancy in women with spinal-cord injury (SCI) poses a clinical challenge. We hypothesized that changes in the management of neurogenic bladder during pregnancy are commonly required and should receive more attention. METHODS: Data were collected by retrospective analysis of medical records and via cross-sectional survey of 52 women with SCI, representing 67 pregnancies, at ten Italian neurourological clinics. All participants provided informed consent. RESULTS: Between 1976 and 2013, 39 participants had one child, 11 had two children, and two had three children. Mean age at the time of SCI was 18 years and at the time of first pregnancy was 30 years. Delivery occurred from weeks 32 to 40 in 98% of first and second pregnancies, and 94% of neonates were healthy. Oxybutynin was used by four women during five pregnancies, which resulted in delivery of healthy babies. Intermittent catheterization was used before 54% of first pregnancies and 39% of second pregnancies. Bladder management was altered during 45% of these pregnancies, and the most common changes were increased use or frequency of intermittent catheterization or use of an indwelling catheter. Urinary tract infections occurred in 48% of pregnancies, and an irregular course was reported in 13% of pregnancies mainly related to tetraplegia and urological complications. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy in women with SCI generally has good outcomes and limited risks but frequently necessitates changes in the management of neurogenic bladder. High levels of awareness and focused monitoring of bladder issues are recommended.

Implant of ATOMS® system for the treatment of postoperative male stress urinary incontinence: results of a single centre.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATOMS® system for the treatment of postoperative male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients treated at our institution for postoperative male SUI with ATOMS® implant. We excluded patients with low bladder compliance (< 20 mL / cmH2O), uncontrolled detrusor overactivity, detrusor underactivity (BCI < 100), urethral or bladder neck stricture and low cystometric capacity (< 200 mL). RESULTS: From October 2014 to July 2017 we treated 52 patients, mean age 73.6 years. Most of them (92.3%) had undergone radical prostatectomy, 3.85% simple open prostatectomy, 3.85% TURP; 28.8% of patients had undergone urethral surgery, 11.5% adjuvant radiotherapy; 57.7% had already undergone surgical treatment for urinary incontinence. The average24 hours pad test was 411.6 g (180 - 1100). The mean follow-up was 20.1 months (8.1 - 41.5) 30.8% of patients were dry, 59.6% improved ≥ 50%, 7.7% improved < 50% and 1.9% unchanged. In total 73.1% reached social continence. There was a significant reduction of the 24 hours pad test and ICIQ - UI SF scores (p < 0.01). In the postoperative follow-up we detected complications in 8 patients (19%): 5 cases of displacement of the scrotal port, in 2 cases catheterization difficulties, one case of epididimitis and concomitant superficial wound infection; no prosthesis infection, nor explants. Radiotherapy, previous urethral surgery,previous incontinence surgery were not statistically related to social continence rates (p 0.65;p 0.11;p 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: The ATOMS® system is an effective and safe surgical treatment of mild and moderate male postoperative SUI with durable results in the short term.

Oral prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone offers equivalent analgesia to intravenous morphine patient-controlled analgesia after total knee replacement. A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether oral prolonged-release oxycodone-naloxone combination (OXN) could provide equivalent analgesia and a side-effect profile similar to intravenous morphine patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) for the control of pain in the immediate postoperative period after total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: All patients received a sciatic nerve block with 0.3% ropivacaine 15 mL, femoral nerve block with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 mL, spinal anesthesia and postoperative continuous femoral nerve infusion (ropivacaine 0.2% 4 mL/h). After surgery, patients were randomly allocated to receive either 10 +10 +5 mg controlled release OXN oral administration 12 hourly or IVPCA with morphine (2 mg bolus, no basal infusion). The primary outcome was the average rest and dynamic pain for the first 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were: post operative nausea vomiting (PONV) and the total morphine consumption. RESULTS: OXN group experienced better pain control at rest during the first (0.89±1.54 vs. 1.27±1.82, P=0.0019) and second (1.03±1.69 vs. 1.65±2.05, P=0.0006) postoperative period. There was no statistically significant difference in pain score during movement between the two groups. The secondary outcome measures showed no significant differences in the total morphine consumption (12.04±1.1 vs. 11.46±3.7 mg, P=0.20) or PONV (0.6±0.8 vs. 0.8±1.0, P=0.40). CONCLUSIONS: This study show that in the immediate postoperative period after TKR, the patients receiving oral prolonged-release OXN experienced the same to better pain control than those receiving morphine IVPCA, with a similar degree of PONV.

Management of male and female neurogenic stress urinary incontinence in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients using adjustable continence therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is an option for the treatment of neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (nSUI), but complications and re-operation rates are high, and there is no clear indication from guidelines (1). The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a less invasive continence device in neurogenic population: Adjustable Continence Therapy ProACT/ACT®. METHODS: We retrospectively includedpatients with spinal cord injuries in this study, complaining of nSUI and treated at our Institution with Pro-ACT/ACT® implantation. Diagnosis of nSUI was achieved with clinical history data collection and video-urodynamic testing. RESULTS: We treated 13 males and 3 females by proACT/ACT device, mean age 47.5 years (range 27-71). Fifteen implantations were performed bilaterally under spinal anesthesia and under fluoroscopic control; in one male patient, only the right balloon was implanted. Mean refilling number was 2.8 (range 0-6), and mean final volume was 3.6 ml. No patient reported any perioperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo. Follow-up was 37 months (range 7-156). Five patients (31%) underwent device explantation for deflate in one case, erosion or migration in three cases (18%), and infection in one case. About 43.75% of patients were dry and 18.75% improved more than 50% their urine loss, 37.5% of patients improved less than 50%, and no one reported worsening of incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of proACT/ACT® device is safe and a minimally invasive procedure also in neurological patients, with a relative low rate of intra and postoperative complications. Efficacy is good, although slightly lower than the results in non-neurological patients.

Prilocaine hydrochloride 2% hyperbaric solution for intrathecal injection: a clinical review.

Prilocaine is a local anesthetic characterized by intermediate potency and duration and fast onset of action. As hyperbaric formulation of 5% solution, it was introduced and has been successfully used for spinal anesthesia since 1960. A new formulation of 2% plain and hyperbaric solution is currently available in Europe. Because of its lower incidence of transient neurological symptoms, prilocaine is suggested as substitute to lidocaine and mepivacaine in spinal anesthesia for ambulatory surgery, as well as a suitable alternative to low doses of long-acting local anesthetics. The National Library of Medicine database, the Excerpta Medica database, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database, were searched for the period 1970 to September 2016, with the aim to identify studies evaluating the intrathecal use of 2% prilocaine. A total of 13 randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 1 observational study, 2 dose finding, and 4 systematic reviews has been used for this review. The studies evaluated showed that 2% hyperbaric prilocaine due to a favorable anesthetic and safety profile is an alternative drug to lidocaine and mepivacaine for spinal anesthesia of intermediate or short duration. In comparison with plain solutions, hyperbaricity remarkably accelerates the onset and offset times of intrathecal 2% prilocaine. Literature suggests a dose ranging between 40 and 60 mg of prilocaine for lower extremities and lower abdominal procedures lasting up to 90 min, whereas a dose ranging from 10 to 30 mg is appropriate for perineal surgery. Readiness for discharge occurs in ~4 h from spinal administration.