Does cystoscopy method affect the investigation of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Cystoscopic investigation to identify associated histological findings of increased mast cells in the detrusor muscle has been recommended by the European Society for the Study of Bladder Pain Syndrome (ESSIC) in the investigation of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). The aim of this study was to identify if the cystoscopy approach impacts the biopsy results when investigating women presenting with symptoms of BPS/IC. METHODS: We performed a single-centre retrospective analysis of 300 bladder biopsy reports from 2015 to 2018 from women undergoing cystoscopy for BPS/IC. Biopsies obtained using closed cup forceps through a flexible (FC) or rigid cystoscope (RC) were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-eight FC biopsies were compared with 242 RC biopsies. FC biopsies had a smaller mean diameter (1.6 mm vs 2.9 mm p < 0.01) and volume (4.1 mm3 vs 9.6 mm3 p < 0.001) compared with RC biopsies. There was no significant difference in the histological depth of sampling to the muscularis propria. A total of 292 samples had CD117 immunohistochemical staining for mast cell count (MCC) analysis. The MCC/mm2 was significantly lower in FC biopsies (p < 0.01). Sixteen percent of FC samples compared with 60% of RC samples had a high MCC >28/mm2 (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in positive microbiology culture between FC (21%) and RC (28%) sampling. CONCLUSION: Rigid and flexible cystoscopy can be used to investigate BPS/IC as recommended by international societies. However, the biopsy method impacts the mast cell count analysis, which can influence diagnosis and management. Therefore, RC would be the optimal investigation.

Does size matter? Perineometer and digital examination of a model levator hiatus.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the female pelvic floor muscles is commonly carried out with digital examination and assigning a modified Oxford scale score or vaginal manometry. Racial differences can influence the size of the levator hiatus (LH) with "black" or African nulliparous women having a significantly larger LH compared to Caucasian women. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of LH size on manometry readings of simulated pelvic floor muscle contractions (PFMCs) using a small and large model LH. METHODS: Small and large LH models were created using published data for size. Inflation of a pressure cuff placed circumferentially in the LH model represented a simulated PFMC. The models were examined in a supine position by three examiners and a perineometer twice each at varying simulated PFMC strength. RESULTS: Positive correlation was found between increasing simulated PFMC strength with a higher Oxford score following digital examination and manometry readings for both the small (rs = .87, rs = .98) and large (rs = .95, rs = .87) models. There was good to excellent inter and intraobserver correlation for digital assessment of both models. The manometry measurements showed a much larger incremental rise from baseline in the small model compared with the large model (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that perineometer readings are affected by natural variations in LH size and PFMC strength. Therefore improvement to pelvic floor strength cannot be interpreted and measurements cannot be compared with others unless the LH size is known or digital examination is carried out.

Vaginal laser for overactive bladder syndrome.

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is defined as urinary urgency, usually with urinary frequency and nocturia, with or without urge urinary incontinence. The prevalence of OAB in adult women ranges between 11% and 42%, is particularly common in elderly people, and can overlap with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). There is a wide approach to the treatment of symptoms, often in a stepwise fashion, including lifestyle changes, bladder retraining and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, drug therapy, intra-vesical botulinum toxin injections or neuromodulation. Recently, vaginal laser therapy has been proposed as an emerging minimal invasive effective treatment option for women with OAB. We explore this further.