Genitourinary Fistula: 5 Years' Experience of Five Referral Centers in Iran.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Genitourinary fistula is a devastating ailment that has an impact on women's physical health, mental health, emotional health, and financial security. The management of genitourinary fistula depends on the type, size, and duration of fistula formation. The purpose of this study is to report the features of genitourinary fistula in Iranian women and our experience in the management of fistula. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews of 283 patients were performed to determine the cause of the fistula, prior repairs, tissue interposition, and the success rate. The operation was considered successful if the patient did not have any urine leakage during the observation time. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of women was 49.51 (19.39; range: 21-70) years, Of these, 137 (52.9%) had a history of previous genitourinary fistula surgery. The average fistula was 1.53 (0.041) cm in size. The median (interquartile range) operation lasted 70 (15) min. The success rate after fistula repair was 91.5%. The typical follow-up period lasted 13.26 (range: 1-88) months. Forty-three (15.2%) patients had a big fistula (>2.5 cm) and 4 patients (1.4%) had a history of pelvic radiation therapy, among other reasons for failure. After a second repair, all patients' initial failures were resolved. There were no significant complications, as classified by Clavien-Dindo class 2 or greater. Additionally, there were no bowel, ureteral, or nerve injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Our patients with genitourinary fistula had a successful outcome following repair techniques, without any significant morbidity or mortality.

The Necessity of Incorporating an Interposition Flap During Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair: Can Modifying the Method of Vaginal Repair Serve as a Substitute? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Traditionally, an omental flap is employed to reduce the risk of recurrence of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair. In this study, we employed a modified surgical technique wherein the vaginal defect was closed using Connell sutures, without incorporation of an omental flap, aiming to mitigate potential complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 2010 to 2018, the current randomized clinical trial was conducted on 52 women who were candidates for open fistula repair. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In one group, the conventional method of fistula repair was performed involving an omental flap, while in the other group, we used a modified approach with a variation in the vaginal wall closure technique. In-hospital variables, including the length of surgery, hospital stay, and occurrences of ileus, were recorded. Patient follow-up extended for one year, with assessments conducted one, six, and twelve months postoperatively. These evaluations encompassed pad test to ascertain success rates and identify any potential complications. RESULTS: The final analysis comprised 49 patients, with an average age of 46.5 years. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (P-values > 0.05). The modified technique was associated with significantly reduced surgical duration (P = ˂ 0.001), and shorter hospital stays (P < 0.001). Ileus occurrence was reduced, but it was not significant(P = 0.856). However, the success rate showed no significant difference between the groups, with a success rate of 100% for the modified technique compared to 91.6% for the classic O'Conner method (P = 0.288). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, vaginal wall closure using Connell sutures during VVF repair demonstrates a success rate equivalent to the classic approach involving an omental flap. Moreover, this technique presents a reduced incidence of adverse effects, along with decreased surgical duration, hospital stay, and postoperative ileus.

Evaluating the effectiveness of tranexamic acid administration in reducing bleeding in benign prostate hyperplasia patients underwent open prostatectomy: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Background: Blood loss of postoperative after prostate surgery could be related with an increase in urinary fibrinolytic activity. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is both a potent inhibitor of plasminogen and urokinase activators and a low molecular weight substance that is excreted unchanged in the urinary tract and can be administered both orally and intravenously. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness TXA administration in reducing bleeding in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients who underwent open prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with BPH who underwent open prostatectomy. The first group received TXA (1 gr IV from during surgery to 48 h after surgery, 3 times/day). Twenty-four hours after surgery, the two groups were compared in terms of bleeding rate. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and platelet (Plt) counts were also assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Intervention and control groups were comparable in terms of basic and baseline values of variables at the beginning of the study (P > 0.05). The mean bleeding volume in TXA group was significantly lower than the control group 112.11 ± 53.5 and 190.00 ± 97.5 CC; P ≤ 0.001). Mean hospitalization (3.28±0.46 vs. 4.38 ± 0.95 days P < 0.001) and surgery duration (98.11 ± 37.11 vs. 128.00 ± 39.12 h; P = 0.001) were significantly lower in TXA group compared to control intervention. Conclusion: According to the findings of the current study, the administration of TXA led to reduce bleeding in BPH patients who underwent open prostatectomy. Furthermore, the mean Hb, HCT, levels were significantly affected by TXA. TXA treatment approach also can reduce the surgery and hospitalization time effectively. TXA approach is recommended as effective procedure in BPH patients who underwent open prostatectomy.

Triple-compartment strategy for abdominal sacral colpopexy using PVDF mesh: one-year report of anatomical and subjective outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Abdominal Sacral Colpopexy (ASC) is one of the best surgical methods to repair apical or uterine prolapse. We aimed to evaluate the short-term results of a triple-compartment open ASC strategy using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh in the treatment of patients with severe apical or uterine prolapse. METHODS: Women with high-grade uterine or apical prolapse with or without cysto-rectocele were prospectively enrolled in the study from April 2015 to June 2021. We performed all-compartment repair using a tailored PVDF mesh for ASC. We assessed the severity of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system at baseline and 12 months after the operation. The patients completed the International Continence Society Questionnaire Vaginal Symptom (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-five women with a mean age of 59.8±10.0 years were included in the final analysis. Stage III and stage IV prolapse was evident in 12 and 25 patients, respectively. After 12 months, the median POP-Q stage was significantly lower compared to the baseline (4 vs 0, p=<0.0001). Vaginal symptoms score was also reduced significantly at 3-month (7.5±3.5), 6-month (7.3±3.6), and 12-month (7.2±3.1) compared to the baseline (39.5±6.7) (p values < 0.0001). We did not observe any mesh extrusion or high-grade complications. Six (16.7%) patients had cystocele recurrence during the 12-month follow-up, and two of them needed reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Our short-term follow-up showed that using an open ASC technique with PVDF mesh in treating high-grade apical or uterine prolapse is associated with a high rate of procedural success and low rates of complication.

Effect of Rectal Midazolam on Pain, Stress, and Cooperation of Patient during Urodynamic Test in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE:  The urodynamic study is an invasive test, and causes pain and stress in the patient. We have investigated the effect of rectal midazolam sedation on the pain, stress, and cooperation of women performing urodynamic study.  Materials and Methods: At the present randomized clinical trial (RCT) from January to July of 2021 a total of 84 women were prospectively randomized to undergo urodynamic study with or without sedation. The primary outcome of interest was experienced pain during urodynamic study. In the intervention group, after monitoring baseline vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, O2 saturation), sedation was done with rectal midazolam at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg (maximum 15 mg). Completing the procedure, after recovery from sedation patients were asked to fill a self-assessed visual analog pain scale (VAS, 0-10), 5-point visual stress scale (1-5) and, patient collaboration level during urodynamic study was evaluated by nurse with a researcher-made tool (0-3). In the control group test was performed in routine practice with no sedation. Baseline vital signs measured pre and intra-procedural time, as well as their experienced pain, stress, and cooperation levels were recorded.  Results: 84 female cases were evaluated. In terms of comparison of changes in pre and intra-test physiologic parameters, results showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups for all physiologic parameters: SBP, DBP, PR, SpO2. Analysis of the pain score showed that it was lower in the intervention group, and there was a significant difference in pain score between the two groups (P =.024). While the stress and corporation scores were not reported statistically significant (P=.388 and P=.955, respectively). CONCLUSION:   Sedation with rectal midazolam in adult women before UDS is safe and effective in reducing pain but is not effective in reducing stress and increasing cooperation. The amount of pain based on the visual analog pain scale is mild and although this method is safe, its use routinely is not recommended.

Hypothyroidism is prevalent among adult women with chronic lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To define the prevalence of hypothyroidism in women with chronic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to compare the severity of each symptom between patients with hypothyroidism and controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we screened all adult women who came to the urology clinic between March 2017 and September 2020, and enrolled patients with chronic LUTS in the study. We assessed thyroid function. We evaluated the severity of voiding and storage urinary symptoms by the International Prostate Symptom Score. We also assessed the severity of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). For between-group analysis, we selected age-matched cases and controls and compared them regarding the distribution and severity of urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Seven hundred and twenty-five women with a mean age of 51.7 ± 14.0 years were included in the final analysis. Two hundred fifty-eight patients (35.6%) had hypothyroidism. Age-matched case and control groups consisting of 210 patients each were selected. There was no significant difference in the severity and distribution of voiding LUTS and UUI between the study groups (P values >0.05). The severity of storage symptoms was lower in patients with hypothyroidism (P = 0.04). Sixty-seven patients with hypothyroidism (31.9%) had SUI, which was significantly higher than controls (23.3%) (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: More than one-third of women with chronic LUTS have hypothyroidism which is much more frequent than in the general population. We also suggest a possible relationship between hypothyroidism and the severity of SUI and an inverse relationship between hypothyroidism and storage symptoms.

Transvaginal repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh: an alternative for previously restricted materials?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To study the mid-term safety and functional outcomes of transvaginal anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh (DynaMesh®-PR4) by the double trans-obturator technique (TOT). METHODS: Between 2015 and 2020, we prospectively included women with symptomatic high-stage anterior vaginal wall prolapse with or without uterine prolapse or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in the study. The patients underwent transvaginal repair of the prolapse using PVDF mesh in two medical centers. We followed all patients for at least 12 months. We recorded the characteristics of vaginal and sexual symptoms, urinary incontinence, and prolapse stage pre- and postoperatively using International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, respectively. RESULTS: One hundred eight women were included in the final analysis with a mean follow-up time of 34.5 ± 18.6 months. The anatomical success was achieved in 103 (95.4%) patients. There was a significant improvement in patients' vaginal symptoms, urinary incontinence, and quality of life scores postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Only six patients (5.5%) had mesh extrusion, five of whom were managed successfully. The total rates of complications and de novo urinary symptoms were 21.3% and 7.4%, respectively. Significant pain was reported in 17 cases (15.7%). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that using PVDF mesh in the double TOT technique for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair is a safe procedure with high anatomic and functional success rates and acceptable complication rates in mid-term follow-up.

Association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in women: A study based on urodynamic findings and micturition problem.

AIM: This study focused on women with chronic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who simultaneously suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to evaluate the association between micturition abnormality and OCD. METHODS: A cohort case study was conducted on 128 women with chronic LUTS who visited the academic clinic from 2012 to 2018. The participants with a history of OCD were grouped together, whereas the other group consisted of those with no psychiatric issues. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and also the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and χ2 tests. RESULTS: The participants with OCD had a lower mean age (41.7 vs. 48.8 years) and longer symptom duration than the control group. Moreover, voiding phase problems were more prevalent among OCD patients (mean voiding score: 9.3 vs. 6.9). Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) was the most common type of urinary incontinence in OCD patients, and the most important urodynamic study finding was bladder outlet obstruction (45% and 17% in the OCD and control groups, respectively). Voiding disorders resulted in chronic renal failure in two patients (3.12%). It was shown that bladder outlet obstruction (odds ratio (OR) 4.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53-12.78, p = 0.006] was the strongest predictor of OCD and stress urinary incontinence (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.53, p < 0.001) was the best protector against OCD. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that chronic LUTS was related to voiding dysfunction and urodynamic abnormality in OCD patients. These disorders may be categorized as somatoform disorder that requires appropriate treatments.

Labial Cellulitis and Suprapubic Urine Leakage after Midurethral Sling: A Rare Presentation of Unrecognized Bladder Neck Perforation.

Retropubic midurethral sling (MUS) is safe and effective surgery used for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. Bladder neck perforation is a rare intraoperative complication. If this complication missed in intraoperative cystoscopy may have serious morbidity. A 52-year-old woman underwent a retropubic MUS. She presented with early and unusual symptoms such as suprapubic and labial cellulitis and urine leakage through the suprapubic incision 1 week after surgery which was due to a missed bladder neck perforation during surgery. In cystoscopy after MUS revealed mesh traversing the bladder neck and it was removed. The missed bladder perforation may have early and unusual symptoms and cystoscopy must be done more carefully and obsessively in patients with risk factors.

Translation and linguistic validation of the Persian version of the International consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: There is no validated measurement tool to assess vaginal symptoms (VS), sexual matter (SS), and quality of life (QOL) among Persian-speaking women. This study aimed at translating and assessing the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Vaginal Symptoms (PICIQ-VS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, after obtaining permission from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Advisory Board, the English version of ICIQ-VS was translated into Persian per a standard translate and back translate process, and the validity and reliability were studied. Two hundred women with and without pelvic organ prolapse were asked to complete the PICIQ-VS (mean age: 52.1, range: 22-84 years). A panel of 10 experts evaluated the content and face validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha examined the internal consistency reliability of the measure. To evaluate the test-retest reliability, we redistributed the questionnaire among 30 patients 2 weeks after their initial visit using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Content and face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed after some light modification (content validity ratio ranged from 0.69 to 1.00, and content validity index ranged from 0.79 to 1.00). PICIQ-VS showed an acceptable internal consistency and stability reliability (VS: α = 0.64, ICC = 0.84; SM: α = 0.69, ICC = 0.88; and total scale: α = 0.72, ICC = 0.91, respectively). Significant differences were observed between the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups for VS and the total score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the light of the results, interestingly, PICIQ-VS could be utilized as a valid and reliable tool to assess the VS among Persian-speaking women, both in research and clinical practice.

Diagnostic yield of fusion magnetic resonance-guided prostate biopsy versus cognitive-guided biopsy in biopsy-naive patients: a head-to-head randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The combination of MRI-guided targeted biopsy (MRGB) with systematic biopsy (SB) provides the highest accuracy in detecting prostate cancer. There is a controversy over the superiority of fusion targeted biopsy (fus-MRGB) over cognitive targeted biopsy (cog-MRGB). The present head-to-head randomized controlled trial was performed to compare diagnostic yield of fus-MRGB in combination with SB with cog-MRGB in combination with SB. METHODS: Biopsy-naive patients with a prostate-specific antigen level between 2 and 10 ng/dL who were candidates for prostate biopsy were included in the study. Multiparametric MRI was performed on all patients and patients with suspicious lesions with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score of 3 or more were randomized into two groups. In the cog-MRGB group, a targeted cognitive biopsy was performed followed by a 12-core SB. Similarly, in the fus-MRGB group, first targeted fusion biopsy and then SBs were performed. The overall and clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates between the two study groups were compared by the Pearson χ2 test. McNemar test was used to compare detection rates yielded by SB and targeted biopsy in each study group. RESULTS: One-hundred men in the cog-MRGB group and 99 men in the fus-MRGB group were compared. The baseline characteristics of patients including age, PSA level, prostate volume, PSA density, and clinical stage were similar in the two groups (p > 0.05). Both the overall and clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates in the fus-MRGB group (44.4% and 33.3%, respectively) were significantly higher than cog-MRGB group (31.0% and 19.0%, respectively) (p = 0.035 and p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of identifying overall and clinically significant prostate cancer by fus-MRGB in biopsy-naive patients with PSA levels between 2 and 10 ng/dL is significantly higher than cog-MRGB and if available, we recommend using fus-MRGB over cog-MRGB in these patients.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Effect of Intratrigonal Injection of AbobotulinumtoxinA(Dysport) and Hydrodistention in Refractory Interstitial Cystitis /Bladder Pain Syndrome.

PURPOSE: There are two brands of BotulinumtoxinA(BTXA) that commonly used in treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Disease: OnabotolinumtoxinA(Ona-BTXA) and AbobotulinumtoxinA (Abo-BTXA). The present study was conducted to assess the potential therapeutic and adverse effect of Abo-BTXA or Dysport   for IC/BPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two out of 52 women diagnosed with IC/BPS who were refractory or had a low response to oral treatments of IC/BPS after 6 months, were included in the study. The end-point was O'Leary-Sant Score (OSS) including "symptoms" and "problem" indexes (ICSI and ICPI respectively) assessment after 1,3and 6 months after Abo-BTXA injection. Each patient underwent cystoscopy and immediately after hydrodistention received intratrigonal injections of 300 IU of Abo-BTXA (Dysport®) in30sites. The effect and side effects of this treatment over time have been investigated. Complications including high post void residual urine (PVR), bladder rupture, and urinary tract infections (UTI) were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 46.2±13.7 years and median OSS was 27.8±5.8.: After single injection ICSI, ICPI and total OSS significantly reduced in 1, 3, and 6 months follow up; rate of decrease   total OSS was 39.5%, 36%, 18%, respectively. Its effect lasted up to six months and started to decrease after 1 months (p-value<0.05). Complications included urinary retention (PVR>200ml), bladder rupture, and UTI in 13.5%, 4.3%, and 18% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: intravesical injection of 300IU Abo-BTX(Dysport) could be a useful approach for the treatment of patients with refractory IC/BPS in a period of six months.

Electrocoagulation Accounts for a Significant Portion of Discrepancy Between Preoperative Ultrasonography Prostate Size Estimation and Resected Tissue Weight.

Background and Objectives: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered to be the gold standard surgical procedure for medium-sized prostates. However, there is a drastic difference between the weight of resected tissue reported by the pathologist and the sonographic estimate of prostate weight before the operation. The present study investigates the role of electrocoagulation in tissue loss during monopolar (M-) and bipolar (B-) TURP. Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, 33 prostate glands removed from patients by open suprapubic prostatectomy were roughly divided in half and the weight of each half was recorded precisely. One half of the specimen was resected using a monopolar resectoscope and the other half was resected by bipolar resectoscope in an out-of-body simulated condition. The weight of obtained chips was measured and the amount of lost tissue was calculated. Data from prostates with final pathologic diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia were included in the analysis. The mean difference of prostate weight before and after out-of-body resection and also the proportion of tissue loss between M-TURP and B-TURP were compared using t-test. Results: Data from 62 prostate halves were included in the final analysis. The mean weight of samples after M-TURP was considerably lower than before resection (38.0 ± 6.9 and 48.7 ± 9.0, respectively, p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean weight of prostate samples after B-TURP was lower than the weight before resection (36.2 ± 7.3 and 48.4 ± 9.1, respectively, p < 0.001). However, the ratio of tissue loss in B-TURP (25.3% ± 2.5%) was significantly higher than in M-TURP (21.3% ± 3.7%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Prostate resection using electrocoagulation leads to a significant prostate tissue loss due to heat effect. Furthermore, tissue loss in B-TURP is slightly more than M-TURP.

The Prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract symptoms (LUTS) and incontinence in Iranian Women.

PURPOSE: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) affect many women worldwide. The prevalence of LUTS among Iranian women has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and its bother rate among women ?20 years old living in Isfahan, a central province of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The data was collected using a population-based survey on women aged ?20 years selected from the general population of Isfahan (a central province of Iran. A total of 2609 women were approached for the study. After obtaining demographic features, the participants completed the Persian version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS). RESULTS: 95.5% of the participants had at least one Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. The most common symptoms were urgency (82.4%) and stress urinary incontinence (44.5%).  Nocturia (one or more occasions) was also noted in 60.7%. The highest bother rate was related to urgency. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms was high in the studied women. Among Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, urgency and nocturnal enuresis were the most and the least frequent symptoms. However, the bother rate of the symptoms was relatively low.

Internal Urethrotomy in Treatment of Female with Anatomical Bladder Outlet Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a relatively infrequent urologic condition in women, but can cause bothersome symptoms. In this article, transurethral incisions of the bladder neck (TUIBN) and urethra in the treatment of anatomical BOO were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 women who referred with chronic lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary retention, and difficulty in micturition were assessed. Diagnose was made on the basis of urethrocystoscopy, voiding cystourethrography, and urodynamic studies. All patients underwent transurethral incisions of bladder neck contracture or site of observed urethral stenosis at 3- and 9-o'clock positions. Clinical improvements and complications were assessed by follow-up examination and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QOL) scoring before and after intervention. RESULTS: All patients were followed for at least 6 months after intervention. Follow-up data were available for 19 (90.5%), 13 (61.9%), and 7 (33.3%) of patients at 12, 24, and 48 months' follow-up, respectively. During the follow-up period, the mean IPSS and QOL significantly changed from 26.84 to 10.74 and 4.76 to 2.32, respectively (P < 0.001). Approximately 66.7% had satisfactory outcomes, 47.7% patients after first, and 19.1% after second TUI. About9.5% patients developed new onset of stress urinary incontinence, one of them had indications of surgical intervention, and thus, symptoms were relieved by mid-urethral sling. CONCLUSION: Transurethral incision of bladder neck and urethra seems to be effective in relieving urinary symptoms of anatomical BOO in women. Complications may rarely occur and can be fully managed.

Reliability and Validity of the Persian Language Version of the Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms' Long form Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are important and prevalent health problems that seriously affect many women and their quality of life (QOL). The female LUTS long form (FLUTS-LF) is a robust measure to assess the QOL of women. This study aimed at translating FLUTS-LF and assessing the reliability and validity of this questionnaire among Iranian patients with LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forward and backward translations of FLUTS-LF questionnaire were carried out by the research team. Data collection was conducted from November 2015 to March 2016 in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 237 women completed the Persian version of FLUTS-LF, incontinence QOL, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. We evaluated Cronbach's alpha coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), stability (reliability), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 45.4 (12.50) years (range 20-70 years). Face and content validities were acceptable and missing data comprise 2% of the total data. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the urinary symptoms was 0.78. ICC of the total score in urinary symptoms section was 0.95. Indexes of factor analysis were assessed and found to be acceptable. A high correlation was observed between the total scores of FLUTS-LF and IPSS. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that FLUTS-LF questionnaire can be a suitable instrument for assessing LUTS and their impacts on Iranian women's QOL.

Stress Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Correction by Single Incision and Using Monoprosthesis: Three-year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to study the effectiveness and safety of a modified technique that employs a four-arm polypropylene (PP) mesh (NAZCA-TC) to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and concurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) simultaneously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective follow-up study was conducted on fifty SUI women with concurrent high-grade (greater than Stage 2) anterior vaginal wall and/or uterine prolapse who were referred to Al-Zahra and Noor Hospitals in Isfahan and underwent surgery using the NAZCA-TC, Promedon, Argantina kit. The POP-Quantification system was employed for staging POP before and after surgery. To evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and patients' quality of life, a stress test and the short form of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire of Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom were used. Patients were followed up and assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 58.2 ± 10.2 years. There was a great reduction (88.6%) in POP staging after surgery. The success rate of SUI treatment was significantly high (83.5%). During 3 years of postoperative follow-up, mesh erosion occurred in 18%, 5 patients (10%) presented with mesh erosion in the first years after operation, 16% reported significant groin or pelvic pain, and 10% required sling release. CONCLUSION: A single vaginal incision and using two less percutaneous access sites with the PP meshes were effective for treating patients with concurrent POP and SUI but have a high rate of postsurgery erosion rate.

Reliability and Validity of the Quality of Life Questionnaire in Iranian Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire in patients with urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: The English questionnaire on lower urinary tract symptoms was initially translated into Persian, and then back-translated into English. Final modifications were made after testing the questionnaire on Iranian patients with UI. To validate the translated questionnaire, the following tests were undertaken: content/face validity, internal consistency/reliability and construct validity. RESULTS: The Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (LUTS-QoL) questionnaire showed good internal consistency, content validity, and criterion validity, as measured by correlation with scores on the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.951, indicating a high internal consistency. Concerning criterion validity, correlations between the LUTS-QoL and subscales of the SF-36 were 0.563-0.193. The highest correlation was found between the LUTS-QoL and the social function subscale of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: The Iranian version of the LUTS-QoL questionnaire is a valid and robust instrument that can be used reliably in clinical settings and in research.

Is there any Relationship Between Bladder Trabeculation and Efficacy and Safety of Intravesical Botulinum Toxin A Injection in Refractory Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Women?

BACKGROUND: Intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) might serve as a minimally invasive substitute in patients with refractory idiopathic overactive bladder (RIOAB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes related to two different doses of abo-BTX-A (AboBTX-A) in patients with RIOAB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical trial was performed on 55 women with RIOAB. After determination of trabeculation grade, 300 (no or mild) or 500 (moderate or severe) unit of AboBTX-A (Dysport) was intravesicaly injected. Before 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention, lower urinary tract symptoms during 24 h were recorded. RESULTS: Of the study population, 62% had severe bladder trabeculation. The mean duration of overactive bladder (OAB) was 1.76 versus 5.85 years, for no or mild versus severe trabeculation, respectively. After injections of 300- and 500-unit dosage, there were 19% and 26% early complications such as urinary retention. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in OAB score after 1 month (P < 0.001) and duration of OAB symptoms, over three follow-up times (P < 0.001). The mean preinjection OAB scores between patients with and without recurrence were statistically significant (29.36 vs. 25.07; P < 0.03). Urinary tract infection as a late complication was distinguished in four patients. CONCLUSION: In RIOAB, by adjusted dosage of AboBTX-A related to the grade of bladder trabeculation, in addition to maintain efficacy, consequent complications might not be affected by dosage and the drug dosage could be increased to nearly 60% with less concern associated to complication.

Comparison of Two Treatment Methods "One Shot" and "Sequential" on Reduction the Level of Hemoglobin in Patients with Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy in Al Zahra Hospital in 2012-2013.

BACKGROUND: Access dilation is the most important part of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) that is done by different methods, especially metal telescoping and one shot. In this study, two different methods of access dilation one shot and telescoping were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In observational cross-sectional study, 240 patients who were a candidate for PCNL were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The first group was undergone one-shot method and the second group was undergone telescoping method. The decrease in hemoglobin (Hb), duration of hospitalization and the time of radiation exposure during access dilation was compared in two groups by SPSS software version 21, (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The decrease of Hb level after intervention in one-shot group was 1.08 ± 1.23 g/dl and in telescoping, group was 1.51 ± 1.08 g/dl with no difference statistically (P = 0.37). The mean duration of hospitalization in one shot and telescoping group were 2.36 ± 0.67 and 2.28 ± 0.61 days, respectively. According to t-test, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.37). Average radiation exposure in one shot group was 7.13 s and in telescoping, group was 35.75 s, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: One-shot method is superior to telescoping method due to less time for radiation exposure and no more blood loss and other complications during PCNL.