Comparative analysis of ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of native kidneys in children and adults using the free-flank supine antero-lateral decubitus positioning.

PURPOSE: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy (USPB) of the native kidneys is the preferred diagnostic method for several nephrological conditions in both adult and pediatric populations. Conventionally, native kidney biopsies are conducted with patients in the prone position (PP). However, an alternative approach involving the supine oblique antero-lateral position (SALP) has been explored, particularly for individuals who are obese, elderly, or critically ill. METHODS: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and outcomes of USPB performed in SALP with a Free-Flank setting (FF-SALP) in pediatric patients (Group A) compared to adults (Group B). Data from kidney biopsies conducted between 2008 and 2021 were gathered. The study focused on the safety and the prevalence of biopsy samples containing a minimum of 10 glomeruli, histopathological yield in both groups. RESULTS: Complication rates were low in both groups (5.6% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.454), without major complications noted. The pediatric group achieved a significantly higher mean number of glomeruli per biopsy compared to the adult group (20.6 ± 12.3 vs. 15.7 ± 9.4; p < 0.001). However, when evaluating the minimum threshold of 10 glomeruli (76.3% vs. 68.5%; p = 0.072) and histopathologic yield (95.3% vs. 93.5%; p = 0.408), no differences were observed between groups. CONCLUSION: USPB of native kidneys in the FF-SALP position is a safe and effective method for tissue sampling in patients with parenchymal disease. It demonstrated comparable diagnostic yields and complication rates in the pediatric and adult populations, providing advantages in terms of airway management, making it particularly useful for pediatric patients that require general anesthesia.

Applicability of vaginal energy-based devices in urogynecology: evidence and controversy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the evidence and controversies about the use of vaginal energy-based devices (laser and radiofrequency) for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, recurrent urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, and genital prolapse through a literature review. METHODS: A search of literature databases (PubMed, Medline) was performed for publications in December 2022. Keywords included genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal laxity, vaginal/vulvovaginal atrophy, urinary tract infection, urgency incontinence, frequency, urgency, stress urinary incontinence, genital prolapses AND energy-based devices, AND vaginal laser, AND vaginal radiofrequency, AND CO2 laser, AND Er:YAG laser. Publications in English from the last 7 years were reviewed and selected by the authors. RESULTS: The literature regarding vaginal energy-based devices in the treatment of urogynecological conditions is primarily limited to prospective case series with small numbers and short-term follow-up. Most of these studies showed favorable results, improvement of symptoms with low risk, or no mention of serious adverse events. Consensus statement documents from major medical societies suggest caution in recommending these therapies in clinical practice until more relevant data from well-designed studies become available. CONCLUSION: The potential of the vaginal laser and radiofrequency as a therapeutic arsenal for the evaluated urogynecological conditions is great, but qualified research must be done to prove their efficacy and long-term safety, define application protocols, and recommend the use of these technologies in clinical practice.

ASO Author Reflections: PSMA PET in the Prostate Cancer Primary Staging Scenario-A Reliable Method with a Remarkable Decision-Making Impact.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignant tumor in men in Brazil and worldwide. Although positron emission tomography (PET) prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been used for over 10 years and several studies have been published regarding its superior performance in PCa primary staging and other scenarios, the management decision is often still based on conventional imaging information. A retrospective analysis was performed in 35 patients with PCa in the primary staging scenario with conventional exams as well as with PET PSMA. The findings of our study showed changes on the staging classification and significant impact on the therapeutic choice. PET PSMA is a dependable imaging exam and has already proved its worth and superiority when compared with conventional methods to evaluate PCa patients in primary staging and biochemical relapse, in addition to other potential roles. Prospective studies are needed to assess the outcome of patients whose management was guided by PSMA.

Impact of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography on the Therapeutic Decision of Prostate Carcinoma Primary Staging: A Retrospective Analysis at the Brazilian National Public Health System.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor in males and conventional imaging does not provide accurate primary staging. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) presents superior performance and strongly affects therapeutic choice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PSMA PET, compared with conventional imaging methods, on the therapeutic approach in primary staging scenarios in patients with PCa treated at the Brazilian National Public Health System. METHODS: Overall, 35 patients diagnosed with PCa were evaluated using PSMA after conventional staging imaging with multiparametric magnetic resonance (MMR) and/or total abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and bone scintigraphy (BS). The PCa extension identified by PET was compared with conventional imaging; staging changes and the management impact were then determined. PET comparison with conventional imaging, staging, and decision-making changes was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: PET revealed local disease (LD) in 15 (42.9%) patients, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) in 5 (14.3%) patients, pelvic nodal impairment (PNI) in 7 (20%) patients, pelvic and distant nodes in 3 (8.6%) patients, pelvic nodes and bone metastasis in 4 (11.4%) patients, and pelvic and distant nodes and bone metastasis in 1 (2.8%) patient. Staging changes were observed in 60% of patients, with downstaging predominance (76.2%). Volume increase was identified in 11 (31.4%) patients (only 4 related to upstaging, 36.4%). The board changed management decisions for 60% of the patients. The main limitations of this study were the sample size and its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: PSMA findings changed the management decisions in more than half of the patients, which made the majority eligible for locoregional treatment and avoided unnecessary procedures in the systemic disease scenario.

Impact of COVID-19 on surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence in the Brazilian public health system.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (FSUI) in Brazil. METHODS: This study was conducted with population-based data from the Brazilian public health system database. We obtained data on the number of surgical procedures for FSUI in 2019 (before the coronavirus disease [COVID-19] pandemic), 2020, and 2021 (during the pandemic) in each of the 27 Brazilian states. We included official Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) data on the population, Human Development Index (HDI), and annual per capita income of each state. RESULTS: A total of 6,718 surgical procedures for FSUI were performed in the Brazilian public health system in 2019. The number of procedures was reduced by 56.2% in 2020, and an additional reduction of 7.2% was seen in 2021. The distribution of procedures by state showed important differences, ranging from 4.4 procedures/1,000,000 inhabitants in Paraíba and Sergipe to 67.6 procedures/1,000,000 inhabitants in Paraná (p<0.01) in 2019. The number of surgical procedures was higher in states with a higher HDI (p=0.0001) and per capita income (p=0.042). The decrease in the number of surgical procedures affected the whole country and its rate did not correlate with HDI (p=0.289) or per capita income (p=0.598). CONCLUSION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical treatment of FSUI in Brazil was significant in 2020 and persisted in 2021. Access to surgical treatment of FSUI varied according to geographic region, HDI, and per capita income, even before COVID-19.

Applicability of vaginal energy-based devices in urogynecology: evidence and controversy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the evidence and controversies about the use of vaginal energy-based devices (laser and radiofrequency) for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, recurrent urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, and genital prolapse through a literature review. METHODS: A search of literature databases (PubMed, Medline) was performed for publications in December 2022. Keywords included genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal laxity, vaginal/vulvovaginal atrophy, urinary tract infection, urgency incontinence, frequency, urgency, stress urinary incontinence, genital prolapses AND energy-based devices, AND vaginal laser, AND vaginal radiofrequency, AND CO2 laser, AND Er:YAG laser. Publications in English from the last 7 years were reviewed and selected by the authors. RESULTS: The literature regarding vaginal energy-based devices in the treatment of urogynecological conditions is primarily limited to prospective case series with small numbers and short-term follow-up. Most of these studies showed favorable results, improvement of symptoms with low risk, or no mention of serious adverse events. Consensus statement documents from major medical societies suggest caution in recommending these therapies in clinical practice until more relevant data from well-designed studies become available. CONCLUSION: The potential of the vaginal laser and radiofrequency as a therapeutic arsenal for the evaluated urogynecological conditions is great, but qualified research must be done to prove their efficacy and long-term safety, define application protocols, and recommend the use of these technologies in clinical practice.

Functional urology: Practice patterns and training aspirations among urologists in Brazil.

PURPOSE: Urology has rapidly evolved during the last decades, incorporating new technologies faster than most specialties. The challenge to maintain a competent workforce that is prepared to deliver proper contemporary treatment has become increasingly difficult and newly graduated urologists throughout the world typically lack the skills to practice many urological subspecialties. We performed a survey to evaluate the practice patterns and educational aspirations in functional urology (FU) among Brazilian urologists. METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to board-certified Brazilian urologists to collect data on clinical practice and training aspirations in four subareas of FU: female urology, urodynamics, postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI), and neurourology. We evaluated urologists' clinical and surgical workload in each subarea and investigated educational training aspirations to identify areas and training formats of interest. RESULTS: A total of 366 urologists (mean age 47.7 + 10.7 years) completed the survey. Mean time since completion of residency was 17.9 + 11.9 years. Of the respondents, 176 (53%) perform urodynamics, 285 (83.1%) SUI surgeries, 159 (47.6%) PPI surgeries, 194 (58.1%) third line OAB procedures, 168 (48.9%) pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and 88 (26.3%) bladder augmentation. Mid-urethral sling is the most performed SUI surgery and transobturator is the preferred route (64.0%). For those performing POP surgery, 40.5% use mesh in at least 50% of their cases, and the vaginal route is used in most cases (75.4%) for apical prolapse. For PPI, 64.6% use artificial sphincter in most surgeries and only 8.1% perform at least 5 surgeries/year. Being fellowship-trained and working in an academic hospital are associated with a higher chance of being active in FU. Most urologists are interested in receiving training in PPI, female SUI, and POP and a hands-on course is the preferred educational method (81%). CONCLUSIONS: Most urologists in Brazil are involved in the evaluation and treatment of FU patients, but few have a large volume of patient visits and surgical procedures. Completing a fellowship program and working in an academic practice are associated with a higher chance of being a FU practitioner. There is a high interest in training for PPI, female SUI, and POP.

Impact of bariatric surgery in patients with stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To examine epidemiologic, anthropometric and clinical variables associated with stress urinary incontinence in obese women, before and after bariatric surgery, and to identify predictive factors of stress urinary incontinence resolution. METHODS: Prospective observational study with women enrolled in a bariatric surgery program between 2015 and 2016. Patients were assessed prior to and 6 months after bariatric surgery using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and the Visual Analogue Scale. Patient assessment also included physical examination and bladder stress tests. RESULTS: A total of 43 women completed the study. There was a 72.7% reduction in stress urinary incontinence (p=0.021). Predictive factors for preoperative diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence included age (p=0.024) and abdominal waist circumference (p=0.048). Urinary symptoms improved after weight loss, especially nocturia (p=0.001) and stress urinary incontinence (p=0.026). Menopause was the most significant predictive factor for persistence of stress urinary incontinence within six months of bariatric surgery (p=0.046). Self-reported outcomes and scores obtained in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and the Visual Analogue Scale were associated with significant improvement (p=0.012, p=0.025, and p=0.002 respectively). CONCLUSION: Older women with larger waist circumference have a higher risk of developing stress urinary incontinence prior to bariatric surgery. Menopausal women are highly prone to persistent stress urinary incontinence, even after weight loss. Weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery improved stress urinary incontinence symptoms and mitigated related impacts on quality of life in the vast majority of women.

Impact of bariatric surgery in patients with stress urinary incontinence / Impacto da cirurgia bariátrica em pacientes com incontinência urinária de esforço

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine epidemiologic, anthropometric and clinical variables associated with stress urinary incontinence in obese women, before and after bariatric surgery, and to identify predictive factors of stress urinary incontinence resolution. Methods: Prospective observational study with women enrolled in a bariatric surgery program between 2015 and 2016. Patients were assessed prior to and 6 months after bariatric surgery using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and the Visual Analogue Scale. Patient assessment also included physical examination and bladder stress tests. Results: A total of 43 women completed the study. There was a 72.7% reduction in stress urinary incontinence (p=0.021). Predictive factors for preoperative diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence included age (p=0.024) and abdominal waist circumference (p=0.048). Urinary symptoms improved after weight loss, especially nocturia (p=0.001) and stress urinary incontinence (p=0.026). Menopause was the most significant predictive factor for persistence of stress urinary incontinence within six months of bariatric surgery (p=0.046). Self-reported outcomes and scores obtained in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and the Visual Analogue Scale were associated with significant improvement (p=0.012, p=0.025, and p=0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Older women with larger waist circumference have a higher risk of developing stress urinary incontinence prior to bariatric surgery. Menopausal women are highly prone to persistent stress urinary incontinence, even after weight loss. Weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery improved stress urinary incontinence symptoms and mitigated related impacts on quality of life in the vast majority of women.

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar as variáveis epidemiológicas, antropométricas e clínicas associadas à incontinência urinária de esforço em mulheres obesas antes e após a cirurgia bariátrica e identificar fatores preditivos da resolução desse tipo de incontinência. Métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo com mulheres de um programa de cirurgia bariátrica, realizado entre 2015 e 2016. As pacientes responderam ao International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, à Clinical Global Impression-Improvement e à Escala Visual Analógica, sendo submetidas ao exame físico e ao teste de incontinência antes e 6 meses após cirurgia bariátrica. Resultados: Completaram o estudo 43 mulheres. Houve redução de 72,7% na incontinência urinária de esforço (p=0,021). Fatores preditivos para o diagnóstico pré-operatório da incontinência urinária incluíram idade (p=0,024) e circunferência abdominal (p=0,048). Todos os sintomas urinários demonstraram melhora após perda de peso, notadamente noctúria (p=0,001) e incontinência urinária de esforço (p=0,026). A menopausa foi o fator mais crítico para predizer a persistência da incontinência urinária de esforço 6 meses após a cirurgia bariátrica (p=0,046). Os resultados relatados do International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, da Patient Global Impression of Improvement e da Escala Visual Analógica tiveram melhora significativa (p=0,012, p=0,025, p=0,002, respectivamente). Conclusão: Mulheres idosas e com maior circunferência abdominal têm maior risco de desenvolver incontinência urinária de esforço antes da cirurgia. Mulheres na menopausa são fortemente propensas a persistir com a incontinência urinária de esforço, mesmo após a perda de peso. A perda de peso após a cirurgia bariátrica melhora os sintomas de incontinência urinária de esforço e seus impactos na qualidade de vida na maioria das mulheres.

Prevalence of urodynamic changes with risk for upper urinary tract damage in neuroschistosomiasis patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of urodynamic changes with an associated risk of developing upper urinary tract damage in neuroschistosomiasis patients. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, wherein68 patients were admitted for analysis of urodynamics, urea and creatinine levels, and uroculture. RESULTS: Blood test results did not indicate kidney failure. There were cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Common symptoms were frequent nocturia and detrusor overactivity. Results of low compliance and low cystometric capacity were both statistically significant (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of negative urodynamic changes were found in neuroschistosomiasis patients.

Is urodynamics necessary to identify occult stress urinary incontinence?

PURPOSE: To investigate Occult Stress Urinary Incontinence (OSUI) using physical exam (PE) and urodynamics (UDS) in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and compare the two methods. METHODS: This study comprised 105 women with POP stage-III and -IV, according to POP quantification (POP-Q) system, evaluated prospectively between January and December 2015. A standard history, an incontinence questionnaire and PE were completed before the investigation of the OSUI that was performed in the supine and standing positions, reducing the prolapse using gauze and Cheron dressing forceps. The stress test was performed with and without the prolapse reduction. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 65.7 years, mean parity 5.1 and mean body mass index 27.4. From a total of 105 patients, 70 (66.7%) presented with POP-Q stage III and 35 (33.3%) stage IV. Sixty-three (60%) women were identified as having OSUI, 27 (25.7%) as continent, and 15 (14.3%) having stress urinary incontinence. From the 63 OSUI subjects, 48 (76.2%) were identified in both evaluations, eight were identified only during PE, and seven only during UDS. The sensitivity to detect OSUI during PE and UDS was 88.9 and 87.3%, respectively (P = .783). The kappa value to measure the agreement between both tests was .648 (95% CI .441-.854). CONCLUSION: UDS and PE are equivalent and concordant to demonstrate OSUI, thus it is not necessary to perform UDS to exclusively identify OSUI. UDS utility in OSUI patients, to evaluate urethral and detrusor function, deserves further investigation.

A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing two doses of AbobotulinumtoxinA for idiopathic overactive bladder.

AIMS: To compare 300 U versus 500 U of abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) intravesical injections for the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) refractory to first and second-line treatments. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, single blind study was performed in female patients with symptoms of OAB, who had failed conservative treatment. Patients were treated with 300 or 500 U of ABO injected into 30 sites, avoiding the trigone. All treatments were evaluated by voiding diary, ICIQ-OAB questionnaire, urodynamic test, visual analogue scale (VAS) for treatment satisfaction and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I). The primary outcome was change in maximum cistometric capacity (MCC). Secondary outcome included changes in urgency, complete continence, subjective success (VAS and PGI-I), and adverse events (urinary retention, UTI, and CIC). RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included. MCC has increased from 185.0 to 270.9 mL (300 U) and from 240.8 to 311.7 mL (500 U), comparing the baseline with 12 weeks, without statistical difference between the groups (P = 0.270). At 12 weeks, 91% of patients were dry in both groups. At 24 weeks, episodes of incontinence had returned in 50% (300 U) and 0% (500 U) (P = 0.013). Patients were better or much better (PGI-I) in70% (300 U) and 88.9% (500 U) at 12 w; and 50% (300 U) and 100% (500 U), at 24 w (P = 0.027). The peak of PVR was at 4 w, being 71.7 mL (300 U) and 96.5 mL (500 U). General UTI incidence was 35.7%. One patient (500 U) required CIC for 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical ABO injection at 500 U improves symptoms and quality of life for longer period of time than 300 U for idiopathic OAB.