Radiation cystitis in acute admissions for haematuria.

AIMS: To assess the outcomes of patients with haematuria from radiation cystitis admitted to Christchurch Hospital's Urology Service and identify treatment differences and hospitalisation trends. METHODS: From November 2021 to January 2023, a retrospective analysis of 144 acute haematuria admissions was conducted. Data covered demographics, diagnosis, surgeries, complications and hospital stay length. Predictive factors for admissions and surgical interventions were explored. RESULTS: Of the 144 admissions, 22 (15.3%) were diagnosed with radiation cystitis. The management strategies for radiation cystitis and non-radiation cystitis patients showed no significant differences in transfusion requirements, anti-bleeding medication usage (finasteride and/or tranexamic acid), or the need for acute or elective surgery. The average length of stay for admission was similar between the groups (radiation cystitis: 3.7 days, non-radiation cystitis: 3.5 days, p<0.05), but the readmission rate was significantly higher for radiation cystitis patients (59.1% vs 25.4%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The management and hospital stay duration were similar for both cohorts; radiation cystitis patients faced increased readmissions, underscoring the necessity for rigorous monitoring and subsequent care. Upcoming research should target refining early interventions and management methods.

Adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) for stress urinary incontinence: the evidence is mounting.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the New Zealand clinical experience with the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS), a novel continence device in the management of all degrees of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), focusing on efficacy and safety outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all ATOMS devices placed between May 2015 and November 2020 was conducted. Severity of SUI was assessed (pad usage) before and after surgery. SUI was defined as mild (1-<3 pads/day), moderate (≥3-5 pads/day) or severe (>5 pads/day). The primary outcome measures considered were the overall success rate (improvement in pad use) and the dry rate (with dry defined as either no or 1 safety pad/day). The number of outpatient adjustments and total filling volumes were also documented in each case. Additionally, we documented incidence and severity of device complications and an analysis of treatment failures. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were reviewed, with the most common indication for ATOMS placement being SUI after radical prostatectomy (82.8%). Of the patients included, 53 (37.9%) had previous radiotherapy, with 26 (18.6%) patients having had a previous continence procedure performed. No intraoperative complications were noted. The median preoperative pad usage was 4 pads/day. After a median follow-up of 11 months, median postoperative pad usage reduced to 1 pad/day. In our cohort, 116 patients (82.9%) reported an improvement in their pad usage and were considered successful with 107 (76.4%) patients reporting themselves to be dry. Complications within the first 90-days after surgery occurred in 20 (14.3%) of patients. CONCLUSION: Treatment of SUI with the ATOMS is safe and effective. The option of long-term, minimally invasive adjustment to respond to patient needs is a significant advantage.

Symptoms of bowel dysfunction and their management after spinal cord injury in a New Zealand centre.

AIM: To document the symptoms of bowel dysfunction, and how the bowels are managed, in a cohort of patients following a spinal cord injury. To relate these to the level of the spinal injury and to examine the relationship between bowel symptoms and bladder dysfunction. METHOD: Participants were identified from the discharge data from the Burwood Spinal Unit, one of two national Spinal Units in New Zealand, in two two-year sets from 1-3 years post-injury and from 20-21 years post-injury. With informed consent, they completed a survey developed for symptoms and management using Survey Monkey. This was cross-related to the level of cord injury and the AIS Scale, and then to the latest urodynamic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included; data was incomplete in five patients. No specific relation was found between bowel sensation, bowel continence, bowel management, nor with bladder function. CONCLUSION: Lack of correlation of patterns of bowel function with the level and severity of the cord lesion indicates the need to continue to individualise advice on bowel care according to symptoms.

Mid-term outcomes of a male retro-urethral, transobturator synthetic sling for treatment of post-prostatectomy incontinence: Impact of radiotherapy and storage dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To determine mid-term durability of the AdVance sling for post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) and impact of prior radiotherapy and storage dysfunction. METHOD: Eighty men undergoing AdVance sling for PPI during 2008-2013 were reviewed. Pre-op urodynamics, pre and post-op pad usage, prior radiotherapy, and PGI-I scores were recorded. RESULT: Mean follow-up was 36 months (range 14-72). Twelve men had radiotherapy pre-op, 10 had detrusor overactivity (DO), and 20 reduced compliance. Pre-op mean 24-hr pad weight was 264 g and mean pads-per-day (PPD) 2.60 ± 0.29. In the early post-op period (3-6 months), mean PPD was 0.40 (SD 0.16); at mid-term follow-up mean PPD was 1.02 ± 0.31. Radiotherapy and DO were independently predictive of poor mid-term outcome. Men with DO or radiotherapy were using 1.03 ± 0.42 (P = 0.019) and 1.17 ± 0.41 (P = 0.02) more PPD, respectively than men without these factors. At mid-term follow-up, men without radiotherapy or DO were using 1.98 ± 0.28 less PPD compared to pre-operatively (P < 0.0001); with radiotherapy or DO men were using 0.73 ± 0.38 (P = 0.057) and 0.72 ± 0.43 (P = 0.092) less PPD, respectively. PGI-I score for men without radiotherapy or DO was 1.98 ± 0.40 ("much better"); with radiotherapy or DO PGI-I score was 3.80 ± 0.49 ("no difference"). CONCLUSION: The AdVance sling provides mid-term improvement in men with PPI. However, men with radiotherapy or DO have significantly poorer outcomes with mid-term results indicating a return to baseline degree of incontinence. Caution should be taken when considering the AdVance sling in these men. Pre-op urodynamics in men with radiotherapy and/or overactive bladder may be important when considering men for AdVance sling. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1147-1150, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Botulinum toxin (OnabotulinumtoxinA) in the male non-neurogenic overactive bladder: clinical and quality of life outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA (BTXA) injections in men with drug-refractory non-neurogenic overactive bladder (NNOAB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 men received BTXA injections for NNOAB from 2004 to 2012. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score was obtained. For men with wet NNOAB, change in number of pads per day was also assessed. RESULTS: Forty-three men with a mean age of 69 (range 37-85) received at least one injection. Of the 43 men, 20 (47%) had prior prostate surgery: 11 had radical prostatectomy (RP) and nine had transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). Overall, average PGI-I score was 2.7. Comparing PGI-I score in men who had prior prostate surgery with men who have not: 2.6 ± 0.5 vs 2.8 ± 0.5 respectively (average ± 95% CI), P = 0.6. Comparing PGI-I score in men who had previous TURP with men who had previous RP: PGI-I score: 3.3 ± 0.8 vs 2.0 ± 0.5 respectively, P < 0.05. Men who had RP experienced a reduction in pad use (from 3.5 ± 1.7 to 1.6 ± 0.9 pads/day, P < 0.05) while this was not the case amongst men who had TURP (from 1.7 ± 1.5 to 1.4 ± 1.5 pads/day, P = 0.4). CONCLUSION: Overall, BTXA injection in men with drug-refractory NNOAB does provide a symptomatic benefit. Amongst men who have had prior prostate surgery, men who have had RP experience a greater benefit than men who have had TURP, both in regards to PGI-I score and pad use.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Associated Cystitis.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary tract infection (UTI) are important problems, estimated to affect around 14 and 40 % of women, respectively, at some point in their lives. Positive urine culture in the presence of symptoms is the cornerstone of diagnosis of UTI and should be performed along with ultrasound assessment of postvoid residual (PVR) in all women presenting with POP and UTI. PVR over 30 mL is an independent risk factor for UTI, although no specific association with POP and UTI has been demonstrated. The use of prophylactic antibiotics remains controversial. The major risk factors for postoperative UTI are postoperative catheterisation, prolonged catheterisation, previous recurrent UTI and an increased urethro-anal distance-suggesting that global pelvic floor dysfunction may play a role.

Ertapenem prophylaxis reduces sepsis after transrectal biopsy of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively trial ertapenem prophylaxis in patients with known risk factors of sepsis undergoing transrectal biopsy of the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective audit, patients were identified as having a low- or high-risk of sepsis based on a questionnaire about established risk factors: previous biopsy; recurrent urine infections; receiving ciprofloxacin in the 12 months prior; travel to South-East Asia or South America in the previous 6 months; or diabetes, immune system impairment or receipt of immunosuppressant drugs. All received ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin-clavulanate and high-risk patients additionally received ertapenem. Sepsis requiring hospital admission was recorded. Data was analysed using a two-tailed Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In all, 80 men were identified as high risk of sepsis and 90 as low risk during the audit period. Six patients in the low-risk group (6.7%, 95% confidence interval 2.1-11.3) and none in the high-risk group developed sepsis (P = 0.03). Of the six developing sepsis, two grew ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms, two had no growth and two grew a ciprofloxacin-sensitive organism, although one of these grew extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. CONCLUSION: The addition of ertapenem to standard prophylaxis is effective at reducing sepsis after prostate biopsy. Risk stratification is not effective at identifying those men at low risk of sepsis, as these men still have a high sepsis rate. Ertapenem prophylaxis for all patients undergoing prostate biopsy is likely to be the most effective strategy in our population group.

Non-invasive urodynamics predicts outcome prior to surgery for prostatic obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the penile cuff non-invasive urodynamic test serves as an effective diagnostic tool for predicting outcomes prior to disobstructive surgery for men presenting with voiding lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients with proven urodynamic obstruction do better after surgery. The current gold standard, invasive pressure-flow studies, imposes cost, resource demand, discomfort and inconvenience to patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for prostatic obstruction at Palmerston North Hospital had pre-operative non-invasive urodynamics and completed an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Catheterised patients were excluded. Two months post-operatively they completed a further IPSS score. An improvement of seven or greater was defined as a clinically successful outcome. Results were compared with the outcome predicted by the nomogram supplied with the urodynamic device. RESULTS: Data was obtained for 62 patients with mean age 70 years (range 49 to 86 years; SD 9 years). Follow-up was complete for all patients. Thirty-eight patients underwent transurethral resection and 24 holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. Mean IPSS score was 21 (range 5 to 35; SD 6) pre-operatively and 11 (range 1 to 31; SD 9) post-operatively. Thirty-five patients were predicted obstructed and 27 not obstructed. 94% of those predicted obstructed had a successful outcome (p < 0.01). 70% predicted as not obstructed did not have a successful outcome after surgery (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The penile cuff test is an exciting adjunct in the decision to proceed to surgery for prostatic obstruction. Patients predicted to be obstructed have an excellent likelihood of a good surgical outcome, yet 30% of those shown not to be obstructed will still do well. Whilst numbers in our study are small, outcomes compare favourably with published results on invasive urodynamic methods.

Transurethral prostate resection for urinary retention: does age affect outcome?

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting in urinary retention secondary to prostatic obstruction are offered transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to free them from long-term catheterization. Short-term success is well understood, but there is scarce data about effect of age on outcome, quality of life and catheter-free rates. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients who presented in urinary retention and underwent TURP were identified. Patients were followed up for 3 years to establish the rate of catheter dependence, incontinence, pad usage and quality of life using the International Prostate Symptom Score. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 95 patients with mean age of 75.6 years and mean follow-up of 704 days. A total of 14 had died and 23 had prostate cancer. Eighty-seven per cent was passing urine and 13% was catheter dependent. Mean age of catheter-dependent patients was 84.9 years compared with 74.3 years in catheter-free men (P < 0.0001). Twenty-four per cent of patients 80 years and older were catheter dependent (P = 0.0039), 22% with prostate cancer were catheter dependent (P = 0.15). Fifty per cent of those who had died were catheter dependent (P = 0.0002). Thirty-one per cent of patients reported leakage of urine but only 5% reported leakage requiring pad use. Overall, the mean quality of life score was 1.08. CONCLUSION: Outcome after TURP for urinary retention is satisfactory. Advanced age is associated with higher long-term failure requiring catheterization, although it is still recommended in the elderly where an anaesthetic is safe. A high proportion of patients report urine leakage but the majority of this is clinically insignificant. Overall, patients report good quality of life.

Male flexible cystoscopy: does waiting after insertion of topical anaesthetic lubricant improve patient comfort?

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed. Several studies show that topical anaesthetic lubricant reduces patient discomfort, particularly with long lubricant retention times (15-25 min). No studies have specifically addressed whether a short, clinically manageable retention time provides any benefit over immediate cystoscopy. Our study demonstrates that delay by a 3-min interval provides no benefit to patients and a more expedient approach can be justified without compromising patient comfort. LAY-TERM SUMMARY: This prospective comparative trial randomizes 50 men to undergo flexible cystoscopy with insertion of local anaesthetic lubricant either immediately prior to cystoscope insertion or after a 3-min interval. Patients then report discomfort on a visual analogue scale. We show that there is no benefit to delay and therefore a more expedient approach can be justified. OBJECTIVE: • To determine whether a short, clinically manageable time delay between lubrication with topical local anaesthetic and insertion of the flexible cystoscope, vs immediate insertion, reduces discomfort in male patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • This was a prospective comparative trial. • Male patients undergoing simple flexible cystoscopy were randomized to undergo cystoscope insertion either immediately after lubrication with topical lignocaine gel or after a 3-min delay. • Patient-reported pain of the procedure was recorded on a visual analogue scale and data were statistically analysed. RESULTS: • Fifty male patients were randomized to cystoscope insertion either immediately following lubrication or after a 3-min delay. • Mean pain score in the immediate insertion group was 11.94 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.53-16.36) compared with 10.52 mm (95% CI 6.24-14.80) in the 3-min delay group. • The mean difference between the two groups was 1.42 mm (95% CI -4.57 to 7.41, P= 0.64). CONCLUSION: • Findings show that patient comfort is similar between the two groups and therefore there is no benefit in delaying insertion by a 3-min interval. • Flexible cystoscopy is a well tolerated outpatient procedure.

Rectus sheath haematoma: an anticoagulation dilemma.

Rectus sheath haematoma (RSH) is an uncommon condition with a propensity for difficult and mistaken diagnosis. We describe a case where management was complicated by the patient's requirement for anticoagulation.

Clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging and the preoperative identification of low risk endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reported to offer the best imaging of local disease in endometrial cancer. We audited MRI scans to identify their clinical utility, particularly in the preoperative identification of 'low risk' endometrial cancer (grade one or two endometrioid tumours confined to the inner half of the myometrium). AIM: To correlate histological and MRI findings and to establish our ability to preoperatively identify women with 'low risk' tumours. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective audit of MRI scans in women with a new diagnosis of endometrial cancer from July 1998 to November 2002. Radiology and pathology reports and surgical staging data were extracted. Independently a team of radiologists reviewed MRI films and the findings were compared to pathology. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included. Only 10% of original reports contained all the clinically relevant information. On review, the sensitivity for the detection of myometrial invasion was 90%, specificity 71%, positive predictive value (PPV) 93% and negative predictive value (NPV) 63%. For the detection of deep invasion, sensitivity was 56%, specificity 77%, PPV 64% and NPV 71%. All women with grade one or two tumours having no invasion or grade one having superficial invasion detected on MRI had pathological 'low risk' disease. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging scans as reported offered limited clinical benefit. Attention needs to be given to MRI sequencing and reporting protocols. If the review results can be confirmed by prospective studies, MRI offers significant clinical utility in the identification of low risk patients and their surgical treatment planning.